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Canada Invites 5,000 French-Speaking Candidates in Latest Express Entry Draw 

Canada Invites 5,000 French-Speaking Candidates in Latest Express Entry Draw 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another Express Entry draw, inviting 5,000 candidates with strong French-language proficiency to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

The latest selection round highlights Canada’s continued commitment to attracting French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec while supporting the country’s bilingual workforce and addressing labour market needs.

Key Highlights of the July 22, 2026 Express Entry Draw

In the latest French-language category-based draw, candidates were required to meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Draw Date: July 22, 2026
  • Draw Type: French Language Proficiency
  • Number of Invitations: 5,000
  • Minimum CRS Score Required: 399
  • Profile Submission Deadline: Candidates must have created their Express Entry profile before 9:21 p.m. UTC on November 19, 2025.

The CRS requirement of 399 marks the lowest score for a French-language Express Entry draw since March 2026, providing an excellent opportunity for French-speaking skilled workers seeking permanent residence in Canada.

Express Entry Draws List 2026

DateDraw TypeMinimum CRSNumber of ITAs
July 22French Language Proficiency3995,000
July 21Canadian Experience Class5162,000
July 20Provincial Nominee Program744511
July 10Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 392500
July 9French Language Proficiency4205,000
July 7Canadian Experience Class5172,000
July 6Provincial Nominee Program708534
June 25Healthcare and Social Services4754,000
June 24Physicians with Canadian Work Experience 223271
June 23Canadian Experience Class 5164,000
June 22Provincial Nominee Program 730955
May 28French Language Proficiency4094,500
May 27Canadian Experience Class5183,000
May 25Provincial Nominee Program805334
May 11Provincial Nominee Program798380
April 29French Language Proficiency4004,000
April 28Canadian Experience Class5142,000
April 27Provincial Nominee Program795473
April 15French Language Proficiency 4194,000
April 14Canadian Experience Class5152,000
April 13Provincial Nominee Program789324
April 2Trades4773,000
March 31Canadian Experience Class5092,250
March 30Provincial Nominee Program802356
March 18French Language Proficiency3934,000
March 17Canadian Experience Class5074,000
March 16Provincial Nominee Program742362
March 5 Senior 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 19 Physicians 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

Express Entry Trends in 2026

So far in 2026, IRCC has held 41 Express Entry draws, with a strong focus on candidates who have Canadian work experience, provincial nominations or French-language skills.

Number of Draws by Category

Draw CategoryNumber of Draws
Provincial Nominee Program14
Canadian Experience Class12
French-Language Proficiency8
Physicians with Canadian Work Experience2
Healthcare and Social Services2
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience2
Trades1
Skilled Military Recruits1

The continued emphasis on category-based selection demonstrates Canada’s strategy of inviting candidates who can help address labour shortages while supporting economic growth across the country.

More Than 104,000 Invitations Issued in 2026

IRCC has issued 104,612 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through Express Entry this year across different categories.

ITAs Issued by Draw Category

Draw CategoryITAs Issued
Canadian Experience Class45,250
French-Language Proficiency40,500
Healthcare and Social Services8,000
Provincial Nominee Program6,450
Trades3,000
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience750
Physicians with Canadian Work Experience662
Skilled Military Recruits4

What This Means for Express Entry Candidates

The latest draw is encouraging news for candidates with strong French-language abilities. A CRS score below 400 significantly improves opportunities for eligible French-speaking applicants and reinforces Canada’s long-term goal of increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec.

Applicants planning to immigrate through Express Entry should continue improving their CRS score by strengthening language proficiency, gaining additional work experience, securing provincial nominations, or enhancing their educational credentials.

Looking to Immigrate to Canada?

If you’re planning to apply for Canadian permanent residence through the Express Entry system, professional guidance can help you understand your eligibility and maximize your CRS score.

Oasis Visas offers expert assistance for Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and other Canadian immigration pathways. Our experienced consultants can help you assess your profile and identify the best route toward achieving your Canadian immigration goals.

💬 Consult With Us →