Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Express Entry draw #388 on December 18, 2025, marking the sixth Express Entry draw of December 2025. In this round, IRCC issued 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the French-language proficiency category.
The draw recorded a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score of just 399, one of the lowest CRS thresholds seen in 2025, reinforcing Canada’s strong focus on category-based selection.
Express Entry Draw #388 – Key Details
- Draw number: 388
- Draw date: December 18, 2025
- Draw type: French-language proficiency
- Invitations issued: 6,000
- CRS cut-off: 399
- Tie-breaking rule: August 24, 2025, at 11:43 p.m. UTC
To be eligible, candidates needed to meet the CRS cut-off and have created their Express Entry profile before the tie-breaking date.
Why Express Entry Draw #388 Is Significant
This draw stands out for two key reasons:
- One of the lowest CRS cut-offs of 2025
- A large volume of invitations issued in a single round
Issuing 6,000 ITAs in a French-language proficiency draw signals IRCC’s intention to accelerate admissions in targeted categories before the end of the year.
For candidates with strong French skills, this draw represents a rare opportunity to receive an ITA without the high CRS scores typically required in other Express Entry categories.
Why the CRS Dropped Below 400
A CRS score below 400 is uncommon in most Express Entry draws. However, category-based selection allows IRCC to prioritize specific attributes instead of overall CRS ranking.
In French-language proficiency draws, candidates benefit from:
- Bonus CRS points for French language ability
- Lower competition compared to CEC or PNP draws
- Direct alignment with Canada’s Francophone immigration goals
This strategy supports the growth of Francophone minority communities across Canada while helping address labour shortages nationwide.
Express Entry Trends in 2025 So Far
As of Express Entry draw #388, IRCC has issued 117,998 ITAs through the Express Entry system in 2025.
Number of Draws by Category in 2025
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 23
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 15
- French-language proficiency: 9
- Healthcare and social services: 6
- Education: 2
- Trade: 1
French-language proficiency draws now represent a major share of Express Entry activity, highlighting IRCC’s preference for targeted immigration pathways.
French-Language Candidates Lead ITA Totals in 2025
Among all Express Entry categories, French-language proficiency candidates have received the highest number of invitations this year.
ITAs Issued by Category in 2025
- French-language proficiency: 48,000
- Canadian Experience Class: 36,850
- Healthcare and social services: 13,500
- Provincial Nominee Program: 9,775
- Education: 3,500
- Trade: 1,250
These numbers confirm that French language ability remains one of the strongest advantages in the Express Entry system.
Final Takeaway
Express Entry draw #388, issuing 6,000 ITAs with a CRS cut-off of 399, highlights IRCC’s strong preference for targeted immigration selection. French-language proficiency candidates continue to benefit from lower CRS thresholds, higher invitation volumes, and consistent draw frequency, making this category one of the most strategic routes to Canadian permanent residence.
