IRCC Issues 5,000 ITAs in French Express Entry Draw; Crosses 100K Mark for 2026

Today’s French-language draw marks an important milestone — Express Entry ITAs have now surpassed 100,000 this year. At 104,612 ITAs, 2026 is now within striking distance to be the largest year on record for Express Entry, only 10,000 invitations below the existing record with more than five months to go.

Key Takeaways  

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

Invitations issued: 5,000

Minimum CRS score: 399

Tie-breaking rule: November 19, 2025 at 21:21:56 UTC

Prediction for next draw: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) on August 3, 2026. Check our dedicated page for information on when we are expecting the next Express Entry draw.

Our Analysis of this Express Entry Draw

This is the eighth French-language draw of 2026, and the second in a row to invite 5,000 candidates. The minimum CRS score required to get an invitation to apply in today’s draw was 399.

Today’s draw comes just 13 days after the last French round on July 9, which had a cut-off of 420. Despite the 21-point drop, the cut-off today remained within the range we’ve seen for French draws so far this year (393 to 420). Based on previous draws in this category, we have seen cut-offs rise to the higher end of the range when the gap between French draws exceeds one month.

With 5,000 ITAs issued today, the draw size was not particularly large. However, this brings French ITAs for July 2026 to a whopping 10,000. Previously, we have only seen French ITAs cross 10,000 in a month on two occasions — in March and October 2025.

What Does This Mean for French-Language Draws?

French has remained the most active category-based draw of 2026. Today’s round is the eighth of the year, and the second straight round to invite 5,000 candidates.

This suggests IRCC continues to prioritize French-speaking candidates even as other draw categories move at a slower rhythm. According to IRCC’s 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan, the overall target for French-speaker admissions outside Quebec for 2026 is 30,267.

However, as of today’s draw, IRCC has issued 40,500 ITAs. Keeping processing times in mind, most candidates invited today will only receive a decision on their permanent residence application in 2027.

IRCC’s Francophone immigration commitments run through 2029, and the target for 2027 is higher at 31,825. This means more French draws are expected before the year is out, though the size and spacing of future rounds may vary depending on how many candidates remain in the pool.

What Does This Mean for French-Language Candidates?

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

If you did not receive an ITA, today’s lower cut-off is good news. It suggests that candidates with more modest CRS scores are still getting invited through this category, and it may be worth checking where your own score falls before assuming you are out of range.

If your score is below 399, there may still be room to improve it. Retaking a French test, either the TEF Canada or the TCF Canada, is often the fastest way to raise your score, since even a small gain in one ability can matter.

If your language scores are maxed out, it may be worth it to explore a provincial nomination, which adds 600 points to your CRS. Alternatively, a Francophone Mobility work permit can help you build Canadian work experience while you wait for your next opportunity.

More Resources for French Language Candidates

• Use our  online Express Entry CRS score calculator to see where you stand and how to improve your score.
• Learn more about the latest Express Entry draws. 
• Check the state of the Express Entry pool.