Express Entry Update: IRCC Issues 4,000 ITAs in another Draw for French-speaking candidates

Latest Draw Details

IRCC issued 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a category-based draw targeting candidates with French-language proficiency. To be eligible for this round, candidates needed to meet the following criteria:

• A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 419; and
• Created an Express Entry profile before 7:14 a.m., UTC on November 14, 2025.

This marks the fourth French-language draw under Express Entry in 2026, and the twenty-third overall draw this year.

Express Entry Draw Result – 15 April 2026

Date	EE Draw Category	No. of ITAs	Minimum CRS Score Requirement	Tie-breaking rule
15 April 2026	French-Language proficiency 2026-Version 2	4,000	419	November 14, 2025 at 07:14:25 UTC

Click here to see the complete list of Express Entry draws until date

Focus Shifting Toward In-Canada Candidates

So far in 2026, Express Entry draws have largely prioritized candidates already in Canada. This includes those with:

• Provincial nominations
• Canadian work experience
• Eligibility under targeted categories like healthcare and trades

This trend explains why French-language draws, while still ongoing, are seeing relatively fewer invitations in consecutive rounds.

Draw Type	Number of Draws
Provincial Nominee Program	8
Canadian Experience Class	7
French-Language proficiency	4
Physicians with Canadian work experience	1
Healthcare and social services	1
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience	1
Trades	1

From this trend, it’s clear that Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws are leading the selection pattern in 2026.

Total ITAs Issued in 2026 So Far

IRCC has issued a total of 65,154 ITAs across different categories this year:

Draw type	ITAs Issued
Canadian Experience Class	32,250
French-Language proficiency	22,000
Healthcare and social services	4,000
Provincial Nominee Program	3,263
Trades	3,000
Physicians with Canadian work experience	391
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience	250

What This Means for Candidates

While French-language proficiency remains an important pathway, the reduced number of invitations in back-to-back draws suggests increasing competition. Candidates relying solely on this category may need to strengthen their profiles further, especially their CRS scores.

At the same time, those with Canadian work experience or provincial nominations continue to benefit from more frequent and targeted draws.

The latest Express Entry draw reflects a broader strategy shift by IRCC, with a stronger emphasis on in-Canada applicants and specific labor market needs. French-speaking candidates still have opportunities, but the trend indicates a more selective approach moving forward.

Plan Your Next Step

If you are planning to apply for Canada PR through Express Entry, staying updated with draw trends and improving your CRS score is crucial. Understanding category-based selections can significantly improve your chances.

If you want a personalized assessment based on your profile, you can share your details and explore the best possible pathway forward. Call Toll-Free at 78-18-000-777 or email info@visasavenue.com.

- Rajneesh Kumar