French-Language Express Entry Draw: Canada Issues 6,000 ITAs in the Massive November 28 Update

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BY GUNNESS & ASSOCIATES

December 22, 2025

Canada’s immigration strategy has received a significant boost with the latest French-language Express Entry draw, which took place on November 28, 2025. This special category-based selection round issued an impressive 6,000 Invitations to Apply for permanent residency-one of the biggest French-language draws ever recorded.

Moreover, the competitive cut-off score of 408 in the Comprehensive Ranking System made this draw a very important opportunity for French-speaking candidates looking to build their future in Canada. The major round reinforces Canada’s continuing commitment to welcoming highly skilled, French-speaking newcomers into the country’s workforce and communities, especially outside Quebec.

A Huge Boost for French-Speaking Candidates

The French-language Express Entry draw remains one of the best avenues for Francophone candidates who intend to immigrate. IRCC carries out such targeted rounds with the aim of fortifying bilingual talent throughout the provinces.

The November 28 draw stands out due to:

6,000 ITAs issued – one of the largest draws since targeted rounds began
CRS cut-off: 408 – allowing many qualified candidates to receive invitations
Category-based selection focused on French-language proficiency
Increased opportunities for settlement outside Quebec

This represents a strong commitment by IRCC to the growth of Francophone communities and linguistic diversity across Canada.

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Why Canada Prioritizes French-Speaking Immigrants?

Canada has firm targets to increase the intake of Francophone newcomers outside Quebec, and the recent French-language Express Entry draw clearly manifests this policy. Indeed, with shortages in fields like health, education, technologies, transportation, and social services, French-speaking professionals bring immense value to Canada’s workplace and communities.

Some key reasons that drive this are:

Economic growth and labour market support
Strengthening Francophone minority communities
Promoting bilingualism throughout Canada
Addressing shortages in high-demand occupations

Thanks to these priorities, candidates who participate in the French-language Express Entry draw often enjoy unique advantages, including:

Lower CRS cut-offs
Frequent draw opportunities
Faster pathways to permanent residency

The most recent draw serves as a clear example of how Canada rewards French-speaking applicants under the Express Entry draw system, further advancing this country’s goal of increasing Francophone immigration across the country.

Breakdown of the November 28 Express Entry Draw

Here are the official highlights of the draw:

Draw Type: Category-based – French-language proficiency
Date: November 28, 2025
Invitations Issued: 6,000
CRS Cut-Off Score: 408
Tie-Breaking Rule: As per IRCC, based on the profile submission time

This draw is part of a regular pattern in 2025 to conduct large category-based rounds to meet immigration targets. The strong focus on French-speaking candidates is in line with Canada’s national immigration mandate.

Who Benefits the Most from This Draw?

This draw is especially beneficial for candidates who:

Have CLB 7 or higher in French
Are eligible under Federal Skilled Worker, CEC, or Federal Skilled Trades
Are planning to settle outside Quebec
Have Canadian or foreign work experience in key sectors
Possess strong educational backgrounds or job offers

Even candidates with slightly lower scores than usual had a solid chance this time due to the reduced CRS cut-off.

What This Means for Future Express Entry Draws?

This massive 6,000-ITA round signals that Canada may continue to rely heavily on category-based draws heading into 2026. We may see:

More French-language draws with high ITA numbers
Possible decreases in CRS cut-offs for targeted categories
Increased opportunities for international students and skilled workers
Continued emphasis on priority sectors like healthcare, STEM, and trades

Candidates who improve their French-language skills or obtain a French test report will have a competitive edge in upcoming rounds.

Canada Express Entry – French Draw

The French Language Express Entry stream is a targeted immigration program launched by the Canadian government to invite bilingual and French-speaking skilled workers worldwide and develop the French-speaking community outside the province of Quebec. This Express Entry stream round targets candidates with good proficiency in the French language, usually measured as part of the Canadian Language proficiency tests – TEF Canada or TCF Canada.

This round of Express Entry stream has eased the eligibility requirement of the Central entrance requirement score, making it easy for bilingual and French-speaking candidates to obtain Canadian Permanent Resident Status in key sectors of the Canadian economy.

The French Language Express Entry stream aligns with Canada’s Immigration Plan to counter its economic human resource shortages, enhance the linguistic diversity of Canada, and develop the nation’s economy with the best global skilled French-speaking talent.

How to get PR in Canada with French language?

It has become easier and more sensible to obtain PR in Canada as a French-speaking individual because of the immense emphasis on Francophone immigration in the provinces outside of Quebec, especially as a result of the French-Language Express Entry Draw.

Applicants who have a high skill level in French (CLB/NCLC 7 or higher) have the opportunity to be selected based on category Express Entry Draws irrespective of a low CRS score selection requirement compared to general Express Entry Draws and have an immense selection chance to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to gain permanent residency.

Applicants speaking French can also gain extra points in the CRS system based on bilingualism. Apart from the Express Entry system, there are a few Provincial Nominee Programs that emphasize the selection of French-speaking applicants and provide an expedited procedure to attain permanent residency. By matching French-speaking ability to education and flexibility, an applicant can access the most sought-after immigration option to enter Canada.

Is French language in demand in Canada?

Yes, the French language is in high and increasing demand in Canada, particularly as the federal government continues to encourage Francophone immigration to enhance bilingualism and Francophone presence in provinces other than Quebec. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has launched targeted nomination in general expressions of interest in the Express Entry program, including the French Language Express Entry Draw, to provide a huge advantage to qualified French-speaking applicants, often requiring lower Comprehensive Ranking System Cut-off scores in general expressions of interest compared to other pools.

Bilingual or French-speaking workers are in high demand by companies in general areas such as healthcare, education, customer service, IT, and government, particularly in Ontario, New Brunswick, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia provinces. The growing focus by the government to enhance Francophone immigration continues to make proficiency in the French language an added value in the immigration outcome in Canada.

Need Help with Your Express Entry Application?

An Express Entry profile—particularly in the case of category-based draws—requires great accuracy and strategic preparation; any minute mistake may cost you an invitation.

If you require professional assistance, Gunness & Associates has expertise in:

Creation of an Express Entry profile
Category-based draw guidance
Applications by French-speaking candidates
Work permits, PR pathways, and documentation
Strategies to improve CRS scores

Our experienced team will assist you in developing a robust, error-free application to increase your chances of getting an ITA.

Does the French language help to get PR in Canada?

Yes, good French-language skills will definitely provide a greater possibility of obtaining PR in Canada. IRCC still supports the applications of bilingual and French-speaking candidates for the benefit of Francophone communities outside the province of Quebec, as evidenced by this advantage in the categorization within the French-language Express Entry draw.

Candidates who are highly proficient in French often get additional points in CRS, face cut-off scores that are lower than usual, and also experience categories with more frequent invitations. Whether applying through Express Entry, PNP streams, or other federal pathways, being fluent in French not only boosts your profile but positions you to be a top candidate for Canada’s growing labor market and immigration targets.

Final Thoughts

This makes the Express Entry draw on November 28, 2025, one of the biggest moments this year in Canada’s immigration system. A total of 6,000 invitations with a CRS cut-off of 408 is a remarkable opportunity for French-speaking skilled workers to build a successful future in Canada. Preparing early and ensuring a strong profile can help you take full advantage of the upcoming rounds.

If you want to know more details about “French-Language Express Entry Draw: Canada Issues 6,000 ITAs in the Massive November 28 Update“ you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates.

Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.

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