Introduction

As of November 30, 2025,. Immigration, Refugees and citizenship Canada (IRCC) has not released a brand-new. announcement today, but a major Express Entry update landed just two days ago. On November 28, 2025, IRCC held a large French language proficiency Express Entry draw,. inviting 6,000 candidates with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 408.

This article breaks down the details of the latest Express Entry draw, explains how it fits into Canada’s wider. Francophone immigration strategy, and highlights practical implications for candidates who see French as part of their pathway to immigration to Canada.

francophone - express entry french - What IRCC Announced in the Latest Express Entry Draw

Key details of the November 28, 2025 Express Entry draw

According to IRCC’s official Express Entry “Rounds of invitations” page, the latest round was a category-based selection draw for French language proficiency (Version 1).

• Type of round: Express Entry – French language proficiency category
• Date of round: November 28, 2025
• Number of invitations to apply (ITAs): 6,000
• CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 408
• Round type: Category-based selection under Express Entry

IRCC notes that the Minister can establish categories for Express Entry rounds, including a category for candidates with strong French language skills.

In category-based rounds, only candidates meeting the category requirements are ranked and invited.

How the French language proficiency category works

Express Entry category-based selection is built on regular Express Entry eligibility. To receive an invitation in a category-based round, candidates must first qualify for one of the.

economic immigration programs managed through Express Entry, and then meet the specific criteria for the chosen category.

For the French language proficiency category, IRCC specifies that candidates must:

• Have French-language test results with at least level 7 in all four abilities on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC).
• Meet all requirements in the ministerial instructions for that particular round.

In simple terms, you need to be a skilled worker eligible under Express Entry, and you. need strong French test scores to qualify for this type of Express Entry French language proficiency draw.

What Has Changed Compared to Previous Express Entry Draws

Another large French language proficiency draw in 2025

Throughout 2025, IRCC has been using category-based selection to prioritize certain groups of Express Entry candidates, including those with strong French language skills.

This was confirmed in a February 27, 2025 news release announcing the 2025 Express Entry categories,. which include a French language category alongside categories for key occupations such as health, trades and education.

The November 28, 2025 round continues this pattern, with 6,000 ITAs issued to French-speaking candidates. Although individual draw sizes and cutoffs vary over time, this remains one of the larger category-based Express. Entry draws and reinforces the weight IRCC places on Francophone immigration as part of economic immigration to Canada.

Lower CRS threshold for French-speaking candidates

A CRS cut-off of 408 is significantly lower than many recent general. or program-specific Express Entry draws, which often require much higher scores for non-French-speaking candidates. While the exact CRS scores for each draw are dynamic and can change quickly, IRCC has clearly stated that category-based rounds. allow it to issue invitations to candidates with specific skills or language abilities that align with Canada’s labour market and policy priorities.

This means that for candidates who can demonstrate strong French language proficiency, Express Entry. may be more accessible at lower CRS scores than for candidates relying solely on English.

Alignment with Canada’s Francophone immigration targets

The November 28 Express Entry French language proficiency draw also fits into a much broader strategy. Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan commits to increasing the share of French-speaking permanent residents admitted outside Quebec to:

• 9% in 2026,
• 9.5% in 2027, and
• 10.5% in 2028, with a longer-term goal of reaching 12% by 2029.

A November 27, 2025 IRCC news release also announced new investments of about $3.6 million under the. Francophone Immigration Support Program, explicitly linking immigration to the vitality of Francophone minority communities and confirming these francophone targets.

From an analysis perspective (this is not legal advice), large French language proficiency draws in Express Entry are. a practical tool for IRCC to hit these ambitious Francophone immigration targets while still working within overall immigration levels caps.

Who Is Affected and How

French-speaking Express Entry candidates

The most direct beneficiaries of this Express Entry French language proficiency draw are candidates who:

• Are eligible for an Express Entry program (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class); and
• Have French test results at NCLC 7 or higher in all four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).

For these candidates, a CRS cut-off of 408 means that they may receive an Invitation to. Apply (ITA) at scores that would typically be too low in many general rounds of Express Entry.

