In a record-breaking move, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has just issued 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITA) in its latest Express Entry draw focused on French language proficiency, with the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off dropping to a jaw-dropping 416!
Key Facts – Express Entry Draw #376 (French Language Proficiency)
- Number of ITAs: 6,000
- CRS Score Cut-off: 416
- Round Date: October 29, 2025, at 13:45 UTC
- Program Targeted: Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades
- Tie-Breaking Rule: Profiles submitted before September 8, 2025, at 15:27 UTC
What Makes This Draw Historic?
- Ultra-Low CRS Cut-Off: The race to invite more French-speaking candidates outside Quebec continues, with a cut-off unseen in months—a big win for Francophone applicants.
- Massive Invitation Surge: 6,000 ITAs mark one of the largest single-day invitation rounds for language proficiency—opening doors for thousands.
- Francophone Advantage: The draw underlines Canada’s aggressive push to attract French-speaking immigrants, supporting economic growth and diversity nationwide.
Express Entry draws from January to October 2025
Total draws: 46
Draw types: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), French Language Proficiency, Healthcare, Education, and Trades.
Key Observations
- Highest CRS: 855 (PNP, September 29, 2025)
- Lowest CRS: 379 (French draw, March 21, 2025)
- Largest draw: 7,500 invitations (French draw, March 21, 2025)
- Most frequent category: PNP, followed by CEC and French draws.
Trends
- PNP draws: High CRS scores (700–850 range) with smaller invitation counts.
- CEC draws: Steady pattern of 1,000–3,000 invitations with CRS in the 520–540 range.
- French language draws: Frequent and large, with scores dropping steadily from 481 in August to 416 in October, signaling softer thresholds for bilingual candidates.
- Healthcare draws: Consistent at 2,500–4,000 invitations with CRS between 470–504.
- Education and Trade draws: Appeared less often but targeted specific skill areas.
October 2025 Summary
- Total invitations: 14,147
- Lowest CRS: 416 (French draw, Oct 29)
- Categories covered: French, CEC, and PNP
- Notable change: Drop in French draw CRS by 16 points compared to the October 6 round.
Expert Insight:
If you’ve taken a recent French language test (level 7 or higher on all skills), your PR dream could be closer than ever. With profiles created before September 8, you had a strong chance in this round—especially if your CRS hovered near 416.
Quote:
"With such a low cutoff and massive number of invites, this is a golden opportunity for French-speaking immigration hopefuls," said an industry immigration expert.
What’s Next?
IRCC will continue using French language draws to fast-track skilled Francophones, making now the best time to boost your French and update your Express Entry profile.
Don’t Miss Out!
Stay tuned for more breaking Express Entry news, processing time updates, and expert tips to maximize your PR application success.
Express Entry Draws (January–October 2025):
| Month | Draws | Invitations Issued | Lowest CRS Score | Notes |
|---|
| January 2025 | 4 (PNP, CEC) | 9,276 | 527 | Strong start with multiple CEC draws; high CRS across all categories. |
| February 2025 | 4 (PNP, CEC, French) | 11,601 | 428 | Major French-language draw with 6,500 invitations lowered average CRS. |
| March 2025 | 4 (PNP, French) | 13,261 | 379 | Largest single draw (7,500 French-language invites). CRS dropped sharply. |
| April 2025 | 3 (PNP, Education) | 2,246 | 479 | Fewer draws but steady activity in PNP stream. |
| May 2025 | 5 (PNP, CEC, Healthcare, Education) | 3,022 | 479 | CEC reappeared after April pause; education draw maintained below-480 CRS. |
| June 2025 | 5 (PNP, CEC, Healthcare) | 7,405 | 504 | Surge in CEC rounds; healthcare maintained strong demand. |
| July 2025 | 4 (PNP, CEC, Healthcare) | 7,558 | 475 | Larger healthcare draw; CRS dropped slightly from June. |
| August 2025 | 4 (PNP, CEC, French, Healthcare) | 6,417 | 470 | French and healthcare draws dominated mid-summer rounds. |
| September 2025 | 5 (PNP, CEC, French, Trades, Education) | 8,768 | 462 | New trade and education draws added; CRS spread widened. |
| October 2025 | 5 (PNP, CEC, French, Healthcare) | 14,147 | 416 | French draw hit lowest CRS of the year; 6,000 invitations in one round. |
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