Express Entry Draw #394 Issues 8,500 Invitations in Largest French-Language Selection

The Express Entry draw #394 marked a historic milestone as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada conducted the largest category-based invitation round since the launch of targeted selections. In this selection, 8,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates with French-language proficiency, signaling Canada’s continued focus on strengthening Francophone immigration outside Quebec.

Candidates invited in the draw were required to meet a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 400 and must have created their Express Entry profile before 11:11 a.m. UTC on February 3, 2026. The relatively moderate CRS threshold compared to many recent draws allowed a wider pool of French-speaking candidates to receive invitations, reinforcing the federal government’s objective of increasing French-speaking immigration levels across the country.

Express Entry Draw #394 Highlights and Selection Overview

The February 6 draw stands out not only because of its size but also because it represents the largest category-based Express Entry selection in program history. Category-based draws were introduced to target specific labour market needs and demographic priorities, including healthcare workers, STEM professionals, and French-speaking candidates.

Key details of the draw include:

• Draw category: French-language proficiency
• Invitations issued: 8,500 ITAs
• Minimum CRS score: 400
• Profile submission deadline: February 3, 2026, at 11:11 a.m. UTC
  

This large-scale invitation round significantly reshaped the Express Entry pool composition by reducing the number of mid-range CRS candidates awaiting selection.

Express Entry Draw #394 Within 2026 Invitation Trends

The Express Entry draw February 6, 2026 also reflects a broader invitation pattern seen throughout early 2026. Immigration authorities have concentrated invitations across three primary selection types:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws
• Category-based French-language selections
• By early February, 24,178 ITAs had already been issued in 2026, including:
• 14,000 ITAs through CEC draws
• 8,500 ITAs through French-language selections 1,255 ITAs through PNP draws

This targeted approach indicates a strategic effort to prioritize candidates who are already contributing to the Canadian labour market or who meet specific language and demographic objectives.

Importance of French-Language Immigration Targets

Canada has steadily increased its focus on Francophone immigration to strengthen minority French-speaking communities outside Quebec. Federal targets aim to increase the share of Francophone immigrants over the coming years, and category-based Express Entry draws have become a central tool for achieving these objectives.

French-speaking candidates often benefit from additional CRS points for bilingual ability, but category-based draws allow the government to invite candidates even at lower CRS thresholds when they meet specific language criteria. This approach improves the geographic distribution of Francophone newcomers and supports regional workforce needs.

What Candidates Should Consider Moving Forward?

Applicants who possess French-language proficiency but have not yet entered the Express Entry pool may benefit from doing so, particularly as category-based draws continue to prioritize language-based selections. Strengthening language test scores, maintaining updated profiles, and monitoring category-specific eligibility requirements remain key strategies for improving selection chances.

The Express Entry draw February 6, 2026 demonstrates that category-based selections are now a major component of Canada’s immigration system, providing targeted opportunities for candidates whose skills align with national demographic and labour priorities.

Stay updated on Express Entry draws, CRS score trends, and category-based selection strategies by following Canada Immigration News.