The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted its latest Express Entry draw on October 6, 2025, specifically targeting candidates with strong French language proficiency. According to the Ministerial Instructions respecting invitations to apply for permanent residence (Round #371), 4,500 invitations to apply (ITAs) were issued under the French Language Proficiency category, with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score of 432.
This draw reaffirms Canada’s commitment to promoting Francophone immigration outside Quebec, a core policy goal under Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan and Francophone Immigration Strategy.
Key Details from the October 6, 2025 Draw
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Category: French Language Proficiency (Version 1)
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Number of Invitations Issued: 4,500
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Minimum CRS Score: 432
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Date and Time of Draw: October 6, 2025, at 13:59:15 UTC
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Tie-breaking Rule: June 13, 2025, at 19:07:01 UTC
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Applicable Programs:
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Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
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Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
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Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
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The draw criteria are based on candidates’ French-language test results recognized by IRCC under subsection 74(3) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR). To qualify, candidates must achieve at least level 7 in all four skill areas on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) scale.
What Does This Mean for French-Speaking Candidates?
This targeted draw reflects the Government of Canada’s ongoing efforts to increase the number of French-speaking permanent residents settling in regions outside Quebec. According to IRCC, the economic goal of this category is to support economic growth through Francophone immigration—ensuring that French-speaking newcomers can contribute to Canada’s diverse workforce while strengthening bilingual communities nationwide.
Candidates who meet the French proficiency requirements and maintain a competitive CRS score continue to see strong opportunities through category-based draws, even with moderate CRS thresholds compared to general rounds.
How to Strengthen Your Express Entry Profile
If you are a French-speaking foreign national interested in immigrating to Canada, consider the following steps to enhance your eligibility:
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Obtain an approved French language test such as TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
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Target an NCLC 7 or higher in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
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Update your Express Entry profile promptly after receiving your test results.
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Stay informed about category-based draws by following IRCC updates.
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Consult an authorized immigration lawyer to ensure your application meets all procedural and documentary requirements.
How VisaServe Immigration Law P.C. Can Help
At Visaserve Immigration Law P.C., we assist clients in navigating the Express Entry system, from creating profiles and optimizing CRS scores to filing for permanent residence under IRCC’s Ministerial Instructions.
Our legal team, led by Barrister and Solicitor Gagan Mundra, provides tailored immigration strategies for foreign nationals, visa holders, and investors seeking to build a future in Canada.
If you are a French-speaking candidate looking to qualify under future category-based draws, our firm can assess your eligibility and guide you through every step of the Express Entry process.
