Express Entry: French-Language Draw Sees CRS Cutoff Fall to 399

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has issued 5,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence in its latest French-language Express Entry draw.

The July 22 selection round required candidates to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 399. Candidates also needed to have created their Express Entry profile before 9:21 p.m. UTC on November 19, 2025.

The CRS cutoff was the lowest recorded for a French-language proficiency draw since March 2026.

French-Language Candidates Receive 5,000 Invitations

The latest draw continued Canada’s focus on attracting candidates who can contribute to French-speaking communities across the country.

French-language proficiency draws target eligible Express Entry candidates who meet the department’s language requirements. Candidates must still qualify under one of the immigration programs managed through Express Entry.

The July 22 draw followed another French-language selection round on July 9. That earlier draw issued 5,000 invitations and required a CRS score of 420.

The latest cutoff represents a decrease of 21 points in less than two weeks.

It also fell below the 400-point mark for the first time in this category since the March 18 draw, when 4,000 invitations were issued with a cutoff of 393.

Three Draws Held in Three Days

IRCC conducted three Express Entry draws between July 20 and July 22.

On July 20, the department invited 511 Provincial Nominee Program candidates with a minimum CRS score of 744.

A Canadian Experience Class draw followed on July 21. It issued 2,000 invitations to candidates with scores of at least 516.

The French-language draw on July 22 completed the three-day series, bringing the total number of invitations issued during the period to 7,511.

Earlier in July, IRCC also invited 500 senior managers with Canadian work experience. That category-based draw had a cutoff score of 392.

Canada Has Held 41 Draws in 2026

IRCC has now conducted 41 Express Entry selection rounds in 2026.

Provincial Nominee Program candidates have received the largest number of separate draws, with 14 rounds held so far. Canadian Experience Class candidates have been selected in 12 draws, while eight rounds have focused on French-language proficiency.

The department has also conducted two draws each for physicians with Canadian work experience, healthcare and social service workers, and senior managers with Canadian experience. One draw has targeted skilled trades candidates.

The number of invitations issued varies widely by category.

More Than 104,000 Invitations Issued

IRCC has issued 104,612 invitations to apply through Express Entry in 2026.

Canadian Experience Class draws account for 45,250 invitations, the largest share of the annual total.

French-language proficiency candidates have received 40,500 invitations, making them the second-largest group.

Healthcare and social service draws have issued 8,000 invitations, while Provincial Nominee Program draws have produced 6,450.

Trades candidates have received 3,000 invitations. Physicians with Canadian work experience have received 662, while senior managers with Canadian work experience have received 750.

The figures show that IRCC continues to prioritize candidates with Canadian work experience, provincial nominations and strong French-language skills.