IRCC issued 5,000 ITAs for francophone professionals under the latest Express Entry draw
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 5,000 Invitations to Apply for French-language professionals in the latest express entry draw, which was the 45th Express Entry draw of 2026 and 9th French language draw with a minimum CRS cutoff of 391.
The draw is for professionals who have a proficiency in French and are willing to live outside the Quebec region. A large number of invitations for a language draw indicate that Canada is consistently focusing to foster multilingual culture in the country.
Strategic Overview of the latest Express Entry draw
Eligibility Criteria to Apply for the latest Express Entry draw
Applicants under the French-language stream must first be eligible for an Express Entry program and meet the language requirement for that stream. Candidates should:
Demonstrate French language skills at a minimum at NCLC 7 in speaking, listening, reading and writing.
Possess a valid language test result in either TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
Be eligible under at least one of the following Express Entry programs: FSWP, CEC, or FSTP.
Have a valid Express Entry profile and receive a CRS score above the threshold for that draw.
They should have completed all the requirements for work experience, education, admissibility, and proof of settlement funds, as specified in their designated Express Entry program.
What does the latest Express Entry draw mean for immigrants?
The latest French-language Express Entry draw shows a clear focus on recruiting candidates with high French proficiency, especially candidates with a decent CRS score. With 5,000 ITAs issued at a CRS cut-off of 391, the draw underscores Canada’s sustained emphasis on attracting French-speaking skilled workers. Candidates who meet the NCLC 7
French-language requirements now have an additional option to improve their odds of receiving an ITA. But meeting the language test score isn’t the only requirement, since candidates also need to meet Express Entry program rules and be competitive in the pool.
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