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Express Entry Draw Targets French-Speaking Candidates

Express Entry draw targets French-speaking candidates
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Express Entry Draw Targets French-Speaking Candidates

Express Entry draw targets French-speaking candidates, i.e., Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another Express Entry draw and issued more invitations to apply (ITAs).

In this latest round, the department invited 4,000 candidates who have strong French-language skills. This is the third Express Entry draw held in the same week, showing a fast pace of selections.

To qualify for this draw, candidates needed to meet the following conditions:

  • A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 400; and
  • Create an Express Entry profile before 8:13 p.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on April 7, 2026.

Summary Of Express Entry Draws In 2026

Draw Date Draw Type CRS Cut-Off Score ITAs Issued
April 29 French-Language proficiency 400 4,000
April 28 Canadian Experience Class 514 2,000
April 27 Provincial Nominee Program 795 473
April 15 French-Language proficiency 419 4,000
April 13 Provincial Nominee Program 786 324
April 2 Trades  477 3,000
March 31 Canadian Experience Class 509 2,250
March 30 Provincial Nominee Program 802 356
March 18 French-Language proficiency 393 4,000
March 17 Canadian Experience Class 507 4,000
March 16 Provincial Nominee Program 742 362
March 5 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 429 250
March 4 French-Language proficiency 397 5,500
March 3 Canadian Experience Class 508 4,000
March 2 Provincial Nominee Program  710 264
February 20 Healthcare and social services 467 4,000
February 19 Physicians with Canadian work experience 169 391
February 17 Canadian Experience Class 508 6,000
February 16 Provincial Nominee Program 789 279
February 6 French-Language proficiency 400 8,500
February 3 Provincial Nominee Program 749 423
January 21 Canadian Experience Class 509 6,000
January 20 Provincial Nominee Program 746 681
January 7 Canadian Experience Class 511 8,000
January 5 Provincial Nominee Program 711 574

This draw is the fifth one held under the French-language proficiency category in 2026. Overall, it is the twenty-sixth Express Entry draw of the year.

Even though fewer draws have been held this year, the number of invitations issued in each draw has been higher. Because of this, French-language candidates have received the second-highest number of ITAs so far. Only candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) have received more invitations.

Draw Types And Trends In 2026

Draw Type Number Of Draws
Provincial Nominee Program 9
Canadian Experience Class 8
French-Language proficiency 5
Physicians with Canadian work experience 1
Healthcare and social services 1
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 1
Trades 1

In 2026, most draws have focused on candidates who are already in Canada. These include individuals with Canadian work experience or those who have received a provincial nomination.

Total ITAs Issued By Category

Draw Type ITAs Issued
Canadian Experience Class 34,250
French-Language proficiency 26,000
Healthcare and social services 4,000
Provincial Nominee Program 3,736
Trades 3,000
Physicians with Canadian work experience 391
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 250

So far this year, IRCC has issued a total of 71,627 ITAs across all categories. These numbers show that Canada continues to focus on skilled workers who can support its economy, especially those who already have experience in the country or strong language skills.

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