In a significant move to increase Canada’s Francophone IRCC conducted its latest Express Entry draw, exclusively targeting French-speaking candidates. The draw issued one of the highest number of invitations, 6,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs), with the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cut-off set at 428.
This is the largest-ever Express Entry draw specifically for French-speaking candidates under the category-based selection introduced in 2023.
Summary of Today’s Draw
- Date: February 19, 2025
- Round Type: French language proficiency (Version 1)
- Invitations Issued: 6,500
- CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 428
Comparing Recent French-Speaking Draws
The latest draw marks a substantial increase in both the number of invitations issued and the CRS score range. Here’s a look at the previous French language proficiency draws:
| Date | Invitations Issued | CRS Cut-off |
|---|---|---|
| December 3, 2024 | 800 | 466 |
| November 15, 2024 | 800 | 478 |
| October 10, 2024 | 1,000 | 444 |
| September 13, 2024 | 1,000 | 446 |
| August 15, 2024 | 2,000 | 394 |
The key takeaways from this trend are:
- Increase in Invitations: Today’s draw saw a dramatic rise from previous rounds, where invitations ranged from 800 to 2,000.
- Lower CRS Cut-off: The CRS score dropped to 428, a significant decline from the December (466) and November (478) draws, making it easier for French-speaking candidates to qualify.
- Reverting to August Trends: The last time a large-scale draw was held for Francophone candidates was in August 2024, with 2,000 invitations and a remarkably low CRS of 394. Today’s draw is even larger but with a moderately higher score.
Analysis & Predictions
The February 19 draw signals an increased commitment from Canada to meet its Francophone immigration targets outside Quebec. The large number of invitations indicates a growing need for French-speaking professionals, particularly in provinces with Francophone communities.
Based on historical trends, we can predict the following:
- More Large-Scale Draws: Given Canada’s push for Francophone immigration, future draws may continue to invite more candidates, especially if demand remains high.
- CRS Score Variability: While today’s score dropped to 428, the fluctuations in past draws suggest that CRS cut-offs could range between 400-480, depending on demand and policy shifts.
- Increased Frequency of Draws: With this sudden surge in invitations, IRCC may hold more French-speaking draws in the coming months rather than smaller periodic draws.
Conclusion
The latest Express Entry draw sets a new precedent for French-speaking candidates seeking Canadian permanent residency.
As IRCC continues prioritizing bilingual and French-speaking immigrants, candidates with strong French language skills should take advantage of these category-based draws, particularly as invitation numbers increase and CRS scores fluctuate.
