IRCC CONDUCTS 8TH EXPRESS ENTRY DRAW OF 2025 FOR FRANCOPHONE CANDIDATES, ISSUING 6,000 ITAS
Canada Expands Its Francophone Immigration Strategy
On November 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its eighth Francophone-targeted Express Entry draw of the year, reinforcing the government’s commitment to supporting the vitality of French-speaking communities across Canada outside Quebec.
This initiative aligns with Canada’s long-term strategy to increase Francophone immigration and address labour shortages in bilingual regions while strengthening linguistic diversity nationwide.
In Express Entry round #382, IRCC issued a significant 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs), marking one of the largest Francophone-focused draws of the year.
Key Results of Express Entry Round #382
The November 28 draw specifically targeted candidates with strong French language proficiency. The official results include:
Invitations issued: 6,000
Cut-off CRS score: 408 points
Score change: 8 points lower than the previous Francophone draw
Tie-breaking rule: May 26, 2025, at 12:28:38 UTC
Total ITAs issued in 2025: 94,476
Francophone ITAs in 2025: 42,000
The decrease in the CRS cut-off score indicates IRCC’s continued effort to make immigration more accessible for qualified French-speaking candidates.
Why Canada Continues to Prioritize Francophone Immigration
Francophone candidates play a crucial role in supporting Canada’s linguistic diversity and economic development.
IRCC’s dedicated draws aim to:
Strengthen minority Francophone communities outside Quebec
Address labour shortages in bilingual and French-speaking regions
Support Canada’s Official Languages Action Plan
Improve retention in sectors needing strong language skills
By issuing 42,000 ITAs to Francophone candidates so far in 2025, Canada is on track to meet—and exceed—its national goals for French-speaking immigration.
Impact on Candidates Across the Express Entry Pool
The large invitation volume and lowered CRS score benefit many candidates in the pool, especially those who:
Have strong TEF or TCF Canada results
Work in bilingual or French-dependent occupations
Previously lacked the CRS score required for general draws
This draw also offers renewed opportunities to professionals abroad seeking a pathway to permanent residency based on language proficiency rather than Canadian work experience.
A Strong Year for Francophone Immigration
With more than 94,000 ITAs issued this year—and nearly half allocated to French-speaking candidates—Canada continues to solidify its commitment to linguistic diversity and regional growth.
The November 28 draw further strengthens opportunities for Francophone newcomers and expands pathways for those wishing to build a future in Canada.
If you are a French-speaking candidate interested in Express Entry, Global Opportunities can help you assess your CRS score, improve eligibility, and prepare a strong application for future draws.