Canada’s immigration department has issued a fresh round of invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence through the Express Entry system, this time targeting candidates with French‑language abilities.
French‑language draw – 6 August 2026
- ITAs issued: 5,000
- CRS cut‑off: 391 (the lowest for this draw type since March 2025)
- Eligibility window: Candidates had to create an Express Entry profile before 23:32 UTC on 18 March 2026.
The draw underscores IRCC’s ongoing focus on increasing francophone immigration outside Quebec.
2026 Express Entry draw activity – at a glance
| Draw type | Number of draws (2026) | ITAs issued (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 15 | 6,957 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 13 | 48,250 |
| French‑language proficiency | 9 | 45,500 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 2 | 662 |
| Healthcare and social services | 2 | 8,000 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian work experience | 2 | 750 |
| Trades | 1 | 3,000 |
| Skilled Military Recruits | 1 | 4 |
Total ITAs issued in 2026: 113,123 across all draw categories.
Recent draw chronology (selected)
| Date | Draw type | CRS cut‑off | ITAs issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Aug 2026 | French‑language proficiency | 391 | 5,000 |
| 5 Aug 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 516 | 3,000 |
| 4 Aug 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 768 | 507 |
| 23 Jul 2026 | Skilled Military Recruits | 368 | 4 |
| 22 Jul 2026 | French‑language proficiency | 399 | 5,000 |
| 9 Jul 2026 | French‑language proficiency | 420 | 5,000 |
| 6 Feb 2026 | French‑language proficiency | 400 | 8,500 |
| 3 Mar 2026 | French‑language proficiency | 397 | 5,500 |
| 18 Mar 2026 | French‑language proficiency | 393 | 4,000 |
(Only draws relevant to French‑language and major categories are shown; a full list is available in the source.)
What the numbers mean for francophone applicants
- CRS threshold: A score of 391 or higher is now sufficient for the latest French‑language draw, considerably lower than many previous rounds.
- Profile timing: Only candidates with a profile created before 23:32 UTC on 18 March 2026 were eligible, highlighting the importance of maintaining an up‑to‑date Express Entry entry.
- Language requirement: Applicants must demonstrate French proficiency that meets IRCC’s language‑testing standards (e.g., TEF Canada, TCF Canada).
- Strategic focus: IRCC continues to prioritize francophone immigration outside Quebec, so French‑speaking candidates residing elsewhere in Canada or planning to move there may find increased opportunities.
Prospective applicants should verify their CRS score, ensure their French language test results are valid, and keep their Express Entry profile current to maximise the chance of receiving an ITA in upcoming draws.
Source article: www.cicnews.com
