On October 6, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted another major Express Entry draw, issuing 4,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the French-language proficiency category. To qualify, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 432.
This draw is part of IRCC’s broader strategy to strengthen Francophone immigration outside of Quebec, aligning with Canada’s 2025 targets that emphasize linguistic and cultural diversity. So far this year, French-language draws have accounted for more than 30,000 ITAs, making it one of the most dominant categories in Express Entry.
Key Highlights of the October 6 Draw
✔️ Draw Number: #371
✔️ Date: October 6, 2025
✔️ Type of Draw: French-language proficiency
✔️ Number of ITAs Issued: 4,500
✔️ Minimum CRS Score: 432
✔️ Tie-Breaking Rule: June 13, 2025, 7:07 p.m. UTC
Overview of the Draw
This latest draw marks one of the largest French-language-specific rounds of the year, reaffirming IRCC’s continued focus on bilingual candidates.
French-language draws have historically been among the largest, including a record-breaking 7,500-candidate draw in March 2025.
This latest round builds on that momentum, reinforcing Canada’s goal to increase the representation of French-speaking newcomers outside Quebec.
With French-speaking immigrants making up a growing portion of Canada’s skilled labour force, these draws are crucial to balancing the country’s economic and cultural development.
October has already seen 5,500 invitations issued across two draws, starting with the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) round on October 1 that invited 1,000 candidates. This demonstrates IRCC’s ongoing efforts to maintain steady immigration levels while targeting specific profiles aligned with Canada’s labour market and language priorities.
Impact on Canada’s Immigration Landscape
The October 6 draw underscores several key trends shaping Canada’s immigration landscape in 2025:
Growing Emphasis on Francophone Immigration: This large-scale French draw reinforces IRCC’s commitment to strengthening Francophone communities outside Quebec. Canada’s bilingual framework continues to drive opportunities for skilled French speakers across provinces such as Ontario, Manitoba, and New Brunswick.
Competitive Edge for French-Speaking Candidates: French proficiency remains one of the most valuable assets in the Express Entry system. Bilingual applicants often benefit from additional CRS points and improved selection prospects, giving them a decisive advantage in program-specific rounds.
Strategic Diversification: The draw highlights IRCC’s preference for targeted, category-based selections rather than broad all-program rounds. This approach ensures immigration intake remains aligned with Canada’s workforce needs, particularly in healthcare, education, and technical occupations.
Steady Immigration Momentum: The back-to-back draws in early October confirm IRCC’s strategy of maintaining consistent invitation volumes throughout the final quarter of 2025. This not only supports economic recovery but also provides predictability for candidates awaiting their next opportunity.
The October 6, 2025, Express Entry draw illustrates how IRCC continues to shape immigration through strategic, category-based selections. By emphasizing language proficiency and skilled labour retention, Canada is ensuring that its immigration system remains dynamic and responsive to the country’s evolving workforce needs.
Canada Express Entry Draw List 2025
Total ITAs issued in 2025: 66,838