Canada's 2025 Immigration Strategy: The Role of French Language Proficiency in Express Entry.

As 2025 unfolds, Canada's immigration landscape is witnessing a significant shift. In a remarkable first category-based selection draw, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 6,500 invitations to candidates with French language skills in the Express Entry pool, marking the second largest French proficiency draw ever.

The Express entry draw has set a new low for the year, with the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score dropping to 428 from a previous high of 466.

Since their introduction in 2023, category-based draws have consistently featured the lowest CRS scores in the Express Entry system, signalling a promising trend for aspiring immigrants.

What are the Profiles Receiving Invitations to Apply (ITAs)?

The most recent French proficiency draw targeted candidates with a minimum CRS score of 428, which is the lowest cut-off for any draw in 2025.

To be eligible, candidates must have created their Express Entry profile before the specified date and time, adhering to the tie-breaking rule. Additionally, they must meet the eligibility requirements for the French language proficiency category, including a minimum score of 7 in all four language abilities (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) scale.

How does French proficiency increase CRS scores?

Improving your French skills can significantly boost your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through Express Entry. By enhancing your French ability, you can add up to 310 points to your profile, along with your educational points.

For candidates applying with a spouse, the CRS scores can increase to 320 points. So, learning or improving French becomes a strategic move for Express Entry candidates seeking to boost their chances of receiving an ITA.

If you score at least a level 7 on the NCLC French-language proficiency scale and don't plan to live in Quebec, you might qualify for an Express Entry French language proficiency category that prioritizes French speakers. This category is a key focus for IRCC in 2025, aiming to strengthen French-speaking communities across Canada.

How Does Express Entry Work?

• Eligibility Check: Find out if you qualify for one of the Express Entry programs by meeting specific criteria such as education, skills, experience, and language proficiency.
• Profile Creation: Create and Submit your Express Entry profile, including information about your education, work experience, language skills, and other relevant factors.
• Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): Receive a CRS score based on your profile. This score determines your ranking in the Express Entry pool.
• Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your CRS score is competitive enough, you will receive an ITA to apply for permanent residence (PR). You have 60 days to submit a complete application.

How to Add Points to Your Profile

• Education: Higher education levels can increase your points, especially if your spouse also has strong educational credentials.
• Language Skills: Improving your language proficiency in English or French can add extra points to your CRS score.
• Work Experience: Relevant work experience in your country, especially in high-demand fields, will add much to your CRS score.
• Adaptability Factors: Include factors that show your adaptability to Canada, such as having a job offer or relatives in Canada.
• Spouse or Common-Law Partner: If applicable, including your spouse's details can add points, especially if they have strong language skills or education.

By focusing on these above-mentioned areas, you can maximize your CRS score and increase your chances of receiving an ITA for permanent residency in Canada.

Future Plans for Francophone Immigration

Canada's 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan aims to admit nearly 30,000 Francophone newcomers in 2025. After that, the number of immigrants will be increased to 31,350 in 2026 and 31,500 in 2027.

The plan underscores the government's intention to increase newcomer levels, explicitly targeting Francophone communities outside Quebec.

By prioritizing French proficiency, IRCC supports linguistic diversity and provides skilled workers a valuable opportunity to enhance their immigration prospects.

The recent category-based Express Entry draw in February for French language proficiency highlights Canada's strategic approach to immigration, focusing on specific economic goals and community needs. As Canada continues to emphasize Francophone immigration, learning or improving French skills becomes an increasingly important strategy for those seeking PR through the Express Entry system.

Read to Know: IRCC Issues 6,500 ITAs in First Category-Based Draw of 2025