On October 29, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a major Express Entry draw, issuing 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the French-language proficiency category. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 416.
This draw highlights Canada’s strategic shift toward attracting bilingual skilled workers, professionals who can contribute to both economic and linguistic diversity across the country. By lowering the CRS threshold and increasing invitations, IRCC is expanding opportunities for French-speaking talent worldwide, reaffirming the government’s goal of strengthening Francophone immigration outside Québec.
Express Entry Draw #376 Details
Below are the key highlights of the October 29 draw:
Date of draw: October 29, 2025
Number of ITAs issued: 6,000
Minimum CRS score required: 416
Draw type: Category-based selection – French-language proficiency
Draw scale: Third-largest draw of the year and the largest French-language-specific draw in 2025
Target group: Skilled candidates demonstrating high proficiency in French
This was the third Express Entry draw of the week, following back-to-back rounds that targeted healthcare and trade occupations earlier in October, showing IRCC’s commitment to meeting its annual intake targets through category-specific invitations.
Overview of the Draw
The October 29 draw illustrates IRCC’s refined approach to immigration, one that values linguistic ability and regional adaptability as much as technical skills. By issuing 6,000 invitations at a CRS cut-off of 416, the department signaled that language proficiency is now a critical factor in Canada’s future workforce strategy.
Unlike general draws that often see CRS thresholds exceed 700, this round made entry more attainable for qualified candidates who might not have exceptionally high point totals but possess strong French-language abilities. This selection process serves multiple purposes:
Supporting bilingualism: Reinforcing Canada’s identity as an officially bilingual nation.
Addressing regional needs: Encouraging settlement in Francophone minority communities outside Québec.
Widening accessibility: Offering a fairer chance to skilled workers from diverse global backgrounds.
Impact on Immigration
This draw sends a clear message to aspiring immigrants that French proficiency can now be a decisive asset in securing permanent residency. As category-based draws continue, candidates fluent in French have a significantly higher likelihood of receiving invitations compared to those in general pools.
The broader implications are substantial:
Labor market benefits: Francophone professionals can help address shortages in healthcare, education, and government sectors that rely on bilingual talent.
Regional integration: Newcomers settling in smaller Francophone communities enhance demographic balance and foster inclusive growth.
Policy alignment: The draw supports Canada’s 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which aims to increase Francophone representation outside Québec.
Settlement success: French-speaking immigrants often show higher retention rates due to cultural familiarity and community networks, improving long-term outcomes.
Focus Section: Significance of the French-Language Proficiency Stream
The French-language proficiency stream has evolved into one of IRCC’s most impactful category-based programs. With 6,000 invitations issued in this draw alone, it stands nearly equal in scale to major general draws, confirming its growing influence.
This category not only recognizes the importance of linguistic diversity but also provides a powerful alternative pathway for skilled workers who may otherwise fall short in highly competitive CRS-based selections.
For international candidates, especially from countries like India, the Philippines, and Nigeria, investing in French-language training alongside professional experience could now be the key differentiator for Express Entry success in 2025.
The October 29, 2025, draw reinforces a defining trend in Canada’s immigration system—targeted selection over generic competition. By granting 6,000 ITAs through the French-language proficiency category, IRCC reaffirmed its commitment to building a bilingual, skilled, and regionally diverse workforce.
Canada Express Entry Draw List 2025
Total ITAs issued in 2025: 76,985