Express Entry French Language Draw #388 Invites 6,000 Candidates with CRS 399

If you are a Francophone or a bilingual professional dreaming about Canada, the latest Express Entry French language draw is a very clear signal. Canada is not only welcoming French-speaking talent. It is actively prioritising it.

On December 17, 2025, Immigratio,n Refugees and Citizenship Canada held Express Entry draw #388 under the French language proficiency category. A total of 6,000 Invitations to Apply were issued, with a CRS cut-off score of 399. This CRS level is the lowest for this category in 2025, and one of the most attractive thresholds seen this year across all Express Entry categories.

For many French-speaking candidates sitting in the pool with scores in the high 300s and low 400s, this Express Entry French language draw has turned hope into a real plan. Let us look at what happened, why it matters, and how you can position your profile for the next opportunity.

Key Facts from Express Entry French Language Draw #388

Here is a quick snapshot of the draw.

A few points stand out for Express Entry candidates.

• CRS 399 is the lowest cut this year for French language rounds.
• This was the ninth French-focused draw of 2025.
• The number of invitations remained high at 6,000, which is in line with the strong use of this category throughout the year.

Placed beside the Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program rounds held on December 15 and 16, this French draw confirms a very active finish to the 2025 Express Entry calendar.

Why Canada is Investing in French-Speaking Newcomers

This Express Entry French language draw is not a one-time event. It sits inside a wider national direction. Canada has clear targets to increase the share of French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec. Francophone communities in provinces such as Ontario, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia need teachers, health workers, social workers, tech professionals, and many other skills. Local employers want staff who can serve clients in both official languages. Category-based selection allows Canada to invite candidates whose French ability supports these goals, even when their CRS scores are below the very high cut-offs seen in other rounds. A CRS of 399 would rarely be competitive in a large Canadian Experience Class round in 2025. Yet in this French-focused selection, it opens the door to permanent residence.

For candidates, this means that serious investment in French is no longer optional. It can be the difference between waiting in the pool for years and receiving an Invitation to Apply.

Who Can Benefit from French Language Express Entry Draws

You may benefit from future rounds similar to Express Entry draw #388 if you fit one of the following profiles.

• You already speak French at an intermediate or high level and can prove it through approved language tests.
• You studied in a French-medium program or have worked in a French-speaking environment.
• You are just below recent CRS cut-offs in other categories, but strong in French.
• You are planning your Express Entry strategy early and can build French into your long-term plan.
  
  

To qualify for these French language rounds, you still need to be eligible under one of the main economic programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program or the Canadian Experience Class. The French factor then gives you extra points and access to category-based invitations.

Many candidates ask why scores still feel high in 2025. The answer lies in a mix of factors. Canada has slightly lower economic immigration levels than some past years. There was a pause earlier in 2025 for Canadian Experience Class rounds which created a backlog of strong candidates. Several provinces have also adjusted their PNP nomination volumes, keeping more high scoring profiles in the federal pool.

Against this backdrop, the French category gives a more accessible route, provided you are ready to invest in language.

How to Prepare for the Next French – Focused Round

Here are practical steps if you want to benefit from the next Express Entry French language draw.

• Book or retake an approved French test such as TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
• Aim for at least CLB 7 in all abilities if possible. Higher scores can push your CRS up sharply.
• Combine French with strong English results to unlock extra points for both official languages.
• Review your work experience, education, and age factors to make sure you are not leaving any points on the table.
• Keep your Express Entry profile active and accurate so you are ready when the next round arrives.
  

Remember that Canada values real ties. Study, work, family connections, and prior time in Canada, together with language, all strengthen your profile over time.

Express Entry French Language Draw Opens Doors for 2026

The December 17, 2025, Express Entry French language draw is another clear sign that Francophone and bilingual talent has a bright future in Canada. With 6,000 invitations issued and a CRS cut off of 399, this round proves that strategic language planning can still bring permanent residence within reach, even in a very competitive year. If you are serious about building your future in Canada, now is the time to treat the Express Entry French language draw pattern as a long term opportunity, not a one day headline.

Stay ahead of the curve and follow Canada Immigration News for real-time updates on Express Entry, French-focused rounds, and Canada-wide immigration trends. Turn news into action and give your Canadian dream a clear direction.