Express Entry Draw #339 | 4,500 Francophone Candidates Invited

In the latest Express Entry draw #339, an impressive amount of 4,500 candidates with French language proficiency received invitations to apply (ITAs). The minimum CRS score was 410 which is the lowest CRS score we have seen so far in 2025.

Express Entry Draw #339

Date of Draw: March 06, 2025 at 16:21:58 UTC

Number of Invitations Issued: 4,500

Minimum CRS: 410

Program Specified: French Language Proficiency

Tie-breaking rule: February 11, 2025 at 07:47:29 UTC

New Opportunities for French Speakers in 2025

In the latest Express Entry draw #339, an impressive amount of 4,500 Invitations to Apply (ITA) were issued to candidates with a minimum CRS score of 410. This draw specifically targeted individuals with proficiency in the French language, ensuring that all selected candidates met the necessary French language criteria in their Express Entry profiles.

In the last Express Entry Draw #337 held on December 3, 2024, for the French Language Proficiency stream, ITAs were sent to 6,500 candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 428. The new low CRS score of 410 is the lowest CRS score we have seen across all EE streams since August of last year (2024).

Express Entry – French Language Category Draws 2024/2025

The Importance of French Language Skills in Canada

The continuously large amount of ITAs being issued to those applying under the French language proficiency stream, demonstrates Canada’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the influx of French-speaking immigrants nationwide. The Canadian government has established significant targets for increasing francophone immigration outside of Quebec to reinforce and expand French-speaking communities

This initiative is driven by a decline in French-speaking populations across Canada. To support this initiative, the Official Languages Action Plan 2023-2028 has designated $137.2 million over five years to promote Francophone immigration. This funding will implement new measures, including a Francophone immigration policy, and expands upon earlier investments totalling $84.3 million.

Eligibility for the French Speaking Category

To qualify for this category, candidates must:

• Achieve a minimum score of 7 in all four language abilities on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens.
• Fulfill all specific requirements outlined for the draw.

Detailed requirements for each category are available on the Canadian government’s website.

How Can I Apply for Express Entry?

Number of Candidates in the Current Express Entry Pool

The IRCC updates the number of people in the Express Entry pool a few days before an invitation round takes place. Numbers change as new profiles are submitted, profiles expire or are issued an ITA.

As of today the composition of the Express Entry pool is:

Express Entry Pool of Candidates

Will Express Entry Still Hold All-Program Draws?

Express Entry holds different types of draws, not just category-based draws. There are three types of rounds:

1. General round of invitations (all-program draws): General rounds of invitations invite the top-ranking candidates in the Express Entry pool who are eligible for 1 of the 3 Express Entry Programs. The 3 programs include the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
2. Program-specific rounds of invitations: Program-specific rounds invite the top-ranking candidates who are eligible for a specific Express Entry program. For example, the IRCC often has draws specifically for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), where only candidates who are eligible for a PNP are invited.
3. Category-based rounds of invitations: The Minister of Immigration will establish specific categories to meet specific economic goals across Canada. Once the categories are established, the top-ranking candidates in the pool who are eligible for this category will receive an invitation.

Latest Express Entry Draw for All categories!

Check here the full list of the Express entry draws that were held this year:

Discover if your French language skills meet the criteria for Express Entry’s French Speaking Category.  Take the first step towards Canadian permanent residency!