IRCC Sends 5,500 New Invitations to French-Speaking Candidates
Updated On
-
Copy link
IRCC has issued 5,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a special draw targeting candidates with French-language proficiency. This marks the second draw of this category in 2026, bringing the total number of invitations issued under it this year to 14,000.
To be eligible for this draw:
- Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 397
- Had to have their Express Entry profile set up before 6:18 p.m. UTC on October 10, 2025.
Summary of All Express Entry Draws So Far in 2026
|
Draw Date |
Draw Type |
CRS Cut-off Score |
ITAs Issued |
|
March 4 |
French-Language proficiency |
397 |
5,500 |
|
March 3 |
Canadian Experience Class |
508 |
4,000 |
|
March 2 |
Provincial Nominee Program |
710 |
264 |
|
February 20 |
Healthcare and social services |
467 |
4,000 |
|
February 19 |
Physicians with Canadian work experience |
169 |
391 |
|
February 17 |
Canadian Experience Class |
508 |
6,000 |
|
February 16 |
Provincial Nominee Program |
789 |
279 |
|
February 6 |
French-Language proficiency |
400 |
8,500 |
|
February 3 |
Provincial Nominee Program |
749 |
423 |
|
January 21 |
Canadian Experience Class |
509 |
6,000 |
|
January 20 |
Provincial Nominee Program |
746 |
681 |
|
January 7 |
Canadian Experience Class |
511 |
8,000 |
|
January 5 |
Provincial Nominee Program |
711 |
574 |
The draw this time marks only the second French category-based one this year, and the thirteenth Express Entry selection overall in 2026. It has had the lowest CRS score for French proficiency in more than a year.
Also Read: Canada Announces CAD 100 Million Scholarship Fund for Indian Students Under New Measures
Category-Based Draws
Draw Type | Number of Draws |
Provincial Nominee Program | 5 |
Canadian Experience Class | 4 |
French-Language proficiency | 2 |
Physicians with Canadian work experience | 1 |
Healthcare and social services | 1 |
The Express Entry draw has only witnessed two draws this year, but the French language proficiency candidates have received 14,000 invitations, the second most of any program or category this year.
ITAs Issued in Different Draw Types
So far, in 2026, IRCC has issued a whopping 39,112 ITAs in the following draw types:
Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
Canadian Experience Class | 24,000 |
French-Language proficiency | 14,000 |
Healthcare and social services | 4,000 |
Provincial Nominee Program | 1,798 |
Physicians with Canadian work experience | 391 |
Also Read: Canada Implements New Work Experience Requirements
Explore Your Canada Immigration Options With GetGIS
For personalised assistance with your Canada immigration process in 2026, consider reaching out to GetGIS. Our Canada PR assistance team provides end-to-end assistance with all your Canada immigration process and requirements, needed to ensure your safe immigration and integration into Canada.
Canada Immigration Updates
- British Columbia Holds First 2026 Skills Immigration Draw, Invites 429 Candidates
- Canada Holds First-Ever Express Entry Draw for Physicians with Second-Lowest CRS Score
- Canada Issues 4000 Invitations to Healthcare Professionals in Latest Express Entry Draw
