Express Entry Draw #388
CRS 399 - French Language
CRS Score
399
116 vs previous
ITAs Issued
6,000
1000 vs previous
Program
French Language
Processing
IRCC times by programHow Draw #388 Compares
The round before this one was draw #387 on December 16, 2025, a Canadian Experience Class draw that invited 5,000 candidates with a cut-off of 515. Against that round, the CRS cut-off fell by 116 points, from 515 to 399, and invitations rose from 5,000 to 6,000. The last French Language draw before this one was #382 on November 28, 2025, 19 days earlier. Compared with that draw, the CRS cut-off fell by 9 points, from 408 to 399, and invitations were unchanged at 6,000. In the 12 months up to and including this round, IRCC held 9 French Language draws with cut-offs from 379 to 481 and 48,000 invitations in total; 399 sat 20 points above the lowest cut-off and 82 points below the highest.
What This Draw Means
Express Entry Draw #388 was held on December 17, 2025, targeting French language proficiency (Version 1) candidates. The minimum CRS score was 399 with 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued.
Tie-Breaking Rule
Tie-break date and time: August 24, 2025 at 23:43:05 UTC. Candidates with exactly 399 points were invited only if they submitted their profile before this time.
What This Means For You
French Language Priority
French language proficiency draws have significantly lower CRS requirements. Achieving CLB 7+ in French adds 25-50 bonus points and qualifies you for these targeted draws.
If Your Score is Higher
You likely would have received an ITA in this draw. Ensure your profile is complete and up-to-date to receive invitations in future draws.
If Your Score is Lower
Focus on improving your CRS score through better language tests, additional education, Canadian experience, or a provincial nomination.
How to Improve Your CRS Score
Improve Language Scores
Retake IELTS/CELPIP to achieve CLB 9+ in all abilities. Each band increase significantly boosts your score.
Provincial Nomination (+600 Points)
Apply for PNP programs in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, or Alberta. An Express Entry-linked nomination adds 600 CRS points; 2026 Provincial Nominee Program rounds have cut off between 697 and 805.
Gain Canadian Experience
Work in Canada on a work permit to earn up to 80 CRS points for Canadian work experience.
Learn French (Up to 50 Points)
French proficiency (CLB 7+) adds bonus points and qualifies you for French-language draws with lower cut-offs.
Get Expert Help
Our RCIC consultants can calculate your exact CRS score, identify the best strategies to improve it, and help you navigate the Express Entry process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Each case is unique and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) before making immigration decisions.