On December 17, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a significant Express Entry draw, issuing 6,000 invitations under the French language proficiency category for permanent residency. This draw is noteworthy as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cutoff score dropped below 400.
Details of the December 17 Express Entry Draw
- Category: French language proficiency Version 1
- Date: December 17, 2025
- CRS score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 399
- Number of Invitations Issued: 6,000
- Rank Required: 6,000 or above
- Tie-breaking Rule: August 24, 2025, at 23:43:05 UTC
If multiple candidates had the same lowest score, the tie-breaker was based on the submission date and time of their Express Entry profile, following IRCC’s standard practice.
The December 17 draw contributes to making December the most significant month for Express Entry in 2025. IRCC has already issued 19,522 invitations in December, surpassing the total for November. The pace of invitations has accelerated, signaling a shift in selection activity and processing.
Recent Express Entry Rounds
- December 17, 2025: French language proficiency (Version 1) – 6,000 invitations, CRS score: 399
- December 16, 2025: Canadian Experience Class – 5,000 invitations, CRS score: 515
- December 15, 2025: Provincial Nominee Program – 399 invitations, CRS score: 731
- December 11, 2025: Healthcare and social services occupations (Version 2) – 1,000 invitations, CRS score: 476
- December 10, 2025: Canadian Experience Class – 6,000 invitations, CRS score: 520
- December 8, 2025: Provincial Nominee Program – 1,123 invitations, CRS score: 729
IRCC’s diverse approach in issuing invitations across various categories ensures a strategic distribution to different applicant pools.
Importance of French Language Proficiency Draws
French language proficiency draws have become a vital aspect of Canada’s immigration system. Candidates with strong French skills have access to category-based invitations with lower CRS cut-offs, offering new opportunities for applicants.
The emphasis on French language proficiency aligns with the government’s priority of supporting Francophone minority communities outside Quebec, contributing to population growth and cultural diversity in various provinces.
A CRS cut-off of 399 in the recent draw indicates opportunities for candidates with valuable linguistic and cultural assets, emphasizing the significance of investing in French language skills for securing permanent residency in Canada.
As Canada moves into 2026, Express Entry candidates can anticipate continued focus on category-based selection, with French language proficiency, healthcare occupations, and in-Canada experience remaining key areas of interest.
The December 17 Express Entry draw marks a pivotal moment in Canada’s immigration landscape, with 6,000 invitations issued under the French language proficiency category, signaling IRCC’s commitment to scaling up permanent resident admissions.
The surge in invitations in December underscores the active nature of the Express Entry system, providing strong opportunities for candidates with the right skills and experiences.
