French speakers get fewer ITAs in the latest draw, i.e., Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another Express Entry draw. In this round, candidates with French-language skills were invited to apply for permanent residence.

A total of 4,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) were issued in this draw.

To be eligible, candidates needed to meet the following criteria:

  • A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 419; and
  • Created an Express Entry candidate profile before 7:14 a.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on November 14, 2025.

Summary Of Express Entry Draws In 2026

Draw DateDraw TypeCRS Cut-Off ScoreITAs Issued
April 15French-Language proficiency4194,000
April 14Canadian Experience Class5152,000
April 13Provincial Nominee Program786324
April 2Trades 4773,000
March 31Canadian Experience Class5092,250
March 30Provincial Nominee Program802356
March 18French-Language proficiency3934,000
March 17Canadian Experience Class5074,000
March 16Provincial Nominee Program742362
March 5Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience429250
March 4French-Language proficiency3975,500
March 3Canadian Experience Class5084,000
March 2Provincial Nominee Program 710264
February 20Healthcare and social services4674,000
February 19Physicians with Canadian work experience169391
February 17Canadian Experience Class5086,000
February 16Provincial Nominee Program789279
February 6French-Language proficiency4008,500
February 3Provincial Nominee Program749423
January 21Canadian Experience Class5096,000
January 20Provincial Nominee Program746681
January 7Canadian Experience Class5118,000
January 5Provincial Nominee Program711574

This draw is the fourth one for French-language candidates in 2026. It is also the twenty-third Express Entry draw held this year.

Compared to earlier French-language draws, the number of invitations remains lower. For example, in February, 8,500 candidates were invited under this category. This shows a decline in the number of invitations over time.

In 2026, IRCC will mainly focus on candidates already living in Canada. This includes individuals with Canadian work experience and those who have received provincial nominations.

Distribution Of Draw Types

Draw TypeNumber Of Draws
Provincial Nominee Program8
Canadian Experience Class7
French-Language proficiency4
Physicians with Canadian work experience1
Healthcare and social services1
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience1
Trades1

So far in 2026, IRCC has issued a total of 65,154 ITAs across different categories.

ITAs Issued By Category

Draw TypeITAs Issued
Canadian Experience Class32,250
French-Language proficiency22,000
Healthcare and social services4,000
Provincial Nominee Program3,263
Trades3,000
Physicians with Canadian work experience391
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience250

The data shows that most invitations have been issued under the Canadian Experience Class. French-language draws also account for a large number of invitations overall.

Even though fewer invitations are being issued in recent draws, French-language candidates continue to play an important role in Canada’s immigration system.

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