In practice, this can significantly speed up immigration to Canada for strong French speakers.

Bilingual candidates (English + French)

Many candidates combine strong English with strong French. The Express Entry system already awards additional CRS points for French, and category-based selection.

adds another layer of advantage if they are drawn in a French language proficiency round.

For bilingual candidates, this draw confirms that:

• French can be a strategic differentiator in Express Entry, not just a “nice-to-have” skill.
• Improving French test scores may be more impactful than marginal gains in other CRS factors.
• Maintaining an up-to-date Express Entry profile with valid French test results is important, since category-based rounds can happen with only short notice.

Non-French-speaking Express Entry candidates

If you are in the Express Entry pool without French-language skills, the November 28 draw may feel frustrating, because it did not invite general candidates.

However, it still matters for your strategy.

From a strategic perspective:

• IRCC’s ongoing use of French language proficiency draws suggests that category-based rounds will remain a core part of Express Entry rather than a short-lived experiment.
• Candidates with no French may need to rely more heavily on other levers (Provincial Nominee Programs, Canadian work experience, job offers, or education in Canada).
• Some candidates could realistically consider learning French to reach NCLC 7 over the medium term as part of a multi-year immigration to Canada plan.

Francophone communities and provincial programs

For Francophone minority communities outside Quebec, this Express Entry French language proficiency draw is one more piece of a larger puzzle. The immigration levels plan and recent IRCC investments show a clear focus on increasing the number of French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec.

Provinces and territories that rely on Francophone immigration—often through the Provincial Nominee Program and various pilots—can leverage Express. Entry as a fast route for French-speaking skilled workers to obtain permanent residence and settle in designated Francophone communities.

Practical Scenarios and Examples

Scenario 1 – French-speaking candidate with mid-range CRS score

Amélie is a 30-year-old engineer who speaks French at a high level and English at an intermediate level. Her Express Entry CRS score is 412 based on education, age, work experience and language results.

She is eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and meets the French language requirement for the French language proficiency category.

In a general Express Entry draw, a score of 412 might not be competitive. In this French language proficiency draw, the cutoff is 408, so Amélie receives an.

ITA despite not having an exceptionally high CRS score compared to many general rounds.

Takeaway: For candidates like Amélie, French can be the deciding factor between waiting years in the pool and receiving an invitation now.

Scenario 2 – Candidate at the cut-off score (CRS 408)

Bilal has a CRS score of exactly 408 and meets the French language proficiency criteria. Whether he receives an ITA in this draw depends on the tie-breaking rule date and time set by IRCC.

For candidates with the minimum score, IRCC invites those who submitted their Express Entry profiles before a specific tie-break timestamp.

Takeaway: If you are at or near the cut-off score, the date you first submit (or re-submit) your Express Entry profile matters. Keeping your profile active and updated well before future draws can give you an edge.

Scenario 3 – Candidate without French but strong work experience in Canada

Diego has a CRS score of 525 and strong Canadian work experience under the Canadian Experience Class, but no French language results. He is not invited in the November 28 Express Entry French language proficiency draw, since this round is restricted to candidates in the French category.

However, the February 27, 2025 IRCC news release confirms that category-based and Canadian Experience Class draws will both be used to meet labour market needs.

Diego may receive an ITA in a future CEC or general draw; this French-focused round does not prevent other types of rounds from taking place.

Takeaway: Non-French-speaking candidates should track all types of Express Entry rounds and align expectations with IRCC’s current priorities rather than assuming only general draws matter.

Scenario 4 – Candidate planning a long-term Francophone strategy

Sara is 26 and working abroad as a teacher. Her English IELTS results are strong, but her French is currently at an intermediate level. Her CRS score is around 360, too low for most draws.

After seeing the continuing Express Entry French language proficiency draw pattern and Canada’s Francophone targets, she. decides to invest two to three years in improving her French to NCLC 7 or higher.

She also explores the Francophone Mobility work permit and the possibility of gaining Canadian work. experience in a Francophone community outside Quebec, based on official IRCC guidance for French-speaking skilled workers.

Takeaway: For younger candidates with time to plan, a deliberate strategy to become highly proficient. in French can transform their prospects in Express Entry and other pathways for immigration to Canada.

FAQ – November 28 French Language Proficiency Express Entry Draw

What happened in the November 28, 2025 Express Entry draw?

IRCC held a category-based Express Entry draw targeting candidates with French language proficiency. The draw invited 6,000 candidates, and the CRS score of the lowest-ranked invited candidate was 408, according to the IRCC rounds of invitations page.

What is a French language proficiency Express Entry draw?

A French language proficiency draw is a category-based Express Entry round. IRCC selects candidates who meet both Express Entry program requirements and specific French language criteria.

Only those who meet the French category conditions are ranked and invited in that round.

What French level do I need for the French language proficiency category?

IRCC states that to qualify for the French language proficiency category, you must have French test results showing at least NCLC 7. in all four language abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking), and you must also meet the requirements listed in the instructions for that specific round.

Why is IRCC focusing so much on Francophone immigration?

Canada’s immigration levels plan sets rising targets for French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec—9% in. 2026, 9.5% in 2027 and 10.5% in 2028, with a goal of 12% by 2029

. IRCC has also announced new investments to support Francophone communities and has made French language proficiency one of the key Express Entry categories.

Does this draw affect non-French-speaking Express Entry candidates?

Indirectly, yes. The more invitations IRCC issues to French-speaking candidates in category-based rounds, the fewer invitations may be available in some general rounds.

At the same time, IRCC has signalled that it will continue to use other categories. and Canadian Experience Class draws to address labour shortages, so non-French candidates still have options.

Is 408 now the “new normal” CRS score for Express Entry?

No. The 408 cutoff applies specifically to this French language proficiency draw on November 28, 2025. CRS thresholds differ by draw type and over time.

General and other category-based rounds may have higher or lower scores depending on. how many candidates are in the pool and IRCC’s priorities at the time.

Does this article guarantee that I will get permanent residence if I learn French?

No. This article is general information and analysis only, based on official IRCC sources. It does not constitute legal advice and cannot guarantee approval of any Express Entry or other immigration to Canada application.

Outcomes depend on your full profile, documentation, admissibility and IRCC’s decisions.

Conclusion – What the Latest French Express Entry Draw Means for You

The November 28, 2025 Express Entry French language proficiency draw is another clear. signal that strong French skills are a powerful advantage in Canada’s economic immigration system.

With 6,000 ITAs issued at a CRS cutoff of 408, IRCC is using. category-based selection to support Francophone immigration targets and to strengthen Francophone communities outside Quebec.

For current and future candidates, the practical next steps may include:

• Checking whether you could qualify for the French language proficiency category under Express Entry.
• Exploring ways to improve your French test scores to at least NCLC 7 in all abilities.
• Monitoring IRCC’s Express Entry rounds of invitations page and category-based selection updates regularly.
• Considering complementary strategies, such as Canadian work experience, Provincial Nominee Program options and Francophone community pathways.

Used thoughtfully, this information can help you and your advisor design a more realistic, French-focused. strategy for immigration to Canada—one that aligns with both your personal goals and IRCC’s current policy direction.

Sources / References

1. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, “Express Entry: Rounds of invitations,” program webpage (including latest round details).
2. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, “Express Entry: Category-based selection,” program webpage, including French language proficiency category eligibility.
3. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, “Canada announces 2025 Express Entry category-based draws, plans for more in-Canada draws to reduce labour shortages,” News release, February 27, 2025.
4. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, “Canada’s immigration levels” and “Supplementary Information for the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan,” policy web pages, updated November 5–6, 2025.
5. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, “Canada invests in Francophone communities and helps build their future by attracting top global talent,” News release, November 27, 2025.
6. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, “Express Entry for French-speaking skilled workers,” campaign webpage for Francophone immigration outside Quebec.