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anada just held its first category-based draw for 2025, and it’s a significant one. In a landmark move emphasizing Canada’s dedication to attracting French-speaking immigrants, 6,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued in the latest Express Entry Draw 337 targeting candidates proficient in the French language. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 428. This draw marked the second-largest French language draw ever.
Express Entry Draw 337 Details
Date of Draw: February 19, 2025, at 16:18:12 UTC
Number of ITAs issued: 6,500
Minimum CRS score: 428
Program specified: French Language Proficiency
This draw highlights a notable trend, the first French language Express Entry draw each year tends to be substantial. With 6,500 invitations, this is the second-largest French draw ever, following last year’s 7,000-invitation draw on February 1, 2024.
Express Entry – French Language Category Draws 2024
| Date | Invitations | CRS Score |
| February 1, 2024 | 7,000 | 365 |
| February 29, 2024 | 2,500 | 336 |
| March 26, 2024 | 1,500 | 388 |
| April 24, 2024 | 1,400 | 410 |
| July 8, 2024 | 3,200 | 420 |
| July 18, 2024 | 1,800 | 400 |
| August 15, 2024 | 2,000 | 394 |
| September 13, 2024 | 1,000 | 446 |
| October 10, 2024 | 1,000 | 444 |
| November 15, 2024 | 800 | 478 |
Interestingly, this is the first French draw inviting more than 1,000 candidates since August 15, 2024, when 2,000 French-speaking applicants received ITAs. However, the CRS cut-off of 428 is significantly higher than last year’s major draw, which had a minimum CRS score of 365, indicating increased competition in the pool.
As Canada continues to prioritize category-based Express Entry draws, French-speaking candidates can expect more opportunities with lower CRS requirements. With the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan aiming to welcome over 500,000 newcomers annually, linguistic diversity will remain a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration strategy.
