IRCC Invites 5,000 Candidates in First French Express Entry Draw of July

Key Takeaways  

Type of draw: Category-based – French-Language Proficiency

Invitations issued: 5,000

Minimum CRS score: 420

Tie-breaking rule: May 15, 2026 at 08:04:00 UTC

Prediction for next draw: Provincial Nominee Program on July 20, 2026. Check our dedicated page for more on when we’re expecting the next Express Entry draw

Our Analysis of this Express Entry Draw 

IRCC has issued 5,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) in today’s French-language proficiency draw, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 420.

The 420 cut-off is one point higher than the highest cut-off we had seen so far this year. This is likely because today’s draw comes after a gap of over 40 days, the longest pause we’ve seen for French draws since February 2026. This extra time may have allowed more qualified candidates to accumulate in the Express Entry pool.

Including today’s draw, cut-offs for French draws in 2026 have ranged from 393 to 420 — a 27-point spread. Draw sizes have ranged from 4,000 to 8,500. Today’s 5,000 ITA draw falls neatly within that range.

This is the seventh French draw of 2026. The last French draw, on May 28, had a technical issue that delayed some invitations from reaching eligible candidates. IRCC has since resolved that issue, and all eligible candidates should have received their ITAs.

What Does This Mean for French-Language Draws?

French has been the most used category-based draw in 2026. Today’s round is the seventh of the year. In the first half of the year, French-language draws accounted for 30,500 invitations, compared to 11,912 for all other categories combined.

With today’s draw, IRCC has now issued 35,500 ITAs for the French-language category in 2026. This surpasses Canada’s 2026 immigration levels plan target of 30,267 French-speaking permanent resident admissions outside Quebec. That doesn’t mean French draws will stop. Keeping processing times in mind, most candidates receiving ITAs today will only get permanent residence in 2027.

IRCC’s Francophone immigration commitments extend through 2029, and the admissions target for 2027 is higher at 31,825. We expect French draws to continue at a similar pace. However, given that IRCC has a full year to issue ITAs towards the 2027 target, draws may be relatively smaller in size or spread further apart.

What Does This Mean for French-Speaking Candidates?

If you received an ITA today, you now have 60 days to prepare and submit a complete application for permanent residence.

If you didn’t receive an ITA, the year-to-date cut-off range still leaves room for candidates in the low 400s. French draws have been the most consistent category in 2026, despite the recent gaps. More rounds are expected before year-end.

If your score is below the current range, it may be worth looking at ways to improve your CRS. Retaking a French language test — either the TEF Canada or TCF Canada — is one of the most straightforward options, since even a small improvement in one ability can push your score above the cut-off.

You could also explore a provincial nomination, which adds 600 points to your CRS and would qualify you for a future PNP draw, or consider a Francophone Mobility work permit if want to gain Canadian work experience in the meantime.

More Resources for French Language Candidates

• Learn more about the latest Express Entry draws. 
• Check the state of the Express Entry pool.
• Use our online Express Entry CRS calculator to learn more about your current score and how to improve it.