Canada continues to prioritize French-speaking immigrants through its Express Entry system, with the latest draw on September 4, 2025, extending invitations to 4,500 candidates proficient in French to apply for permanent residence. This targeted approach reflects Canada’s commitment to strengthening its Francophone communities while addressing labour market needs across the country.
September 2025 Express Entry Draw Results
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Express Entry draw number 365 on September 4, 2025, specifically targeting candidates with French language proficiency. The draw took place at 17:50:37 UTC and resulted in 4,500 invitations to apply (ITAs) being issued to eligible candidates.
Key details of the draw include:
- Number of invitations issued: 4,500
- Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score: 446
- Tie-breaking rule date: June 16, 2025, at 07:21:06 UTC
- Program: French language proficiency category
This represents a significant increase from the previous French language proficiency draw held on August 8, 2025, which invited only 2,500 candidates and had a higher minimum CRS score of 481 points.
Understanding the French Language Proficiency Category
Canada’s Express Entry system includes category-based selection, which allows IRCC to invite candidates with specific attributes that support economic priorities. The French language proficiency category is designed to attract French-speaking immigrants who can contribute to Canada’s bilingual character and help strengthen Francophone minority communities outside Quebec.
To qualify for this category, candidates must demonstrate strong French language abilities through approved language tests. The proficiency levels are assessed using the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) for French, with specific minimum requirements that candidates must meet.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Explained
The Comprehensive Ranking System is the points-based system used to assess and rank Express Entry profiles. The CRS evaluates various factors including:
- Core human capital factors: Age, education, official language proficiency, and Canadian work experience
- Spouse or common-law partner factors: Education, language skills, and Canadian work experience
- Skill transferability factors: Education combined with language proficiency or Canadian work experience
- Additional factors: French language skills, Canadian education credentials, arranged employment, and provincial nomination
The maximum possible CRS score is 1,200 points, with language proficiency being a crucial component that can significantly impact a candidate’s ranking.
Benefits of French Proficiency for Immigration
French language skills provide several advantages in the Canadian immigration system:
Enhanced CRS Points: Candidates with strong French language abilities can earn additional points under the CRS, particularly if they also demonstrate English proficiency (bilingual candidates).
Dedicated Draw Categories: As demonstrated by recent draws, IRCC regularly conducts category-based selections specifically for French-speaking candidates, often with lower CRS score requirements.
Provincial Nominee Program Opportunities: Several provinces, including New Brunswick, Ontario, and Manitoba, have immigration streams that prioritize French-speaking candidates.
Employment Opportunities: French proficiency opens doors to employment in federal government positions, education, healthcare, and various industries across Canada, particularly in bilingual regions.
Language Testing Requirements
To participate in Express Entry, candidates must demonstrate their language proficiency through approved tests:
For French:
- Test d’évaluation de français (TEF)
- Test de connaissance du français (TCF)
- Test d’évaluation de français adapté pour le Québec (TEFAQ)
- Test de connaissance du français pour le Québec (TCFQ)
For English:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General
Test results must be included in the Express Entry profile and must be valid (less than two years old) at the time of application.
Recent Trends in Express Entry Draws
The September 2025 draw continues Canada’s strategy of conducting regular category-based selections alongside general draws. This approach allows the country to meet specific economic and demographic objectives while maintaining high immigration levels.
Recent trends indicate:
- Increased invitation numbers for French-speaking candidates
- Lower CRS score requirements in category-based draws compared to general draws
- Regular frequency of French proficiency draws, typically occurring monthly
- Stable processing times for permanent residence applications
Next Steps After Receiving an Invitation
Candidates who received an invitation to apply have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. The application process requires:
- Document collection: Gathering all required supporting documents, including police certificates, medical exams, and proof of funds
- Application submission: Completing the online application through the IRCC portal
- Fee payment: Paying the required processing fees and right of permanent residence fee
- Biometrics: Providing biometric information if required
Current processing times for Express Entry applications are approximately 6 months from the date a complete application is received.
Future Outlook for French-Speaking Immigration
Canada’s commitment to French-speaking immigration is reinforced through various policy initiatives and targets. The federal government has set ambitious goals to increase the percentage of French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec, recognizing the importance of maintaining Canada’s linguistic duality.
Upcoming policy changes and initiatives may include:
- Enhanced support for French-speaking newcomers
- Expanded settlement services in French
- Additional pathways for French-speaking temporary residents
- Increased collaboration between federal and provincial governments
How Canadian Currents Can Help
Navigating Canada’s immigration system can be complex, particularly when trying to maximize the benefits of French language proficiency. Canadian Currents Immigration Services offers comprehensive support for candidates interested in Express Entry and other immigration programs.
Our experienced team of immigration lawyers, consultants, and paralegals can assist with:
- Express Entry Profile Optimization: Ensuring your profile accurately reflects your qualifications and maximizes your CRS score
- Language Test Preparation: Guidance on choosing the right language tests and achieving optimal scores
- Document Preparation: Assistance with gathering and preparing all required documentation
- Application Submission: Professional support throughout the application process to avoid delays or refusals
- Post-ITA Support: Complete guidance through the permanent residence application process after receiving an invitation
With decades of combined experience in immigration law, Canadian Currents Immigration Services understands the nuances of category-based selection and can help French-speaking candidates position themselves for success in future Express Entry draws. Our personalized approach ensures that each client receives tailored advice based on their unique circumstances and immigration goals.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore Canadian immigration options or have already started the Express Entry process, Canadian Currents can provide the expert guidance needed to navigate this important journey toward permanent residence in Canada.
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Amrita Gill
IMMIGRATION LAWYER
Amrita strives to provide culturally competent, empathetic, clear, and practical legal support to her clients. Amrita’s goal is to ensure that her clients are comfortable, informed, and heard. She focuses primarily on permanent resident and temporary residence applications and appeals, super visa applications and appeals, sponsorship applications, refugee applications, and matters involving the interplay of immigration law with employment law.
