Second French Express Entry Draw of April Sees 4000 ITAs

Key Takeaways 

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

Invitations issued: 4,000

Minimum CRS score: 400

Tie-breaking rule: April 07, 2026 at 20:13:59 UTC

Prediction for next draw: PNP draw on May 11, 2026. Check our dedicated page for more on when we’re expecting the next Express Entry draw.

Our Analysis of this Express Entry Draw

What’s Next for French Express Entry Draws

So far, French language draws have been a consistent feature within Express Entry invitation rounds this year. We expect this pattern to continue.

However, with today’s draw, IRCC has issued 26,000 ITAs for the French-language category. According to the Immigration Levels Plan for 2026, the target for French-speaking permanent resident admissions outside Quebec is 30,267. This means that even if IRCC stops French draws now, it will have achieved 85% of the target.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that French draws will stop. ITAs are only one step in the process, and accounting for processing time, someone getting an ITA today will likely only enter Canada in November or December.

We expect French draws to continue but possibly at a slower pace, with either smaller or fewer draws, with IRCC using upcoming draws to build its inventory for 2027.

What This Means for You

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

If you did not receive an ITA and your score is near the cut-off, don’t lose hope. In 2026 alone, cut-offs for French draws have seen a 29-point difference, ranging between 393 and 419. Today’s draw came in lower than the previous one, and while we don’t necessarily expect cut-offs to drop, some fluctuation between draws is expected.

The main thing to keep in mind is that French draws, more than any other category, have been consistent. So, make sure your profile is up to date and ready for the next round of invitations.

If your score isn’t within the range we’ve seen this year, one possible path is to attempt the language test again and improve your scores. If that isn’t an option, additional work experience, education, or a second official language test score can bolster your CRS score.

Alternatively you can explore the possibility of getting a provincial nomination, which adds 600 points to your score, or look into a Francophone Mobility Work Permit to get or extend your temporary residence status in Canada.

Further 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.