The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a French-language focused Express Entry draw, issuing 800 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 466 to be considered. This draw follows a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on December 2, and comes after November’s six Express Entry draws that resulted in 5,507 ITAs.
The draw is part of Canada’s new immigration strategy, which includes a focus on candidates with Canadian work experience and regional programs. The “In-Canada” category has been allocated 82,980 permanent residence admissions, representing over 40% of planned admissions for the next year.
Looking ahead, Canada plans to increase ITAs for French-speaking candidates outside Quebec, with projected admissions rising to 29,235 in 2025, with further increases planned for 2026 and 2027 as part of the IRCC’s Francophone immigration strategy.
