IRCC issues 4,000 Express Entry invitations in French draw
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a new Express Entry draw targeting candidates with French-language proficiency. A total of 4,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence were issued in the latest round.
The draw reflects continued federal selection of candidates based on language skills as part of category-based invitations introduced in recent years. French-speaking applicants remain a key focus within Canada’s immigration system.
Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 393 and needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before a specified timestamp in late December 2025.
- Draw type: French-language proficiency
- Invitations issued: 4,000
- Minimum CRS score: 393
- Profile submission deadline: December 29, 2025
- Draw sequence: Seventeenth Express Entry round in 2026
Overview of the Express Entry system
Express Entry is Canada’s primary system for managing applications for permanent residence under key economic immigration programs. These include the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System, which assigns scores based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Higher-scoring candidates are more likely to receive invitations during periodic draws.
In addition to general draws, IRCC conducts category-based selections targeting specific groups, including French-speaking candidates and individuals working in certain occupations.
Recent Express Entry activity in 2026
The latest draw marks the seventeenth round of invitations held this year. It is also the third draw in 2026 specifically targeting candidates with strong French-language ability.
Earlier in March, IRCC conducted multiple rounds targeting different categories. These included Canadian Experience Class selections, provincial nominee draws, and occupation-specific invitations.
French-language draws have accounted for a significant share of invitations issued so far this year. A total of 18,000 ITAs have been issued to French-speaking candidates across three rounds, representing one of the largest category-based groups in 2026.
Distribution of invitations by category
As of mid-March, IRCC has issued 53,604 ITAs through Express Entry. The majority have been allocated to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class.
The breakdown of invitations shows 28,000 issued to Canadian Experience Class candidates, followed by 18,000 to French-language applicants. Other draws have focused on healthcare workers, provincial nominees, physicians, and senior managers.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws have also continued throughout the year, contributing over 2,500 invitations. Provinces select candidates aligned with regional labour needs, including through streams such as the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program.
Role of French-language proficiency in selection
French-language ability has become an increasingly important selection category under Express Entry. The federal government has implemented targeted draws to support the growth of francophone communities outside Quebec.
These selections allow candidates with strong French skills to receive invitations at lower CRS thresholds compared to some other categories. The latest cut-off score of 393 reflects this trend.
Earlier in 2026, French-language draws have included larger invitation rounds, with one draw issuing 8,500 ITAs in February. Another round in early March invited 5,500 candidates.
Focus on in-Canada candidates
Express Entry activity this year indicates a continued emphasis on candidates already residing in Canada. Canadian Experience Class draws have been held frequently, targeting individuals with domestic work experience.
Provincial nominee draws have also played a consistent role, with multiple rounds inviting candidates who have received nominations from provinces. These nominations add significant points to a candidate’s CRS score.
Other targeted draws have included selections for healthcare and social services occupations, as well as a specialized round for physicians with Canadian experience.
CRS score trends across draws
CRS cut-off scores have varied widely depending on the type of draw. French-language rounds have generally seen lower thresholds compared to Canadian Experience Class and PNP draws.
In recent weeks, Canadian Experience Class draws have recorded cut-off scores above 500. Provincial nominee draws have been significantly higher, reflecting the additional points awarded through nominations.
In contrast, category-based draws such as the latest French-language round have maintained lower score requirements, broadening access within specific applicant groups.
Ongoing selection patterns
The distribution of draws in 2026 shows a mix of general and targeted selection rounds. Provincial nominee draws have been held most frequently, followed by Canadian Experience Class and French-language draws.
Smaller, occupation-specific rounds have also been introduced, targeting sectors identified as priorities within Canada’s labour market. These include healthcare roles and senior-level management positions.
The evolving pattern of invitations reflects adjustments to immigration selection priorities while maintaining overall intake levels under Express Entry.
Further updates on Express Entry draws and immigration trends continue to be monitored as Canada advances its 2026 immigration levels plan.