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Express Entry: French-language candidates see reduced invitations in latest draw

Express Entry: French-language candidates see reduced invitations in latest draw

Express Entry: French-language candidates see reduced invitations in latest draw

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another Express Entry draw, continuing the recent trend of issuing fewer invitations to French-speaking candidates.

In the latest round, IRCC issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the French-language proficiency category.

Draw requirements

To qualify for this draw, candidates were required to:

  • Have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 419 and
  • Have created their Express Entry profile before 7:14 a.m. UTC on November 14, 2025

Latest Draw Details 

  • Draw Date: April 15, 2026
  • Draw Type: French Language Proficiency
  • Number of Invitations: 4,000
  • Minimum CRS Score Required: 419

Express Entry Draws List 2026

DateDraw TypeMinimum CRSNumber of ITAs
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

This marks the second consecutive French-language draw with a relatively lower number of invitations, compared to earlier rounds in 2026.

Key trends in 2026

So far this year, IRCC has conducted 23 Express Entry draws, including:

  • 8 Provincial Nominee Program draws
  • 7 Canadian Experience Class draws
  • 4 French-language proficiency draws
  • 4 category-based or specialized draws

The data indicates that Canada is prioritizing candidates with Canadian work experience and provincial nominations, while category-based draws such as French-language proficiency continue but with fluctuating invitation numbers.

Total ITAs issued in 2026

IRCC has issued 65,154 ITAs so far this year across different categories:

Draw TypeTotal Number of Invitations
Canadian Experience Class32,250
French-language proficiency22,000
Healthcare & social services4,000
Trades3,000
Provincial Nominee Program3,263
Physicians with Canadian experience391
Senior Managers with Canadian experience250

What this means for applicants

While French-speaking candidates continue to benefit from targeted draws, the number of invitations has declined compared to earlier in the year, signaling increased competition. Candidates are encouraged to improve CRS scores and maintain updated profiles to stay competitive in upcoming rounds.

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