French-Language Express Entry Invitations Drop Again in Second Consecutive 2026 Draw

Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a French-language proficiency draw under the Express Entry system. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score was 419, and eligible candidates had to have created an Express Entry profile before 7:14 a.m. UTC on November 14, 2025.\n\nThis latest draw marks the fourth French-language Express Entry draw in 2026 and the 23rd Express Entry selection of the year. IRCC has increasingly prioritized candidates already in Canada, with recent activity placing emphasis on provincial nominations and Canadian work experience.\n\nYear to date, IRCC has issued 65,154 ITAs across the Express Entry program, distributed as follows: 32,250 through the Canadian Experience Class; 18,000 via French-language proficiency draws; 4,000 for healthcare and social services; 3,263 through the Provincial Nominee Program; 3,000 for Trades; 391 for physicians with Canadian work experience; and 250 for senior managers with Canadian work experience.\n\nFrench-language draws remain a strategic channel for Canada’s bilingual talent pool, contributing a substantial share of the year’s ITAs. Maple News will continue monitoring Express Entry activity and provide updates as IRCC releases new rounds.\n