Profiles Receiving ITAs in the Latest Express Entry French Proficiency Draw

Canada’s immigration system has made headlines once again. In its first category-based selection draw of 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 6,500 candidates from the Express Entry pool who demonstrated strong French language proficiency. This marks the second-largest French proficiency draw in history and featured a CRS cut-off score of just 428, the lowest this year for any Express Entry draw.

Category-based draws, introduced in 2023, have consistently shown lower CRS cut-offs, making them an attractive option for many aspiring immigrants. Below, we explore the kinds of profiles that received Invitations to Apply (ITAs) and why strong French skills can be a game-changer for your CRS score.

What Types of Profiles Received ITAs in This Draw?

To illustrate the kinds of candidates who qualified, here are a few fictional examples. Remember that eligibility isn’t only about meeting the CRS cut-off score; candidates must also submit their Express Entry profile before the specified time and date to be considered under the tie-breaking rule.

• Example 1: Amadou Kone (CRS Score: 467)
• Background: A 32-year-old mechanic from Côte d'Ivoire, with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and three years of foreign work experience.
• Language Proficiency: Scored NCLC 9 in French and CLB 6 in English.
• Key Factors: His French proficiency, education, and foreign work experience contributed significantly to his CRS score.
  
  
• Example 2: Deepti Kajal (CRS Score: 469)
• Background: A 33-year-old early education teacher from India, with a one-year Canadian college diploma and one year of Canadian work experience.
• Language Proficiency: Scored NCLC 7 in French and CLB 10 in English.
• Key Factors: Her combination of high English and French scores, Canadian education, and Canadian work experience led to her competitive CRS score.
  
  
• Example 3: Remilekun Agnes (CRS Score: 477)
• Background: A 36-year-old Nigerian nurse with a master’s degree in nursing, one year of Canadian work experience, and two years of foreign work experience.
• Language Proficiency: Scored NCLC 7 in French and CLB 8 in English.
• Spousal Support: His wife’s credentials and language scores added additional points to their overall profile.

Why Should Express Entry Candidates Focus on French Proficiency?

French language skills can significantly enhance a candidate’s CRS score. With a strong French test score (NCLC 7 or higher), candidates can gain up to 310 additional CRS points when combined with other factors like education and work experience. Those applying with a spouse might gain even more points.

Beyond just increasing CRS scores, strong French skills open doors to category-based draws, such as this one, where French proficiency is a key selection criterion. These draws provide an opportunity to receive an ITA with lower CRS thresholds, making them a strategic pathway for candidates to secure permanent residence in Canada.

As Canada’s immigration targets increase, particularly for Francophone newcomers outside Quebec, improving French skills is not only a valuable personal investment but also a practical way to stand out in the Express Entry pool.