Biggest Express Entry draw of 2025—what’s next?

Canada’s Express Entry system recently conducted its biggest draw of the year, inviting 7,500 candidates to apply for permanent residence. The Express Entry draw #341 specifically targeted individuals with French language proficiency, with the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score at 379—the lowest threshold recorded in 2025 so far.

Over the past year, IRCC has frequently held category-based draws favouring French-speaking applicants. This approach highlights Canada’s commitment to attracting French-speaking individuals by offering them an easier route to permanent residency through lower CRS score requirements. It is evident that proficiency in French provides a significant advantage for those looking to settle in Canada.

Previous French Category Draws

In the last Express Entry Draw #339, held on March 6, 2025, ITAs were extended to 4,500 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 410 and to 6,500 candidates in February with a minimum CRS score of 428—bringing the total to 18,500 invitations so far this year.

When compared to 2024, a clear trend emerges. Last year saw 11 category-based draws for French-speaking candidates, with only four conducted before July. After mid-year, the number of draws increased, demonstrating Canada’s evolving strategy to welcome more French-speaking immigrants. This pattern has continued into 2025, with a notable rise in invitations and lower CRS thresholds, making the process more accessible.

Observing the graphs, it’s safe to say that French-speaking candidates will continue to receive priority through regular category-based draws. The CRS scores may remain moderate, making the process more accessible for Francophone applicants and Canada might increase its invitation numbers for French-speaking candidates to meet its immigration targets.

Advantages of French Proficiency in Express Entry

You can earn up to 50 additional points for strong French language skills (even if French is your second language).

If you score a niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 7 or higher on all four French language skills, you can get

25 additional points if you scored a Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) level 4 or lower in English (or if you didn’t take an English test)
50 additional points if you scored CLB 5 or higher on all four English skills

Why French Language

The Canadian government has allocated $137.2 million under the Official Languages Action Plan 2023-2028 to boost Francophone immigration to reinforce and expand French-speaking communities. Moreover, Canada encourages newcomers to learn French language so that they can fully participate in all aspects of Canadian life.

How to Take Advantage of This Opportunity

With the increasing number of invitations and lower CRS cut-offs, this is a golden opportunity for French-speaking professionals seeking Canadian permanent residency. It is pertinent to make the most of this situation.

The TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) and TEF Canada (Test d’Évaluation de Français) are French language proficiency tests recognized by IRCC for immigration programs and Canadian citizenship applications. They assess listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, with scores aligned to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) which generally take 8-12 months preparation time. These tests are widely used for immigration streams like Express Entry, where higher French proficiency can earn additional CRS points.

Proper preparation is imperative to achieve strong scores. One of the best online French learning course for TEF and TCF preparation is Learn French with Anks, which provides structured lessons and comprehensive strategies tailored to exam requirements that ensure excellent results.