6,000 candidates with French language proficiency received ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 399

By Vicky

Dec 18, 2025 | 2 min read

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted another major Express Entry draw 388 this week, issuing 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the French language proficiency category. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for this round was 399 points, marking one of the lowest cut-offs seen this year for category-based draws.

Key Highlights of the Express Entry Draw 388

Date of Draw: December 17, 2025
Type of Draw: French language proficiency (category-based round)
Number of ITAs Issued: 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs)
Minimum CRS Cut-Off Score: 399 points
Tie-Breaking Rule Date & Time: August 24, 2025 at 23:43:05 UTC

Today’s draw marks the 58th Express Entry draw of 2025, highlighting IRCC’s continued focus on category-based selections. It is the 9th Express Entry draw targeting French language proficiency candidates this year, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to welcoming francophone immigrants.

The CRS score range for French language proficiency draws in 2025 has varied significantly, with the lowest score recorded at 379 and the highest at 481. Invitation numbers in French language proficiency draws have also fluctuated, with the lowest number of ITAs issued at 2,500, while the largest draw in 2025 issued up to 7,500 invitations.

The Express Entry Draw #388 stands out in 2025 for issuing 6,000 ITAs at a low CRS score of 399 in the French language proficiency category, demonstrating Canada’s continued emphasis on bilingual talent and offering a promising pathway for eligible French-speaking applicants seeking permanent residence.