IRCC conducted a category-based Express Entry draw targeting French-language proficiency on 29 April 2026, inviting 4,000 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 400. This was the third consecutive French-language round to offer 4,000 invitations, and the cut-off is among the lowest seen for any federal immigration category this year. The French stream helps Ottawa meet its target of admitting 30,267 francophone newcomers outside Quebec in 2026.
![Second French-language Express Entry draw of April issues 4,000 ITAs at historically low CRS 400]()
While candidates prepare their applications, VisaHQ can streamline the process of ordering police certificates, passport renewals, or even securing temporary resident visas for exploratory visits; its dedicated Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) outlines fees, timelines, and live customer support so that francophone professionals can focus on boosting their CRS scores rather than paperwork.
With 26,000 ITAs already issued under the category, IRCC has achieved roughly 85 percent of that goal just four months into the year—far ahead of schedule. Because French draws require an advanced language test score but not Canadian work experience, they remain one of the most accessible pathways for overseas professionals. Businesses operating outside Quebec stand to gain, as bilingual employees qualify for up to C$22,000 in federal and provincial wage subsidies through programs such as Ontario’s Francophone Mobility Work Permit. Applicants have 60 days to submit complete PR files. Those who missed the invitation but scored near CRS 400 should maximise French test results or seek provincial nominations to boost scores. Employers can support staff by covering language-test fees and credential assessments, which are often barriers for francophone talent. Industry observers expect IRCC to slow the pace of French draws later in the year but caution that provincial nomination allocations may tighten at the same time, making early action advisable.
While candidates prepare their applications, VisaHQ can streamline the process of ordering police certificates, passport renewals, or even securing temporary resident visas for exploratory visits; its dedicated Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) outlines fees, timelines, and live customer support so that francophone professionals can focus on boosting their CRS scores rather than paperwork.
With 26,000 ITAs already issued under the category, IRCC has achieved roughly 85 percent of that goal just four months into the year—far ahead of schedule. Because French draws require an advanced language test score but not Canadian work experience, they remain one of the most accessible pathways for overseas professionals. Businesses operating outside Quebec stand to gain, as bilingual employees qualify for up to C$22,000 in federal and provincial wage subsidies through programs such as Ontario’s Francophone Mobility Work Permit. Applicants have 60 days to submit complete PR files. Those who missed the invitation but scored near CRS 400 should maximise French test results or seek provincial nominations to boost scores. Employers can support staff by covering language-test fees and credential assessments, which are often barriers for francophone talent. Industry observers expect IRCC to slow the pace of French draws later in the year but caution that provincial nomination allocations may tighten at the same time, making early action advisable.
