Canada Invites French-Speaking Applicants for Permanent Residency Under Express Entry Draw
Canada again opened its doors for skilled immigrants via its Express Entry program. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 6,500 applicants with French language skills to apply for permanent residency (PR) on February 19, 2025. This is the first such draw in 2025 under the French language category.
Important Points about the Express Entry Draw (Round #337):
- Number of Invitations: 6,500
- Minimum CRS Cut-Off Required: 428
- Date & Time of Draw: February 19, 2025, at 16:18:12 UTC
- Tie-Breaking Rule Date: February 10, 2025, at 16:41:38 UTC
This draw opens up much wider opportunities for French-speaking candidates compared to the last one on December 3, 2024, which invited just 800 candidates with a higher CRS cut-off of 466.
Understanding Express Entry & CRS System
Express Entry is Canada’s main immigration program for choosing skilled workers. Applicants are given Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores based on language skills, education, work experience, and adaptability. The most highly ranked candidates are invited to apply (ITA) for PR.
French-speaking applicants are tested using Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) to determine their language skills. English-speaking applicants are tested using the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB).
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Update
Besides Express Entry, Canada also operates the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). On February 17, 2025, 646 candidates were invited through PNP with a minimum CRS score of 750. Under this program, provinces and territories are permitted to nominate skilled workers following local labor market needs.
Why This Matters?
With Canada conducting Express Entry draws on a biweekly basis, new candidates always stand a chance of applying for PR. If you are talented and French-speaking, this is the best opportunity to have a bright future in Canada.
Keep abreast of Express Entry and immigration news with Asif Consulting to boost your chances of being selected.
