Express Entry Draw: Canada Issues 5,000 PR Invitations to French Speakers

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has invited another 5,000 French-speaking candidates to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system.

The draw, held on August 19, 2026, required candidates to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 382.

Candidates also needed to have created their Express Entry profile before 6:34 p.m. UTC on March 1, 2026.

French-Language CRS Cut-Off Drops Sharply

The latest French-language draw had a CRS cut-off nine points lower than the previous French selection round.

On August 6, IRCC also invited 5,000 French-speaking candidates, but the minimum score was 391.

The August 19 score of 382 is the lowest CRS cut-off recorded for a French-language proficiency draw since March 2025.

French-language rounds have regularly produced lower cut-offs than many other Express Entry selections in 2026.

For example, the Canadian Experience Class draw held on August 18 required a score of 523, while a Provincial Nominee Program draw on August 17 had a cut-off of 760.

French Speakers Receive Growing Share of Invitations

The August 19 round was IRCC’s 49th Express Entry draw of 2026.

French-language proficiency has now been targeted in 10 draws this year.

IRCC has conducted 16 Provincial Nominee Program draws and 14 Canadian Experience Class rounds. It has also held two draws each for healthcare and social services workers, physicians with Canadian work experience, and senior managers with Canadian work experience.

Trades, transport and skilled military recruits have each been targeted once.

French Category Leads 2026 Invitation Numbers

IRCC has issued 119,865 Invitations to Apply through Express Entry so far in 2026.

French-language proficiency candidates have now received 50,500 invitations, the highest total among all draw categories.

Canadian Experience Class candidates are close behind with 49,250 ITAs.

Other invitation totals include:

• 8,000 for healthcare and social services;
• 7,399 for Provincial Nominee Program candidates;
• 3,000 for trades;
• 750 for senior managers with Canadian work experience;
• 662 for physicians with Canadian work experience;
• 300 for transport; and
• 4 for skilled military recruits.

Recent French Draws Show Falling Scores

French-language selection has remained active throughout the summer.

IRCC invited 5,000 candidates on July 22 with a CRS score of 399. Another 5,000 received invitations on July 9 at 420.

Earlier in the year, French-category cut-offs included 409 on May 28, 400 on April 29, 419 on April 15, 393 on March 18 and 397 on March 4.

The latest score of 382 therefore represents a notable decline.

Canada has continued to prioritize French-language immigration alongside candidates who already have ties to the country, including provincial nominees and people with Canadian work experience.

A lower cut-off does not mean every French-speaking candidate will receive an invitation. Candidates must still meet the requirements of an Express Entry program and qualify for the French-language proficiency category.