IRCC Issues 2,500 Invitations to French Speakers in Latest Express Entry Draw
In a significant move to promote Francophone immigration, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a category-based Express Entry draw targeting French-speaking candidates. This draw, held between August 7 and 8, 2025, marked the third Express Entry draw of the week and highlighted Canada’s ongoing efforts to diversify its immigration streams.
The draw required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 481, making it more accessible to French-proficient candidates compared to other recent draws. For instance, a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw held on August 7, 2025, had a higher CRS cutoff of 534. This underscores how category-based draws can offer opportunities for specific in-demand profiles, such as strong French speakers.
To qualify for this French-language draw, candidates needed to have created their Express Entry profiles before July 18, 2025, at 05:16:06 UTC. This tie-breaker rule ensured fairness for applicants with the same CRS score. The draw aligns with Canada’s broader strategy to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec, a policy priority reflected in recent Express Entry rounds.
This week’s Express Entry activity also included a draw on August 6, 2025, preceding the French-language round. Together, these draws demonstrate IRCC’s commitment to using Express Entry as a tool to meet Canada’s immigration goals, including supporting French-language communities across the country.
As of this draw, IRCC has issued 53,128 ITAs in 2025 alone, reflecting a busy year for Express Entry. This year’s draws have included 14 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) rounds, eight CEC draws, four French-language proficiency draws, and smaller rounds targeting healthcare and education professionals. For context, 2024 saw 98,903 ITAs issued, while 2023 and 2021 set records with 110,266 and 114,431 ITAs, respectively.
For the 2,500 candidates who received ITAs in this French-language draw, the next step is clear: they have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application. IRCC aims to process these applications within six months, continuing its efforts to streamline Canada’s immigration system.
Understanding the Significance of the French-Language Draw
This French-language draw was the third Express Entry draw conducted by IRCC during the week of August 6–8, 2025. It followed two earlier draws: one on August 6, 2025, and another on August 7, 2025, which targeted the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and issued 1,000 ITAs with a higher CRS cutoff of 534. The sequencing of these draws highlights IRCC’s strategic approach to managing immigration streams and ensuring a balanced intake of candidates with diverse skills and backgrounds.
The CRS cutoff of 481 for the French-language draw was notably lower than the 534 required for the CEC draw held just a day earlier. This discrepancy underscores the importance of category-based selection in the Express Entry system. By targeting specific criteria, such as French-language proficiency, IRCC can create opportunities for candidates who may not have competitive scores in broader draws but bring valuable skills and cultural contributions to Canada.
As of this draw, IRCC has issued a total of 53,128 ITAs in 2025, with a diverse mix of categories being targeted. This year has seen 14 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws, eight CEC draws, four French-language proficiency draws, three draws for healthcare and social services professionals, and one education-focused draw. This multi-category approach reflects Canada’s efforts to address labor market needs while promoting demographic and linguistic diversity.
Historically, Express Entry ITAs have seen significant fluctuations, with 98,903 ITAs issued in 2024, 110,266 in 2023, and a record 114,431 in 2021. These numbers demonstrate IRCC’s adaptability in responding to immigration goals and economic conditions. The current pace of ITAs in 2025 suggests a continued focus on meeting Canada’s labor market demands while maintaining a balance across various immigration categories.
For the 2,500 candidates who received ITAs in this French-language draw, the next steps are critical. They have 60 days from the date of their invitation to submit a complete application for permanent residence. IRCC has committed to processing these applications within six months, aligning with its goals of efficiency and transparency in Canada’s immigration system.
Conclusion
The latest French-language Express Entry draw underscores Canada’s commitment to promoting Francophone immigration and diversifying its immigration streams. By issuing 2,500 ITAs with a CRS cutoff of 481, IRCC has created opportunities for French-speaking candidates who may not have qualified in broader draws. This draw aligns with Canada’s broader strategy to strengthen French-language communities outside Quebec and reflects the flexibility of the Express Entry system in addressing labor market needs and demographic goals.
As IRCC continues to issue ITAs through various categories, the focus remains on efficiency and transparency. Candidates who received ITAs in this draw must act promptly to submit their applications within the 60-day window, with processing times targeted at six months. This draw highlights the importance of category-based selection in the Express Entry system and reinforces Canada’s dedication to building a linguistically diverse and inclusive society.
FAQ
- What was the CRS cutoff for the French-language Express Entry draw?
- The CRS cutoff for the French-language draw was 481, making it more accessible to French-proficient candidates compared to other recent draws.
- How many ITAs were issued in this draw?
- IRCC issued 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in this category-based Express Entry draw targeting French-speaking candidates.
- What is the significance of this draw?
- This draw highlights Canada’s efforts to promote Francophone immigration and diversify its immigration streams by targeting French-proficient candidates outside Quebec.
- What is the next step for candidates who received ITAs?
- Candidates who received ITAs have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application. IRCC aims to process these applications within six months.
- How does this draw compare to other recent Express Entry draws?
- This draw had a lower CRS cutoff of 481 compared to the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw held on August 7, 2025, which required a CRS score of 534. This underscores the importance of category-based selection in creating opportunities for specific profiles.
- What is the tie-breaker rule for this draw?
- Candidates needed to have created their Express Entry profiles before July 18, 2025, at 05:16:06 UTC to qualify for this draw. This rule ensures fairness for applicants with the same CRS score.
- How many ITAs has IRCC issued in 2025 so far?
- As of this draw, IRCC has issued 53,128 ITAs in 2025, reflecting a busy year for Express Entry with a diverse mix of categories being targeted.
