Two notable updates related to French-speaking applicants under Canada’s Express Entry (EE) system were released today:
1️⃣ French-Language Proficiency Stream: 7,500 ITAs issued, cutoff score drops to 379
In today’s targeted draw for the French-Language Proficiency stream, 7,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 379—one of the lowest scores seen in recent draws.
Based on current CRS rules, a typical applicant near this cutoff might have the following profile:
- Single
- Bachelor’s degree
- French language level at CLB 7 (equivalent to B2)
- No Canadian work or study experience
- At least 3 years of skilled work experience abroad
Without additional factors such as provincial nomination, Canadian education, etc, candidates like this would traditionally struggle to receive an invitation. This draw indicates that French proficiency continues to be a significant differentiator in the current Express Entry landscape.
So far in 2025, Canada has issued 18,500 ITAs through French-speaking draws—noticeably higher than in previous years.
2️⃣ EE Bonus Points Update: LMIA removed, French language bonus refined
In addition to the draw results, IRCC has made updates to the additional points system in the EE Calculator, affecting two key areas:
✅ LMIA-related bonus points have been removed
Previously, having a valid LMIA-based job offer in Canada could grant applicants 50 or 200 points. These points are now no longer reflected in the Express Entry calculator. This change may affect applicants who rely on employer support for competitive CRS scores.
✅ Bonus points for second official language (French) adjusted
Under the new system, if you:
- Have English as your first official language with at least CLB 7, and
- Also achieve CLB 7 in French
You may now receive up to 100 additional CRS points for bilingual language ability.
However, if your French is strong (CLB 7+) but your English is relatively weak (e.g., CLB 5), the maximum French-language bonus is capped at 75 points.
These changes highlight the advantage for applicants who have strong proficiency in both English and French. That said, non-French-speaking candidates are not excluded from the EE process. Core programs like CEC and FSW remain active and accessible to applicants without French language credentials.
Final Thoughts
Today’s updates suggest that Canada’s immigration priorities continue to evolve, especially in language-related pathways. If you’re currently in the EE pool or preparing to enter, it may be a good time to re-evaluate your CRS profile in light of these changes—particularly in terms of language scores, education, and work experience.
If you need help understanding your options or assessing your eligibility under the current EE framework, feel free to reach out for support.
