Canada Immigration Latest News | World Overseas Services
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released another significant Express Entry update by issuing 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with strong French-language proficiency. This draw continues Canada’s shift toward targeted, category-based selection under Express Entry in 2025.
This French-language category draw is particularly notable because it reflects Canada’s long-term commitment to strengthening Francophone communities and addressing national labour shortages. Over the past year, French-speaking candidates have consistently received the highest number of invitations through Express Entry.
Latest Express Entry Draw – May 26, 2025
The May 26 draw was specifically targeted toward candidates who demonstrate French-language ability, and IRCC invited a large number of applicants—making this draw one of the largest in its category this year.
Key Highlights
- Total ITAs Issued: 6,000
- Minimum CRS Score Required: 408
- Eligibility Cut-Off: Candidates must have created their profile before 12:28 p.m. UTC on May 26, 2025
- Draw Type: Category-based selection – French-language proficiency
This is the eighth French-language Express Entry draw conducted in 2025 and is tied for the third-largest such draw this year. The result demonstrates IRCC’s continued emphasis on building a strong, bilingual workforce.
French-Language Category Remains the Strongest in 2025
Among all category-based draws conducted this year, French-language draws have had the largest number of ITAs issued, with draw sizes ranging between 4,500 and 7,500 invitations. IRCC is clearly prioritizing applicants who can support Canada’s bilingual culture and fill critical roles across provinces outside Quebec.
Over the last 11 months alone, French-proficient candidates have received 42,000 ITAs — more than any other Express Entry category.
At World Overseas Services, we have observed an increasing number of French-speaking applicants benefiting from these targeted draws and achieving Canada PR faster due to lower CRS cut-offs and larger draw sizes.
Express Entry Draw Activity in November 2025
The May 26 French-language draw is the sixth draw of November 2025, following closely after:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw on November 26
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on November 25
- Healthcare category draw on November 14
This consistent frequency shows IRCC’s ongoing effort to meet Canada’s immigration targets for the year.
With this draw, IRCC has now issued a total of 94,476 Express Entry ITAs in 2025.
Express Entry Draw Trends in 2025
Express Entry invites in 2025 have been focused across a mix of traditional and category-based selections. However, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) continues to dominate the number of draws, due to Canada’s need for regional labour allocation.
Number of Draws by Category – 2025
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 22 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 13 |
| French-language Proficiency | 8 |
| Healthcare & Social Services | 6 |
| Education | 2 |
| Trade Occupations | 1 |
As seen above, the French-language stream has one of the highest numbers of draws conducted this year.
Total ITAs Issued by Category – 2025
Here is the complete breakdown of ITAs issued in each category up to the date of the latest draw:
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued to Date |
|---|---|
| French-language | 42,000 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 24,850 |
| Healthcare & Social Services | 13,500 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 9,376 |
| Education | 3,500 |
| Trade | 1,250 |
The largest share of invitations continues to go to French-language and CEC applicants, highlighting IRCC’s goal of attracting skilled workers with strong integration potential.
Why French-Speaking Candidates Are in High Demand
Canada has long aimed to increase its Francophone population outside Quebec. With ongoing labour shortages, particularly in healthcare, education, IT, trades, and public services, French-speaking professionals offer an advantage in filling bilingual roles.
Advantages for French-Speaking Applicants
- Lower CRS cut-offs
- Larger draw sizes
- Higher frequency of invites
- Better chances across both Express Entry and provincial nominee programs
- Strong integration and employability prospects
Through category-based draws such as this, IRCC is actively supporting Canada’s Francophone Strategy to boost French-language presence nationwide.
How This Draw Benefits Canada PR Aspirants
For candidates looking to immigrate to Canada under Express Entry, this draw is an excellent opportunity to boost eligibility, particularly if they have French-language proficiency or plan to improve their TEF/TCF Canada score.
Who Should Consider Applying?
- Candidates scoring well in TEF/TCF
- Skilled workers with bilingual proficiency
- Students or workers with experience in bilingual roles
- Applicants aiming to increase CRS through language points
- Those planning to combine French scores + PNP nomination
At World Overseas Services, we guide applicants on how to strategically use additional French-language points to increase their CRS score and secure faster ITAs.
How World Overseas Services Helps You Apply for Canada PR
World Overseas Services is a trusted Canada immigration consultancy helping thousands of applicants achieve their PR goals.
Our Canada PR Services Include:
- Free eligibility assessment
- CRS score calculation and improvement plan
- TEF/TCF French-language guidance
- Complete Express Entry profile creation
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) application support
- Documentation & proof of funds guidance
- Job assistance support (where applicable)
- Post-landing settlement support
With expert consultants and up-to-date knowledge of the latest IRCC draw trends, World Overseas Services ensures a smooth, fast, and reliable Canada PR process.
Conclusion: A Strong Year for French-Language Candidates
The May 26, 2025 draw proves that French-speaking candidates continue to enjoy some of the best opportunities in the Express Entry system. With 6,000 ITAs issued in this draw alone and a low CRS cut-off of 408, bilingual professionals stand a high chance of receiving an invitation soon.
As Canada continues to rely on category-based draws to target critical skills, now is the perfect time to begin your Canada PR journey.
For expert guidance, documentation, and profile optimization, World Overseas Services is here to help you every step of the way.