Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Express Entry round #360 on August 8, 2025, targeting candidates with French language proficiency. This draw is part of Canada’s strategy to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
Key Results
- Number of invitations issued: 2,500
- Category: French language proficiency (Version 1)
- Date and time of round: August 8, 2025 at 15:36:25 UTC
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 481
- Rank required to be invited: Top 2,500 candidates in the category
- Tie-breaking rule: July 18, 2025 at 05:16:06 UTC
Candidates who met the eligibility requirements and had a CRS score of 481 or higher received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. If multiple candidates had the same score, the profile submission date determined the tie-break.
Eligibility Criteria for French Language Proficiency Category
To be considered under this draw:
- Your French language proficiency test results must be less than two years old.
- You must achieve level 7 or higher in all four language skills according to the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC).
- The test must be from an approved institution under IRPR subsection 74(3).
- Results older than two years at the time of PR application submission are not valid.
Programs Covered
Invitations may have been issued under:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Purpose of the Draw
IRCC stated that the economic goal of this category is to promote economic growth through Francophone immigration outside Quebec. This aligns with Canada’s plan to strengthen French-speaking communities across the country.
Period for Issuing Invitations
Invitations under these Ministerial Instructions could be issued from August 8, 2025 to August 9, 2025.
What This Means for Candidates
- If you were in the pool with a CRS score of 481+ and strong French language skills, you likely received an ITA.
- Candidates below the cut-off can improve their CRS score by enhancing language skills, gaining additional work experience, or securing a provincial nomination.
- Future draws in the French-language proficiency category are expected, offering more chances for bilingual candidates.
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