More French speakers in Canada, lower CRS scores

The first draw of 2025 for the French Proficiency category selected 6500 candidates for permanent residency through Express Entry and did so with a CRS score of 428 (lower than the previous draw: 466), in December 2024. This is a great way for French-speaking professionals to start the year, as they will be able to take advantage of Express Entry to live in Canada while contributing to the country's economic growth.

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In this blog, you will find details about the first draw of 2025 for the French Proficiency category and the advantages of the double competitiveness of being a qualified professional and a French speaker at the same time. Read with me to the end and take note of these advantages. Let's get started.

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Express Entry 337 Drawing Details - French Proficiency Category

On February 19, 2025, in an almost historic event for the Express Entry system, the Canadian government launched its first lottery of the year for the French-speaking special category. The invited applicants (ITAs) numbered 6500 ( far more than the December 3, 2024 draw: 800 ITAs); they had to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 428 and have created an Express Entry profile by 4:41 p.m. Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on February 10, 2025.

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Proficiency in French is one of five special categories within the Express Entry system to target specific sectors of the labour market, and is an advantage for candidates who demonstrate language proficiency, as Canada values knowledge of its two official languages: English and French. 

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This lottery makes it clear that speaking French increases the chances of being selected for permanent residency (PR). 

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Mastering French and being a qualified professional: a double competitive edge

Proficiency in French can provide a sort of dual competitiveness for those candidates who possess skills in one of the priority sectors of the Immigration Tier Plan, such as the health sector. Basically, specific skills can lead to permanent residency in Canada through one immigration pathway or the other, as long as you meet all the eligibility requirements.

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In the special category rounds, the Canadian government invites candidates from the Express Entry pool who are eligible for a specific category to meet a crucial economic objective. Criteria for selection include the ability to communicate in a specific official language, English or French. Work experience in a specific occupation and level of education. To be selected to any Express Entry category, it is necessary to define and enhance your immigration profile and align it with Canada's priorities.

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In Canada, this year's focus is on French language proficiency as well as health care, technology and skilled trades. Candidates with experience in these areas of work and who also speak French are more likely to be selected in the category rounds. 

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Those interested in immigrating to Canada must know their immigration profile in order to determine the most appropriate and viable path to enter the country. 

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At Immiland, we can help you evaluate your profile for free so that you know which path to apply for. It is important that you are familiar with the requirements that make you eligible for a fast-track immigration program and that you always maintain a high level of language skills, especially French.

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Would you like to work and live in Canada this year? If you are a qualified professional and speak French, it is possible! You can schedule a consultation with the Immiland Canada team and start your immigration journey with us.

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I hope you found this topic useful, please share it with other interested parties! Thanks for reading. See you in the next blog.

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With love,

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Immiland Canada