Express Entry: Canada Invites 5,000 French Speakers in Latest Draw

Canada has invited 5,000 French-speaking Express Entry candidates to apply for permanent residence in its latest immigration selection round.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada held the category-based draw on August 6, 2026. The lowest-ranked candidate invited had a Comprehensive Ranking System score of 391.

Candidates also had to create their Express Entry profiles before 11:32 p.m. UTC on March 18, 2026. That time served as the tie-breaking point for candidates who shared the minimum score.

Lowest French-Category Score Since March 2025

The CRS cut-off of 391 was the lowest recorded in a French-language proficiency draw since March 2025. It was also eight points below the score of 399 required in the previous French-language draw on July 22.

IRCC issued 5,000 invitations in both rounds. An earlier draw on July 9 invited another 5,000 French-speaking candidates, although its cut-off was higher at 420.

The latest result continues Canada’s effort to attract more French-speaking immigrants to communities outside Quebec. French-language ability is one of the categories IRCC can use to select candidates who meet specific immigration goals.

Third Express Entry Draw in Three Days

The August 6 round completed a busy three-day period for Express Entry.

On August 5, IRCC invited 3,000 Canadian Experience Class candidates with scores of at least 516. One day earlier, the department invited 507 Provincial Nominee Program candidates with a minimum score of 768.

Express Entry manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs. Candidates enter a pool and receive CRS points for factors such as age, education, work experience and language skills. IRCC then invites eligible, high-ranking candidates through general, program-specific or category-based rounds.

An invitation allows a candidate to submit a full permanent residence application. It does not guarantee approval, because applicants must still meet program requirements and pass the necessary checks.

French Speakers Receive Major Share of Invitations

IRCC has now conducted 45 Express Entry rounds in 2026 and issued 113,123 invitations across all draw types.

French-language proficiency candidates have received 45,500 invitations through nine draws this year. That is the second-largest total after the Canadian Experience Class, which has received 48,250 invitations through 13 rounds.

Provincial nominees have received 6,957 invitations through 15 rounds. Healthcare and social services candidates have received 8,000, while trades candidates have received 3,000.

Smaller, targeted rounds have also invited physicians with Canadian work experience, senior managers with Canadian experience and skilled military recruits.

What French-Speaking Candidates Should Know

French speakers may gain additional CRS points for strong language results. Canada says candidates can receive up to 50 extra points depending on their French and English test scores.

Candidates must still qualify for at least one Express Entry program before entering the pool. Those who receive an invitation generally have 60 days to submit their permanent residence application, documents and fees.

The lower cut-off gives eligible French-speaking candidates with more modest CRS scores a stronger chance than in several earlier category-based rounds held during 2026 so far.