Express Entry
Express Entry Draw #425 Issues 5,000 Invitations for French Speakers with Record 2026 CRS Score
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted another major Express Entry draw, issuing 5,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the French-language proficiency category. Held on July 9, 2026, the draw required candidates to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 420.
While the number of invitations increased compared to the previous French-language draw, the CRS cut-off also climbed to the highest level seen for this category in 2026. The latest round reinforces Canada’s continued focus on attracting French-speaking immigrants who can contribute to labour market needs and strengthen Francophone communities outside Quebec.
Express Entry Draw #425: Key Highlights
Here are the official details of the latest draw:
| Draw Detail | Information |
| Draw Number | #425 |
| Date | July 9, 2026 |
| Category | French-Language Proficiency |
| Invitations Issued | 5,000 |
| CRS Cut-off | 420 |
| Tie-breaking Rule | May 15, 2026, at 08:04:00 UTC |
Candidates with a CRS score of 420 or higher who submitted their Express Entry profile before the tie-breaking timestamp received invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Highest CRS Score for French Draws in 2026
Although IRCC increased invitations from 4,500 to 5,000, the CRS score rose from 409 to 420.
This indicates stronger competition among French-speaking candidates entering the Express Entry pool. More applicants are improving their language scores and overall profiles, making the category increasingly competitive.
Despite the higher CRS requirement, French-language draws continue to offer significantly lower cut-offs than many Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program draws.
French Language Remains a Priority
Canada continues prioritizing French-speaking immigration outside Quebec as part of its long-term immigration strategy.
French-language category-based draws help:
- Strengthen Francophone minority communities,
- Address labour shortages,
- Support bilingual workplaces,
- Promote economic growth across provinces.
IRCC has consistently conducted French-language draws throughout 2026, making them one of the most active category-based selection streams.
French-Language Draws Conducted in 2026
So far, IRCC has held seven French-language proficiency draws in 2026.
| Date | ITAs | CRS |
| July 9 | 5,000 | 420 |
| May 28 | 4,500 | 409 |
| April 29 | 4,000 | 400 |
| April 15 | 4,000 | 419 |
| March 18 | 4,000 | 393 |
| March 4 | 5,500 | 397 |
| February 6 | 8,500 | 400 |
These draws have issued a combined 35,500 invitations this year, highlighting the government’s continued commitment to Francophone immigration.
Three Express Entry Draws in One Week
The July 9 draw follows two other Express Entry rounds conducted earlier this week:
- July 6: Provincial Nominee Program – 534 invitations
- July 7: Canadian Experience Class – 2,000 invitations
- July 9: French-language proficiency – 5,000 invitations
Together, IRCC has issued 7,534 invitations within four days, showing an active start to July’s Express Entry schedule.
Why French Can Improve Your Immigration Chances
French language skills provide two major advantages under Express Entry.
First, candidates receive additional CRS points for demonstrating French proficiency.
Second, eligible candidates may qualify for category-based French-language draws, where CRS cut-offs are often much lower than general or CEC rounds.
Applicants can demonstrate their French ability through approved tests such as:
- TEF Canada
- TCF Canada
Strong scores in both English and French can significantly increase overall CRS points.
What Candidates Should Do Next
If you received an invitation in this draw, begin preparing your permanent residence application as early as possible. Supporting documents such as language test results, educational credential assessments, police certificates, and proof of work experience should be kept ready.
Candidates who narrowly missed the cut-off should consider improving their profile by:
- Retaking French or English language tests,
- Gaining additional skilled work experience,
- Updating educational qualifications,
- Exploring Provincial Nominee Program opportunities.
Even a modest increase in CRS points can improve the chances of receiving an invitation in future draws.
What This Draw Means
The latest Express Entry Draw #425 confirms that French-speaking candidates remain a major priority within Canada’s immigration strategy. Although competition has increased, the government continues issuing a large number of invitations through this category.
With immigration targets remaining high and regular category-based selections continuing throughout 2026, bilingual candidates remain well-positioned for Canadian permanent residence.
Those planning to immigrate should keep their Express Entry profile updated, monitor future draws, and explore every available pathway to improve their CRS score.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the CRS score in Express Entry Draw #425?
The minimum CRS score required was 420.
3. When was Express Entry Draw #425 held?
The draw took place on July 9, 2026.
4. Which language tests qualify for French-language Express Entry draws?
Candidates can use TEF Canada or TCF Canada to demonstrate French-language proficiency.
5. Is French still an advantage for Express Entry?
Yes. French proficiency can increase CRS scores and provide access to dedicated category-based draws with competitive cut-off scores.
