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Canada Express Entry Draw- 6,000 ITAs Issued with Record-Low 408 CRS in 2025

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Canada Express Entry Draw- 6,000 ITAs Issued with Record-Low 408 CRS in 2025

Canada’s Express Entry system saw one of its most significant draws of 2025 as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a French-language proficiency category-based round. The draw, held on November 28, 2025, recorded a CRS cut-off of just 408—the second-lowest CRS requirement of the entire year, marking a major opportunity for French-speaking skilled workers.

Highlights of the November 28, 2025 Express Entry Draw

  • Category: French-language proficiency
  • ITA issued: 6,000
  • CRS cut-off: 408
  • Tie-breaking rule: Profiles submitted before 12:28 p.m. UTC, May 26, 2025
  • Rank: Second-lowest CRS cut-off among all 2025 draws

This draw continues a year-long trend of large-scale category-based selections under the Express Entry system, particularly for French-speaking candidates. IRCC has repeatedly emphasized its intention to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec, and 2025 data strongly reflects this commitment.

2025 Express Entry — Notable Draws Overview

Below is a table summarizing some of the most significant draws in 2025:

DateDraw Type / CategoryITAs IssuedCRS Cut-off (Lowest)
Nov 28, 2025French-language proficiency6,000408
Nov 25, 2025Canadian Experience Class (CEC)1,000531
Nov 25, 2025Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)777699
Nov 14, 2025Healthcare & Social Services3,500462
Oct 29, 2025French-language proficiency6,000416
Oct 06, 2025French-language proficiency4,500432
Sep 04, 2025French-language proficiency4,500446
Mar 21, 2025French-language proficiency7,500379 — lowest CRS of the year
Mar 06, 2025French-language proficiency4,500410
Feb 19, 2025French-language proficiency6,500428

As of the November 28 draw, IRCC has issued a total of 94,476 ITAs in 2025.

Why the November 28 Draw Matters

Historically Low CRS Threshold for French-speaking Candidates

  • A CRS of 408 is considerably lower than many rounds, especially compared to cuts for general draws or other categories.
  • The only 2025 draw with a lower CRS was on March 21 (379), which indicates IRCC’s willingness under certain circumstances to invite large volumes at lower CRS thresholds for French-language proficiency.

Large Draw Size — Strong Demand for Francophone Immigrants

  • 6,000 invitations in a single draw is among the highest in 2025. French-language draws continue to dominate in terms of volume of ITAs issued this year.
  • According to IRCC’s 2025 draw statistics, French-speaking applicants have received the largest share of ITAs across all streams.

Reflects Canada’s Strategic Immigration Goals

  • This draw reinforces Canada’s commitment to boost Francophone immigration outside of Québec, supporting bilingual communities and addressing labour market needs across provinces.
  • The strategy seems to integrate category-based draws (language, occupation, needs) rather than relying solely on general draws — giving more opportunities for specific applicant groups.

What This Means for Express Entry Candidates

  • If you speak French (or are ready to invest in French proficiency): This remains one of the most promising pathways. CRS thresholds for French-language draws have repeatedly dipped lower than general draws — meaning that with moderate CRS (sometimes ~400+), you may still receive an ITA.
  • For other candidates (non-French / general CRS): Competition remains high, especially as many draws for other categories (CEC, PNP, Healthcare) maintain higher CRS thresholds. It may be helpful to consider alternate strategies — e.g. improving language skills, obtaining provincial nomination, or aiming for prioritized occupation draws.
  • Timing & Preparation Matter: French-language draws appear frequently and produce large numbers of ITAs. Having a ready profile, updated language exam results (e.g. TEF Canada / TCF Canada), and valid documentation can significantly increase eligibility when the next draw occurs.

Outlook — What to Expect for Late 2025 & Early 2026

Given the continuing demand for Francophone immigrants, plus shifting labour-market needs and demographic pressures, we can anticipate:

  • More large-scale French-language draws, possibly with CRS thresholds fluctuating depending on volume and IRCC’s targets.
  • Continued use of category-based draws (e.g. healthcare, education, trades, social services) to meet sectoral labour demands.
  • Opportunities for candidates with diverse profiles: not only high CRS but also language skills, occupation in demand, or provincial backing.

For candidates — especially from non-Francophone countries — placing effort into French language proficiency could pay off significantly.

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