IRCC conducted the 388th Express Entry draw on December 17, 2025, at 12:26:48 UTC, issuing 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the French language proficiency category (Version 1). This category prioritizes candidates with strong French skills to boost Francophone immigration outside Quebec, supporting economic growth through skilled workers.
Draw Results Breakdown
- Invitations Issued: 6,000 (to ranks 6,000 or higher in the category)
- Lowest CRS Score: 399
- Tie-Breaking Rule: August 24, 2025, at 23:43:05 UTC (earlier profile submissions invited first if scores tie)
- Eligible Programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
This draw follows IRCC's 2025 trend of large French-specific rounds, with prior ones like November 28 issuing 6,000 ITAs at CRS 408. Total French ITAs in 2025 exceed 48,000 across 9 draws, reflecting policy emphasis on bilingual talent amid pool competition (many candidates score 351-400 CRS).
Category Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, candidates must:
- Hold an active Express Entry profile in the pool (not Federal Skilled Worker class per Express Entry Instructions 2(d))
- Demonstrate French proficiency at NCLC level 7 or higher in all four skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking)
- Use an IRCC-approved test (e.g., TEF Canada, TCF Canada) with results less than 2 years old on draw date
- Maintain valid test results when submitting permanent residence application
Who Can Apply in This Category?
This draw targets candidates with strong French abilities in the Express Entry pool, subject to specific language and profile requirements.
To be considered in this French proficiency category, a candidate must:
- Have a valid Express Entry profile in the pool as an eligible foreign national.
- Have French language test results from an IRCC-approved exam (for example TEF Canada or TCF Canada) that are less than two years old on the date the French category is established.
- Score at NCLC level 7 or higher in all four skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) in French.
Candidates whose French test results are two years old or more on the date IRCC receives the permanent residence application no longer qualify for this category, even if they were invited.
How to Apply After Receiving an ITA
Receiving an ITA in draw #388 is the first step; candidates must complete several time-sensitive stages to secure permanent residence.
- Accept the ITA in your IRCC account:
Log in to your Express Entry profile and accept the invitation within the specified deadline (typically 60 days). - Prepare documents:
- Submit your PR application:
Complete all online forms, upload documents, and pay the required fees before the deadline shown in your account. - Wait for processing and final decision:
IRCC reviews eligibility, admissibility, and documents; if approved, you receive confirmation of permanent residence and instructions to land in Canada.
Candidates who do not respond in time or who submit incomplete applications risk refusal or expiry of the invitation.
Why This Draw Matters (Impact)
This French-focused round directly supports Canada’s goal of increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec to strengthen bilingual labour markets and communities nationwide.
- A cut-off of 399 CRS provides a more accessible pathway for many French-speaking candidates compared with recent all-program or CEC draws that often require significantly higher scores.
- By reserving 6,000 ITAs for French-proficient candidates, Canada is signalling continued preference for bilingual talent, which benefits employers in sectors like healthcare, education, and public services.
This approach helps distribute Francophone newcomers to provinces such as Ontario, New Brunswick, and Manitoba, aligning with federal commitments to bolster minority Francophone communities.
Recent and Past French-Focused Draws (2025 Snapshot)
Draw #388 fits into a broader pattern of French draws throughout 2025, where multiple large rounds targeted French speakers.
- A notable earlier French draw in late 2025 issued 6,000 ITAs with a CRS cut-off around the low 400s, showing a gradual downward trend as IRCC seeks to meet French immigration targets.
- Across 2025, French category rounds account for tens of thousands of ITAs, making this one of the most active and favourable categories for Express Entry candidates.
Compared with some Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or high-CRS CEC draws, these French rounds often offer a better opportunity window for candidates hovering between roughly 380 and 430 CRS with strong French but limited Canadian experience.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Applicants
Candidates who did not receive an ITA in draw #388 can take steps now to improve their chances in future rounds.
- Upgrade French scores:
Retake TEF Canada or TCF Canada to push all skills well above NCLC 7, improving both CRS and eligibility in this category. - Boost CRS beyond language:
Consider higher education, Canadian work experience, a qualifying job offer, or provincial nomination to significantly increase your CRS. - Keep tests valid and profiles updated:
Monitor expiry dates of language tests and ECAs, and update your Express Entry profile promptly after any new education, work experience, or language results.
Staying informed about upcoming Express Entry rounds and maintaining a strong, up-to-date profile gives French-speaking candidates an excellent chance to benefit from future French-focused draws similar to draw #388.
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