5,500 Candidates issued ITAs in latest category-based draw for French-speakers

Key Takeaways 

• Type of draw: Category-based selection for French proficiency 
• Invitations issued: 5,500
• Minimum CRS score: 397 
• Tie-breaking rule: October 10, 2025 at 18:18:20 UTC 
• Prediction for next draw: Provincial Nominee Program on March 16, 2026. Check out our dedicated page for more info on when we’re expecting the next Express Entry draw.  

Our Analysis of this Express Entry Draw 

Today’s draw was the second French proficiency draw of 2026, and the twelfth Express Entry draw of the year. The last French proficiency draw happened on February 6 and invited 8,500 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 400.  

Historically, Express Entry draws for French speakers tend to be larger. IRCC invited no less than 6,000 candidates in each French proficiency draw from October-December 2025. The highest CRS cut off score during this period, and up to today, was 432 on October 6, 2025. 

The draw today issued fewer ITAs than we’ve seen in previous French draws, but is still in line with the overall trend. IRCC is committed to ensuring that 9% of all new permanent residents admitted to Canada in 2026 are French speakers settling outside of Quebec. The target rises to 12% by the end of 2029.  

Also, by having larger draws for French-speakers in the early months of the year, it may help IRCC reach or exceed its admissions target since those who receive an ITA now will not arrive in Canada until late this year at the earliest. Large draws in the back half of the year will account for admissions in 2027. 

It can seem like IRCC is only favouring French-speaking newcomers, but they aren’t the only large draws. If we look at draws for the Canadian Experience Class, we can note that there hasn’t been a CEC draw smaller than 4,000 ITAs since December 2025. What this shows is that IRCC is following up on its promise to prioritize Express Entry candidates with in-Canada experience, as well as French-speaking newcomers. 

What does this mean for Express Entry candidates? 

Express Entry candidates with French skills should make sure they have a fully updated and accurate profile. Speaking French is an advantage but if your overall CRS isn’t high, your language skills may not be enough to get an ITA.  

Those that have some French skills but aren’t quite sure if it’s enough should take a French language test to see if they qualify. You need to score a level 7 on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens. 

It could make sense to start learning French from scratch if you haven’t started yet, but that really depends on your individual situation and if it works with your timeline.  

What to Watch for Next in French-Language Draws  

With the recent announcement of new Express Entry categories, French proficiency is now one of ten categories. It’s a high priority for IRCC so French draws will likely stay regular but maybe not as frequent as we’ve seen in past years.  

Again, considering IRCC’s French admissions targets, while there may be fewer draws, that doesn’t mean fewer ITAs than we saw in 2025. 

Further Resources for French Language Candidates  

For more information:  

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