Canada has conducted another Express Entry draw, this time inviting candidates with strong French-language skills to apply for permanent residence. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 5,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the French-language proficiency category.
The draw was held on July 22, 2026, and recorded one of the lowest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off scores for this category in recent months. This latest invitation round reflects Canada’s continued efforts to attract French-speaking immigrants who can support communities across the country and help meet labour market needs.
To qualify for this draw, candidates had to meet the following requirements:
- A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 399; and
- Have created an Express Entry profile before 9:21 p.m. Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on November 19, 2025.
Summary Of Express Entry Draws
| Date | Draw Type | CRS Cut-Off Score | ITAs Issued |
| July 22 | French-Language proficiency | 399 | 5,000 |
| July 21 | Canadian Experience Class | 516 | 2,000 |
| July 20 | Provincial Nominee Program | 744 | 511 |
| July 10 | Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 392 | 500 |
| July 9 | French-Language proficiency | 420 | 5,000 |
| July 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 517 | 2,000 |
| July 6 | Provincial Nominee Program | 708 | 534 |
| June 25 | Healthcare and social services | 475 | 4,000 |
| June 24 | Physicians with Canadian Work Experience | 223 | 271 |
| June 23 | Canadian Experience Class | 516 | 4,000 |
| June 22 | Provincial Nominee Program | 730 | 955 |
| May 28 | French-Language proficiency | 409 | 4,500 |
| May 27 | Canadian Experience Class | 518 | 3,000 |
| May 25 | Provincial Nominee Program | 805 | 334 |
| May 11 | Provincial Nominee Program | 798 | 380 |
| 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 14 | Canadian Experience Class | 515 | 2,000 |
| 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 |
The latest French-language proficiency draw recorded the lowest CRS cut-off since March 2026, making it easier for more eligible French-speaking candidates to receive an invitation. A lower CRS score often gives additional opportunities to candidates who may not qualify under general Express Entry draws.
IRCC has now conducted 41 Express Entry draws in 2026. Throughout the year, the department has continued to focus on candidates with Canadian work experience, provincial nominations, and French-language skills. This approach supports Canada’s economic goals while encouraging the growth of French-speaking communities outside Quebec.
| Draw Type | Number Of Draws |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 14 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 12 |
| French-Language proficiency | 8 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 2 |
| Healthcare and social services | 2 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 2 |
| Trades | 1 |
Total ITAs Issued Through Express Entry In 2026
Since the beginning of 2026, IRCC has issued 104,612 Invitations to Apply across different Express Entry categories. French-language proficiency draws have remained one of the largest invitation categories this year, showing Canada’s ongoing commitment to welcoming French-speaking immigrants.
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
| Canadian Experience Class | 45,250 |
| French-Language proficiency | 40,500 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 6,450 |
| Healthcare and social services | 8,000 |
| Trades | 3,000 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 662 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 750 |
The latest draw highlights Canada’s continued focus on targeted Express Entry invitations. By lowering the CRS cut-off to 399 for French-language candidates, IRCC has expanded opportunities for more qualified applicants to move closer to Canadian permanent residence. As Express Entry draws continue throughout the year, candidates with French-language skills are likely to remain an important part of Canada’s immigration strategy.
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