Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 5,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a French-language Express Entry draw. To be considered, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 391 and had to have created an Express Entry profile before 11:32 p.m. UTC on March 18, 2026.
IRCC notes that this August 6 draw continues the department’s emphasis on increasing francophone immigration outside Quebec, with the lowest cutoff score for this draw type since March 2025.
This latest round brings the total number of Express Entry draws in 2026 to 45. Canada’s 2026 draws have largely favored candidates already in the country, particularly provincial nominees and individuals with Canadian work experience.
Across all Express Entry streams in 2026, IRCC has issued 113,123 ITAs to date. The breakdown by draw type is as follows: Canadian Experience Class 48,250; French-language proficiency 45,500; Provincial Nominee Program 6,957; Healthcare and social services 8,000; Trades 3,000; Transport 300; Physicians with Canadian work experience 662; Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 750; and Skilled Military Recruits 4.
In summary, the August French-language draw underscores Canada’s ongoing strategy to balance regional and language-based immigration targets while leveraging Express Entry to fill labor market needs. For aspiring applicants, staying current with CRS thresholds and maintaining an up-to-date profile remain key steps in the path to permanent residency.