Canada's first category-based Express Entry draw of 2025
2025-02-20 | Abroad Pathway Immigration | Leave a Comment
On February 19, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its first category-based Express Entry draw of the year, inviting 6,500 candidates with French language proficiency to apply for permanent residency. This draw marks a significant step in Canada's immigration strategy, focusing on enhancing Francophone communities outside Quebec.
Key Takeaways
- Total Invitations Issued: 6,500
- Minimum CRS Score Required: 428
- Date: February 19, 2025
- Category: French language proficiency
- Eligibility: Candidates must demonstrate French language proficiency and have created their Express Entry profile before February 10, 2025.
Overview of the Draw
This draw is part of a series of Express Entry draws to meet Canada’s 2025-2026 immigration targets. This draw targeted French language proficiency candidates, as part of the government’s commitment to bilingualism and Francophone immigration across the country.
Candidates who got invitations must submit their complete applications for permanent residency within 60 days. The draw is the fourth of the month, contributing to a total of 11,601 invitations issued in February alone.
Eligibility Criteria for French Language
To qualify for this draw, candidates needed to meet the following criteria:
- Minimum CRS Score: 428
- French Language Proficiency: A minimum score of 7 in all four abilities (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) on an approved French language test.
- Profile Creation: Candidates must have created their Express Entry profile before the specified date and time.
Breakdown of Recent Express Entry Draws
The following table summarizes the Express Entry draws conducted in February 2025:
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 19 | French Language Proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| February 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| February 5 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| February 4 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
Importance of French Language Proficiency
The introduction of category-based draws targeting French-speaking candidates is a strategic move by the Canadian government. It aims to strengthen French-speaking communities and ensure that immigrants can integrate effectively into Canadian society. This initiative is part of the broader 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which allocates a significant number of admissions for candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
The first category-based draw of 2025 highlights Canada's ongoing efforts to attract skilled immigrants, particularly those who can contribute to the country's linguistic diversity. With a focus on French language proficiency, the IRCC is paving the way for a more inclusive immigration system that supports the growth of Francophone communities across Canada.
