Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 4,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a French-language Express Entry draw. To be considered, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 409 and had created an Express Entry profile before 10:20 p.m. UTC on April 29, 2026.
This draw marks the 30th Express Entry selection of 2026 and the fourth in May, underscoring a pattern in which IRCC has prioritized candidates already located in Canada, including those with provincial nominations and Canadian work experience.
Looking at the year-to-date picture, IRCC has issued a total of 79,841 ITAs across various draw types. The breakdown includes: Canadian Experience Class with 37,250 ITAs; French-Language proficiency with 26,000 ITAs; Provincial Nominee Program with 4,450 ITAs; Healthcare and social services with 4,000 ITAs; Trades with 3,000 ITAs; Physicians with Canadian work experience with 391 ITAs; and Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience with 250 ITAs.
Analysts note that the continued emphasis on category-based draws reflects Canada’s strategy to address regional labor needs and support the francophone community. The evolving mix of draws could influence how applicants prioritize language proficiency, provincial nominations, and work experience as they prepare profiles for future rounds.
Maple News will continue to monitor Express Entry developments and provide updates on eligibility thresholds and upcoming invitations as IRCC releases new draws.