Canada invites foreigners to apply for permanent residency based on French proficiency

Foreign nationals wanting to settle in Canada can apply for Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) status under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows them to reside, live, and work in the country.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has invited foreigners to apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry system based on their French language proficiency, for the first time in 2025, according to a report by Financial Express.

6,500 invitations were issued with the CRS score of the lowest-ranked candidate set at 428, the report added. This is a notable decline from 466 in the last similar draw.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based system that we use to assess and score your profile and rank it in the Express Entry pool.

The draw, held on February 19, was only for French language proficiency candidates, reflecting Canada's continued push to attract Francophone talent.

Successful candidates now have 60 days to submit their applications, which typically process within six months.

Foreign nationals wanting to settle in Canada can apply for Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) status under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows them to reside, live, and work in the country.

Canada Express Entry is a program for skilled immigrants seeking PR in Canada that is administered by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) through various programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Provincial Nominee Programme.