Dear future neighbour,
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a new Express Entry draw on October 6, 2025, inviting 4,500 candidates who demonstrated strong French language proficiency. This was the latest category-based draw under the Express Entry system, part of Canada’s ongoing strategy to attract more Francophone immigrants and strengthen bilingual communities across the country.
See below details of the October 6, 2025 Express Entry Draw
- Program: French Language Proficiency
- Draw date / round: October 6, 2025- Round #371
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 432
- Number of invitations issued: 4,500
- Tie-breaking rule: June 13, 2025
Continued Focus on Francophone Immigration
This draw reinforces IRCC’s consistent focus throughout 2025 on welcoming more French-speaking skilled workers outside of Quebec. By prioritizing this group, the federal government aims to promote linguistic diversity and support its target of increasing the proportion of Francophones settling in Canada’s English-speaking provinces.
Compared to the previous French-language draw held on September 4, 2025, which required a CRS of 446, this new cutoff represents a 14-point decrease. The lower score indicates that IRCC is expanding access for French-proficient candidates, likely to ensure that annual immigration targets are met while also recognizing the value of bilingual talent in Canada’s labor market.
See below summary of Express Entry draws in 2025
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS score |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 6 | French language proficiency | 4,500 | 432 |
| October 1 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 534 |
| September 29 | Provincial Nominee Program | 291 | 855 |
| September 18 | Trade | 1,250 | 505 |
| September 17 | Education | 2,500 | 462 |
| September 15 | Provincial Nominee Program | 228 | 746 |
| September 4 | French language proficiency | 4,500 | 446 |
| September 3 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 534 |
| September 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 249 | 772 |
| August 19 | Healthcare and social services | 2,500 | 470 |
| August 18 | Provincial Nominee Program | 192 | 800 |
| August 8 | French language proficiency | 2,500 | 481 |
| August 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 534 |
| August 6 | Provincial Nominee Program | 225 | 739 |
| July 22 | Healthcare and social services | 4,000 | 475 |
| July 21 | Provincial Nominee Program | 202 | 788 |
| July 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 518 |
| July 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 356 | 750 |
| June 26 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 521 |
| June 23 | Provincial Nominee Program | 503 | 742 |
| June 12 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 529 |
| June 10 | Provincial Nominee Program | 125 | 784 |
| June 4 | Healthcare and social services | 500 | 504 |
| June 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 277 | 726 |
| May 13 | Canadian Experience Class | 500 | 547 |
| May 12 | Provincial Nominee Program | 511 | 706 |
| May 2 | Healthcare and social services | 500 | 510 |
| May 1 | Education | 1,000 | 479 |
| April 28 | Provincial Nominee Program | 421 | 727 |
| April 14 | Provincial Nominee Program | 825 | 764 |
| 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 |
What This Means for Applicants
The October 6 draw was not limited to specific occupations or economic programs — anyone in the Express Entry pool who met the French language criteria and general eligibility requirements could receive an invitation. This inclusive approach benefits candidates from a wide range of professional backgrounds, from educators and engineers to healthcare professionals and IT specialists, as long as they can demonstrate French fluency through an approved test such as TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
For candidates who do not yet have strong French skills, this draw is a reminder of how language ability can significantly influence Express Entry opportunities. Improving language scores, whether in English or French, remains one of the most effective ways to increase CRS points and boost chances of receiving an invitation in future rounds.
How This Fits Into Canada’s 2025 Immigration Goals
Throughout 2025, Canada has relied heavily on category-based Express Entry draws, focusing on priority sectors and skills such as healthcare, trades, education, and French-language proficiency. These targeted rounds allow IRCC to address specific labor shortages while aligning immigration with regional and demographic goals.
By early October, the total number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued through Express Entry had surpassed 60,000 for the year, with French-language draws representing a significant share. The October 6 draw alone added another 4,500 potential permanent residents to that count, demonstrating the importance of linguistic diversity within Canada’s immigration system.
What Next
Those who received an Invitation to Apply on October 6 now have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application to IRCC. Applicants should ensure that all documents including proof of language test results, education credentials, and work experience are accurate and up to date.
For candidates who are still waiting in the pool, this draw highlights the need to keep their profiles active and up to date. Improving education credentials, gaining more work experience, boosting language test scores, or applying for a provincial nomination can all help increase their ranking and chances of receiving an invitation.
Need help with your Canadian immigration process?
Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, submitting a work permit or visa application, creating an Expression of Interest (EOI), setting up an Express Entry or Provincial Nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an Invitation to Apply, or simply want a professional review of your self-prepared application, we’re here to assist you.
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