Canada Issues 5000 ITAs in Latest French-Language Express Entry Draw

Canada continues to expand opportunities for immigrants who speak French through Express Entry. The latest draw marked the 10th French-language category-based draw of 2026. IRCC issued a total of 5,000 Invitations to Apply( ( ITAs) to qualified applicants.

The minimum CRS score needed for the draw was 382, the lowest score recorded for the French language category in 2026. The category has maintained an average of 5,000 ITAs per draw. However, this was marked as the 49th Express Entry draw of the year.

Additionally, with this Express Entry round, Canada has issued 119,865 ITAs in 2026, setting a new annual record. The draw demonstrated Canada's continued focus on French-language proficiency to attract French-speaking immigrants, strengthen Francophone communities outside Quebec and support immigration targets.

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Latest Express Entry Draw Results

IRCC has released the latest Express Entry draw on August 19, 2026, inviting 5,000 applicants with a minimum CRS score of 382, marking a significant drop this year.

French-Language Proficiency 2026-Version 2

• Date and time: August 19th, 2026, at 12:35:37 UTC
• Number of invitations issued: 5,000
• CRS score of the lowest-ranked candidate invited: 382
• Tie-breaking rule: March 1, 2026, at 18:34:05 UTC

If more than one candidate has the lowest score, the cut-off is based on the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles.

Summary of Total French-Language Category Draws held in 2026

The below mentioned table is highlighting the total number of French language category draws held in 2026, along with the date, CRS score and total ITAs issued.

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What are the Requirements for the Express Entry French-Language Draw?

To become eligible for an Express Entry French-language proficiency draw, applicants must fulfill the following criteria:

• French proficiency: Applicants must have at least NCLC 7 in writing, reading, speaking, and listening in French. .
• Express Entry eligibility: Applicants must also be eligible for one of the three Express Entry programs.
• Valid language test: An IRCC-approved language test, like TEF Canada or TCF Canada, must be demonstrated to verify French proficiency.
• Valid test results: Language test results must be less than two years old when the applicant creates their Express Entry profile and submits their PR application.
• CRS ranking: Fulfilling the French-language criteria does not guarantee an ITA. The IRCC invites the top-ranked applicants in the category-based round after rating qualified applicants in the Express Entry pool according to their CRS score.

In short, NCLC 7 in all four French abilities is the essential requirement for the French-language category, in addition to being eligible for an Express Entry program.

Understanding the procedure and keeping yourself updated with the immigration information can help you to immigrate to Canada smoothly.

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Source: canada.ca

Tags: Express Entry Express Entry Latest Draw Express Entry Program Canadian Experience Class Express Entry Draw Canada Immigration Federal Skilled Worker Program Latest Express Entry Draw Canada Immigration News