In an exciting move, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued another significant round of invitations to apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system. On March 21, 2025, the immigration department invited 7,500 candidates in a specialized French language proficiency draw. This announcement marks the latest step in IRCC’s ongoing efforts to streamline the immigration process and address Canada’s labor needs, all while ensuring the inclusion of French-speaking individuals in the country’s vibrant multicultural landscape.
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Key Highlights of the French Language Proficiency Draw
- Number of ITAs Issued: 7,500
- Minimum CRS Score Required: 379
- Eligibility Cut-off: Candidates had to create their Express Entry profile before 2:53 am Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on March 6, 2025.
- Lowest CRS Cut-off Score: This draw featured the lowest CRS score cut-off since February 29, 2024, marking a notable shift in immigration trends.
This latest round of ITAs reflects a continued focus on French language proficiency as a key factor for immigrants seeking to make Canada their home. French-speaking candidates are highly valued in Canada, particularly in provinces like Quebec, where French is the official language.
An Overview of Express Entry Draws in 2025
The Express Entry draws in 2025 have seen a series of varied rounds catering to different immigration streams. Below is a summary of the most recent draws:
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 21 | French Language Proficiency | 7,500 | 379 |
| March 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 536 | 736 |
| March 6 | French Language Proficiency | 4,500 | 410 |
| March 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 725 | 667 |
| February 19 | French Language Proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| February 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| February 5 | Canadian Experience Class | 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 marks the fourth draw of March 2025 and follows the trend of holding multiple draws within a single month, offering opportunities across several immigration categories, including the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and French language proficiency.
Trends in 2025 Express Entry Draws
The latest draw also continues a key pattern of prioritizing in-Canada candidates for permanent residence, a strategy which has been evident since mid-2024. This policy shift aims to encourage individuals already residing in Canada to transition into permanent status, further supporting Canadian workforce stability and integration.
Though Prime Minister Mark Carney has yet to issue a formal Mandate Letter to the newly appointed Immigration Minister Rachel Bendayan, this approach aligns with the previous stance advocated by the new immigration leadership, which emphasizes maintaining a strong focus on supporting those already in the country.
The Importance of Your Express Entry Profile Expiry
For candidates hoping to be invited in the next Express Entry draw, it’s crucial to be aware of the expiration of their profiles. Express Entry candidate profiles are valid for up to one year. Once this time frame expires, the profile is no longer considered active within the system.
If your profile expires, you will need to submit a new profile through the IRCC permanent residence portal. IRCC recommends saving previous details for easy re-entry when creating your new profile.
Additionally, it’s important to consider the tie-breaking rule. If multiple candidates have the same CRS score, the tie-breaking rule determines which candidates are invited by setting a deadline for profile submissions. If you meet the CRS cut-off but did not submit your profile before the designated cut-off time, you might miss out on receiving an ITA despite meeting the score threshold.
IRCC Resolves Major PGWP Eligibility Issues
IRCC Issues Invitations to (PNP) Candidates in Latest Express Entry Draw
IRCC Increases Off-Campus Work Hours from 20 to 24 for International Students
Canada relaxes post-graduation work permit regulations for college graduates
What Does This Mean for You?
This French language proficiency draw demonstrates a clear trend towards increasing opportunities for French-speaking individuals who wish to settle in Canada. Candidates with a CRS score as low as 379 now have a chance to receive an invitation, making it a highly competitive yet accessible opportunity for many.
If you’re hoping to secure permanent residence in Canada through Express Entry, stay informed about upcoming draws and make sure to keep your profile up-to-date. Monitoring CRS score trends, maintaining French language skills, and adhering to the tie-breaking rule are essential steps in improving your chances of receiving an ITA.
With 30,683 ITAs already issued in 2025, this marks a promising start to the year, indicating that Canada remains committed to attracting skilled individuals from around the globe to contribute to the country’s diverse and dynamic workforce.
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