Latest Express Entry French Proficiency Draw: Who Got Selected?
The Canadian government continues to invite skilled workers through its Express Entry system, focusing on those with French language proficiency. In the first category-based selection draw of 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 6,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates proficient in French. This marks one of the largest draws for French-speaking applicants.
A significant highlight of this draw was the drop in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score from 466 to 428. This is the lowest CRS cut-off score seen in any Express Entry draw so far this year.
What is Express Entry & Why is French Proficiency Important?
Express Entry is Canada’s primary immigration system for skilled workers. Candidates are ranked using the CRS score, which considers factors such as age, education, work experience, and language skills. Since 2023, category-based selection draws have offered lower CRS cut-offs, making it easier for applicants with French proficiency to qualify.
Why Does Canada Prioritize French Speakers?
| Reasons for Prioritizing French Speakers | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec | Supports cultural diversity and bilingualism |
| Bonus CRS points for French proficiency | Higher chances of receiving an ITA |
| Targets for Francophone immigration | 30,000+ Francophone newcomers per year |
Who Qualified for the Latest Express Entry Draw?
The latest Express Entry draw selected a diverse group of skilled workers who met the CRS score requirement and demonstrated French language proficiency. Below are examples of candidates who received ITAs in this round, showcasing how different factors influenced their eligibility:Schedule a Free Express Entry Consultation
Example Candidate Profiles
| Candidate | Age | Occupation | Education | French Level | English Level | Work Experience | CRS Score |
| Steve Newburg | 32 | Mechanic | Bachelor’s degree | NCLC 9 | CLB 6 | 3 years foreign | 467 |
| Bharat Arora | 33 | Schoolteacher | Canadian college degree | NCLC 7 | CLB 10 | 1 year Canadian | 469 |
| Charlene | 36 | Nurse | Master’s degree | NCLC 7 | CLB 8 | 2 years foreign, 1 year Canadian | 477 |
Detailed Breakdown of Selected Profiles
- Steve Newburg: A 32-year-old mechanic from Côte d’Ivoire with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He scored NCLC 9 in French and CLB 6 in English, which provided him with a strong language proficiency score. His three years of foreign work experience helped increase his CRS score to 467, qualifying him for an ITA.
- Bharat Arora: A 33-year-old schoolteacher from India with a one-year Canadian college degree in early education. Bharat NCLC 7 in French and CLB 10 in English gave her an advantage. Additionally, her one year of Canadian work experience contributed to a CRS score of 469, securing her an ITA.
- Charlene: A 36-year-old nurse from Nigeria with a master’s degree in nursing. She had two years of foreign work experience and one year of Canadian experience, scoring NCLC 7 in French and CLB 8 in English. Her spouse’s credentials also helped boost her CRS score to 477, ensuring her selection.
How Can French Proficiency Improve CRS Scores?
Candidates who improve their French skills can significantly boost their CRS score. Here’s how:
| Factor | CRS Points Increase |
| French at NCLC 7 or higher | Up to 50 |
| Combined with a high English score | Up to 320 (couples), 310 (single applicants) |
| Being in the French-speaking Express Entry category | Increased selection chances |
Why Now is the Best Time to Apply?
The demand for French-speaking skilled workers is growing. The Canadian government is actively increasing Francophone immigration quotas. With lower CRS cut-offs in French-language draws, this is an excellent opportunity to apply.
If you’re interested in immigrating to Canada, improving your French skills could be the key to securing your PR.
Schedule a Free Express Entry Consultation with experts to explore your options
