IRCC CONDUCTED AN EXPRESS ENTRY DRAW FOR FRANCOPHONE CANDIDATES AFTER A 5-MONTH PAUSE

On August 8, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its first French language proficiency category-based Express Entry draw in five months, signaling renewed momentum in Canada’s commitment to promoting Francophone immigration outside Quebec.

In round #360, IRCC issued 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to francophone candidates. The cut-off score for this draw was 481 points—a significant increase of 102 points compared to the previous draw in this category. The tie-breaking rule was set for July 18, 2025, at 05:16:06 UTC.

As of August 5, 2025, there were 256,585 profiles registered in the Express Entry pool. With this draw, Canada has issued 53,128 ITAs through 30 Express Entry draws so far this year, 21,000 of which have gone to francophone candidates.

This category-based selection reflects Ottawa’s ongoing strategy to boost the proportion of French-speaking newcomers in communities across the country, supporting both cultural diversity and economic growth. The pause in draws earlier this year had led to anticipation within the francophone immigration community, and this latest round reaffirms the federal government’s priority to meet its Francophone Immigration Strategy targets.

The higher cut-off score may indicate increased competition among candidates, likely influenced by a growing pool of qualified francophone applicants and a more selective issuance of ITAs. This trend underscores the importance for potential applicants to maximize their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores through language proficiency improvements, additional work experience, or educational credentials.

If you’re a French-speaking professional considering immigration to Canada, now is the time to prepare a strong Express Entry profile. Contact us today for expert guidance and strategic advice to boost your chances in future draws.