IRCC Issues Invitations in Express Entry Draw for French-Speaking Candidates
Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another round of Express Entry invitations, issuing 4,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with strong French language proficiency. This latest draw, held on March 6, 2025, had a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score of 410—the lowest since August 2024.
To be considered for this round, applicants must have created an Express Entry profile before 7:47 AM (UTC) on February 11, 2025. This marks the second French-language-focused draw of the year, reinforcing IRCC’s commitment to attracting Francophone immigrants.
Summary of 2025 Express Entry Draws
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | CRS Cut-off Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 6 | French language proficiency | 4,500 | 410 |
| March 3 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 725 | 667 |
| February 19 | French language proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| February 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| February 5 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 4,000 | 521 |
| February 4 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
| January 23 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| January 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| January 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
This draw follows a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) invitation round on March 3, 2025. IRCC has primarily focused on Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and PNP candidates in 2025, prioritizing applicants already living and working in Canada.
Express Entry Category-Based Selections
IRCC recently introduced category-based selections in Express Entry, prioritizing applicants in key occupations. In 2025, these categories include:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare and social services
- Skilled trades
- Education sector occupations
This latest draw confirms IRCC’s ongoing emphasis on attracting French-speaking immigrants, with two category-based draws already held in 2025 for candidates with strong French language skills.
Changes to CRS Points for Job Offers
A major change is coming to Express Entry: IRCC plans to remove CRS points awarded for arranged employment. This shift, expected in spring 2025, will reduce CRS scores for some candidates by 50 to 200 points, significantly affecting their chances of receiving an ITA.
Currently, a job offer under Express Entry must meet the following criteria to award CRS points:
- Must be full-time and non-seasonal
- Should last at least one year
- Must be classified under TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) levels 0, 1, 2, or 3
- Should be recent (issued within the past 12 months)
- Needs an employer who is not an embassy, consulate, or high commission
Additionally, most job offers must be supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), confirming that no Canadian worker was available for the position.
Candidates relying on arranged employment for CRS points should assess how this upcoming policy change may impact their Express Entry scores.
Alternative Immigration Pathways for Express Entry Candidates
Candidates who do not meet the CRS cut-off for Express Entry may explore alternative pathways to Canadian permanent residence, such as:
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Canada’s provinces and territories operate their own immigration programs, selecting candidates based on labor market needs. Many PNP streams target skilled workers, including those in the French-speaking category.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The AIP is an employer-driven program helping skilled workers settle in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces—New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island.
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
This pilot program offers PR pathways to skilled workers who receive job offers from designated employers in smaller Canadian communities.
Work Permit & LMIA-Based Pathways
Candidates who do not meet Express Entry’s CRS cut-off can explore employer-sponsored work permits. A positive LMIA may help secure a work permit and, eventually, a PR nomination.
Schedule a Work Permit Consultation to explore employer-sponsored pathways and job opportunities.
What’s Next for Express Entry?
With the lowest CRS cut-off since August 2024, the March 6 draw has given new hope to candidates seeking PR through Express Entry. However, upcoming changes to CRS scoring for job offers could make future draws more competitive. Candidates should stay updated on IRCC’s policy changes and explore multiple immigration pathways.
For the latest immigration updates and expert guidance, visit The Immigration Professional.
