Last Updated On 29 October 2025, 3:35 PM EDT (Toronto Time)
On October 29, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted the third Express Entry draw of the week under the category-based selection.
The Express Entry draw today specifically targeted candidates with French-language proficiency, sending 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) with the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score set at 416 points.
Applicants with a CRS of 416 or higher were invited, subject to the tie-breaking rule for profiles submitted on or before September 8, 2025, at 15:27:09 UTC.
Key Highlights Of The October 29 Express Entry Draw
- Category: French language proficiency (Version 1)
- Invitations issued: 6,000
- Minimum CRS score for lowest-ranked candidate: 416
- Tie-breaking timestamp: September 8, 2025, 15:27:09 UTC
- Rank needed: 6,000 or above in the pool
Canada has now issued a total of 81,485 ITAs in 2025, of which 36,000 were issued under the French-language category.
In comparison, IRCC issued 98,903 ITAs in 2024 and 110,266 in 2023.
A notable feature of this round is the CRS cut-off of 416, which is markedly lower compared to many other category-based rounds of invitations.
This reflects not only the category-specific nature of the draw but also suggests a window of opportunity for French-proficient candidates who may have lower overall CRS scores.
Table of Contents
Summary Of All The Express Entry Draws This Week
| # | Date | Round type | Invitations issued | CRS cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 374 | Oct 27, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 302 | 761 |
| 375 | Oct 28, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 533 |
| 376 | Oct 29, 2025 | French-language proficiency (Version 1) | 6,000 | 416 |
CRS threshold cooling down in French-language draws
Since August 2025, the French-language proficiency category has seen a consistent downward trend in the CRS cut-off, making this stream more accessible for qualifying candidates.
Some key data:
| Date | Invitations issued | CRS cut-off |
| Oct 29, 2025 | 6,000 | 416 |
| Oct 6, 2025 | 4,500 | 432 |
| Sept 4, 2025 | 4,500 | 446 |
| Aug 8, 2025 | 2,500 | 481 |
| Mar 21, 2025 | 7,500 | 379 |
| Mar 6, 2025 | 4,500 | 410 |
| Feb 19, 2025 | 6,500 | 428 |
The pattern is clear: after a peak of 481 in August, the cut-off has steadily moved lower — to 446 in September, then 432, and now 416.
This indicates a strategic pull by IRCC to invite more candidates meeting French proficiency—yet with somewhat relaxed CRS thresholds compared to other streams.
This third draw of the week — marks a pivotal moment for French-speaking skilled workers aspiring to make Canada home.
With 6,000 ITAs and a cut-off of just 416, the bar in this category is more accessible than many might expect.
For those with strong French test results and an Express Entry profile in the pool, this opens a meaningful pathway to Canadian permanent residency.
For candidates still preparing, the trend of lowering CRS thresholds suggests that timely preparation and profile optimization could pay off in future draws.
If you or someone you know meets the French-language proficiency requirement and has a CRS around or above 416 (or is working to boost to that level), now is the time to keep your profile ready and documents up-to-date.
FAQs—What you should know
What exactly is the French-language proficiency category under Express Entry?
It is a category established by IRCC under the category-based selection framework. To qualify, you must meet standard Express Entry eligibility and the specific category requirement: French-language test results at or above NCLC 7 in all four skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
I have a French proficiency level of 7 but a CRS of only 410 — am I eligible?
For this round, the minimum cut-off was 416. So while you are eligible for the category (if your test shows NCLC 7 in all four skills), with a CRS of 410 you would not receive an ITA in this draw. It may still be worth staying in the pool or boosting your CRS for a future draw.
Does the French test have to be less than two years old?
Yes, your French-language test results must be less than two years old on the date the immigration officer receives your permanent-residence application.
If I get an ITA, how long do I have to apply?
Once issued, an Invitation to Apply gives you 60 calendar days (in most cases) to submit a complete electronic application for permanent residence. Ensure all your supporting documents are ready.
Does being bilingual (French and English) help my CRS even if not in the French-language draw category?
Yes. Even in general draws, candidates with strong French proficiency and adequate English may earn additional CRS points. This can improve ranking even in non-category draws.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
You may also like: 4 New CRA Benefit Payments Coming In April 2026
New GST Payment To Be Sent Canada-Wide On April 2
New Canada Laws and Rules Coming April 2026
New CRA Tax Refund Timelines For Canadians In 2026