Canada’s 3rd Express Entry Draw: 2,500 PR Invitations Issued

By Visa Jobs CanadaAugust 9, 2025Express Entry UpdatesCanada immigration, Express Entry, PR invitations, visa sponsorship, work permits

On August 8, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its third Express Entry draw of the week, issuing 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency (PR). This particular draw specifically focused on candidates with French language proficiency, requiring a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 481.

This concerted effort highlights Canada’s commitment to enhancing linguistic diversity and promoting economic growth, particularly outside of Quebec where Francophone immigration is being prioritized. It’s a positive sign for candidates who speak French and are looking for opportunities in Canada.

Overview of the August 8, 2025, Express Entry Draw

This latest Express Entry draw specifically targeted candidates showcasing strong French language skills, in line with Canada’s strategic goals. Here are the essential details:

Date and Time: August 8, 2025
Category: French Language Proficiency
Number of ITAs Issued: 2,500
CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate: 481
Rank Required: 2,500 or above
Tie-Breaking Rule: Profiles submitted before July 18, 2025, at 05:16:06 UTC were prioritized if multiple candidates had the same minimum CRS score of 481.

Back-to-Back Express Entry Draws

This week was bustling for Canada’s Express Entry system, featuring three draws that catered to various candidate profiles. For a broader understanding, let’s briefly explore the draws that preceded the August 8 draw.

First Draw: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – August 6, 2025

This draw invited candidates who received nominations from Canadian provinces or territories, automatically adding 600 points to their CRS scores. This substantial boost highlights the importance of regional ties in the immigration process.

Second Draw: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – July 22, 2025

This one targeted individuals with at least one year of Canadian work experience within the last three years, requiring a higher CRS cut-off of 534 compared to previous CEC draws.

Why French Language Proficiency Draws Are Important

Canada’s Express Entry system, initiated in 2015, manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). In 2023, the IRCC introduced category-based selection draws focusing on candidates with specific skills or attributes, such as French language proficiency. This change aims to address ongoing labour market shortages and demographic needs.

French language proficiency draws form a central part of Canada’s immigration strategy, which goal is to admit over 29,000 Francophone newcomers in 2025, increasing steadily in the following years. These draws especially benefit candidates who score a minimum level of 7 on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC), which assesses French abilities in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Notably, candidates with strong French skills can earn up to 56 additional CRS points, significantly enhancing their chances of getting an ITA. Moreover, the lower cut-offs for French proficiency draws—like the recent score of 481—create a more accessible pathway compared to general or PNP draws that often require higher scores.

Preparing for Your Move to Canada

To qualify for opportunities through French language proficiency draws, candidates need to:

Meet Express Entry Program Requirements: Ensure eligibility for FSWP, CEC, or the FSTP.
Demonstrate French Proficiency: Achieve at least NCLC level 7 in all four language abilities.

Improving your French proficiency, gaining Canadian work experience, or obtaining a provincial nomination can significantly enhance your CRS scores. For instance, a candidate with strong qualifications and French language skills may find greater success in these draws.

The third Express Entry draw of the week shows Canada’s continued dedication to attracting skilled, French-speaking immigrants. With 2,500 ITAs issued, opportunities abound for candidates with strong linguistic skills. Combined with the earlier draws, a total of 3,725 ITAs were issued this week, making a significant impact.

With Canada prioritizing diverse skills and language capabilities, now is the perfect time to explore the pathways available to you. Whether you’re a French-speaking professional or considering other options, pursuing your Canadian dream has never been more attainable.