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Dear future neighbour,

Canada continues to use the Express Entry system as its primary tool for selecting skilled immigrants who can help strengthen the country’s economy. The program has been evolving in 2025 with an increased focus on targeted draws, and the most recent round of invitations highlights this ongoing shift.

The Latest Draw: Focus on French-Language Candidates

On September 4, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held Express Entry Draw #365, which was category-based and specifically targeted applicants with strong French-language proficiency.

In this round, 4,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued, and the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 446. This cut-off is relatively moderate compared to earlier draws this year, which suggests that candidates with advanced French skills continue to benefit from lower score thresholds.

See below details of September 4 Express Entry draw

Category: French Language Proficiency

Number of Invitation: 4,500

CRS Cutoff Score: 446

Tie-breaking rule: June 16, 2025

Express Entry Trends to Watch in 2025

This latest invitation round adds to an already active year for Express Entry. By mid-August 2025, the federal government had invited over 55,000 candidates across a mix of general, program-specific, and category-based draws.

A clear pattern is emerging: Canada is relying more heavily on targeted draws to meet specific labor market and demographic needs. For example, earlier in the year, healthcare professionals, STEM workers, and French-speaking applicants were frequently prioritized. Notably, the draws for French speakers have often been larger than other categories, reinforcing Canada’s goal of strengthening bilingualism and supporting Francophone communities outside Quebec.

See below summary of Express Entry draws in 2025:

Looking Ahead: New Categories for 2026

While the 2025 draws are still ongoing, attention is already turning to the future. The government has announced plans to expand Express Entry with three new categories in 2026. These will cover:

• Senior managers in leadership roles

• Researchers and other STEM professionals

• Military personnel

These additions underline Canada’s intention to not only fill immediate workforce gaps but also attract top talent in areas tied to leadership, innovation, and national capacity. Public consultations on these categories are open until September 2025, meaning the final design could still evolve.

Challenges for Applicants: Accuracy Matters

Alongside these opportunities, some applicants have faced challenges. Recently, there has been a noticeable rise in refusals or procedural fairness letters where candidates declared a spouse as “non-accompanying” despite the spouse already being in Canada. IRCC has been treating such cases cautiously, viewing them as potential misrepresentation. This development highlights the importance of full transparency in Express Entry applications. Even minor inaccuracies can lead to significant setbacks.

Why These Updates Matter

For skilled workers considering immigration to Canada, the key takeaways are clear:

1. Category-based draws offer new pathways – French speakers and professionals in priority sectors may benefit from lower CRS thresholds.

2. Upcoming categories will broaden opportunities – High-level professionals, STEM researchers, and military applicants should watch closely for the 2026 rollout.

3. Accuracy is non-negotiable – Ensuring that every detail in the application is truthful and consistent can mean the difference between approval and refusal.