French Draws Dominated Express Entry Category-Based Selection in the First Half of 2026

French-language proficiency draws accounted for 30,500 invitations between January and June, representing 72 percent of all category-based invitations issued this year. By comparison, all other category-based draws combined accounted for just 11,912 invitations.

The data suggests that while category-based selection remains an important part of Express Entry, French-speaking candidates remain the clear priority in 2026.

French-Language Draws Reach Record Levels

French-language proficiency draws were already an important part of Express Entry in 2024 and 2025. In 2026, they have become the dominant category through the first half of the year.

The first half of 2026 saw nearly twice as many French-language invitations as the same period in 2025 and almost three times as many as the first half of 2024.

This continues a trend from last year: by the end of 2025, IRCC issued 48,000 ITAs through French draws versus less than 20,000 through all other category-based draws.

This priority for French speakers aligns with Canada’s broader efforts to increase the number of French-speaking immigrants settling outside Quebec. By 2029, the government aims to reach 12 percent French-speaking permanent residents admitted each year outside Quebec. Express Entry invitations data suggests the government remains strongly committed to those targets.

French-language draws have also continued to produce relatively accessible CRS cut-off scores. During the first half of 2026, French-language draw cut-offs ranged from 393 to 419, substantially lower than the scores required for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws.

For candidates with strong French-language skills, category-based selection continues to offer one of the most competitive pathways to permanent residence through Express Entry.

Which Categories Received Invitations in 2026 So Far?

IRCC currently maintains several category-based selection categories. However, only a handful have been targeted during the first half of 2026.

The categories that received invitations between January and June were:

The distribution of invitations provides insight into the occupations and skills currently being prioritized through Express Entry. French-language proficiency remains the dominant category by a wide margin. Outside French-language draws, healthcare occupations have also received a substantial number of invitations at 8,000. This is followed by trades occupations.

Healthcare workers continue to face strong demand across many parts of Canada, while skilled trades occupations remain a key focus as governments and employers attempt to address ongoing labour shortages.

Meanwhile, physicians and senior managers with Canadian work experience received dedicated draws for the first time. These highly targeted categories were introduced as part of IRCC’s revised category-based selection framework and appear designed to address specific labour market needs within Canada.

The Physician Category Produced a Record-Low CRS Score Cut-Off

A notable category-based draw took place on May 2, when IRCC issued invitations to physicians with Canadian work experience. The draw had a CRS cut-off score of just 169, the lowest CRS score ever recorded in a category-based Express Entry draw.

While that number may appear surprising, the category’s eligibility requirements are extremely narrow. Physicians must meet Canada’s licensing and work experience requirements while also qualifying for Express Entry.

As a result, the pool of eligible candidates is much smaller than the pools used for broader categories such as healthcare occupations, trades, or French-language proficiency.

Several Categories Have Not Received Invitations This Year

Just as notable as the categories that received invitations are the categories that have not. As of June 30, 2026, IRCC had not held category-based draws for:

• Education occupations
• STEM occupations
• Transport occupations
• Researchers with Canadian experience
• Skilled military recruits

The absence of STEM and transport draws is particularly noteworthy because neither category has been targeted since 2024. This represents a significant shift from the early years of category-based selection, when STEM occupations were among the most prominent categories.

The lack of invitations does not necessarily mean these categories will be removed or ignored going forward. However, the first half of 2026 suggests IRCC is concentrating invitations on a narrower group of priorities.

Some New Categories Still Haven’t Been Invited

IRCC introduced two new categories for the current selection cycle that have yet to receive invitations:

• Researchers with Canadian work experience
• Skilled military recruits

Because these categories were only introduced earlier this year, eligible candidates should pay close attention to draw activity during the second half of 2026. Since the categories were designated as IRCC priorities, it’s possible that IRCC will conduct draws for these categories before the end of the year.

What Does the First Half of 2026 Mean for Express Entry Candidates?

In first half of 2026 category-based selection has been focused on a small number of priorities rather than distributing invitations across a wide range of occupations. So far this year, the priority category has overwhelmingly been French-language proficiency.

For candidates with strong French-language skills, the trend is encouraging. For candidates working in healthcare or trades occupations, category-based selection continues to provide additional opportunities beyond general Express Entry draws.

Meanwhile, candidates in education, STEM, transport, research, and military occupations should watch closely to see whether IRCC expands category-based invitations during the second half of the year.

Looking back to the first half of 2025, IRCC issued only 2,000 ITAs through non-French categories. However, by the end of 2026, that number increased to nearly 20,000. So, just because a category hasn’t been targeted in the first six months, it doesn’t mean there’s no hope for the rest of the year.

If you’re stuck in the Express Entry pool and trying to determine your options, check out our guides on how to improve your CRS score and alternatives to Express Entry. If you’d like personalized guidance on your immigration journey, consider booking a consultation with our regulated Canadian immigration consultant: