A new Express Entry draw has brought encouraging news for candidates with French language skills. On 22 July 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 5,000 candidates to apply for Canadian permanent residence through the French language proficiency category.
One of the biggest highlights from this round is the CRS score falling to 399. That is 21 points lower than the previous French category draw held on July 9. For many applicants who missed the last round, this latest draw could be the opportunity they were waiting for.
22 July 2026 Express Entry Draw at a Glance
Here are the official details announced by IRCC.
| Draw Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Draw Number | #429 |
| Draw Date | July 22, 2026 |
| Category | French Language Proficiency |
| Invitations Issued | 5,000 |
| CRS Cutoff Score | 399 |
| Draw Time (UTC) | 11:12:26 |
| Tie Breaking Rule | November 19, 2025 at 21:21:56 UTC |
Candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 399. If multiple profiles had the same score, IRCC selected those who submitted their Express Entry profile before the tie breaking date and time.
CRS Score Drops to Its Lowest Level in Months
The biggest change in this draw is the lower CRS requirement.
The previous French language draw on July 9 required 420 CRS points. This latest round reduced that requirement by 21 points, making the selection much more accessible.
The last time the French category recorded a lower cutoff was on March 18, 2026, when the score reached 393.
From my experience following Express Entry draws, a drop of more than 20 CRS points in the same category usually shows that IRCC is inviting candidates from a wider section of the Express Entry pool instead of selecting only the highest scoring profiles.
French Language Express Entry Draws in 2026
IRCC has continued to hold regular category based draws for French speaking candidates throughout 2026.
| Draw | Date | Invitations | CRS Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| #429 | July 22, 2026 | 5,000 | 399 |
| #425 | July 9, 2026 | 5,000 | 420 |
| #418 | May 28, 2026 | 4,500 | 409 |
| #414 | April 29, 2026 | 4,000 | 400 |
| #411 | April 15, 2026 | 4,000 | 419 |
| #405 | March 18, 2026 | 4,000 | 393 |
| #401 | March 4, 2026 | 5,500 | 397 |
| #394 | February 6, 2026 | 8,500 | 400 |
So far in 2026, IRCC has issued 40,500 invitations through eight French language category draws.
July 2026 Express Entry Draw Summary
July has been one of the busiest months of the year for Express Entry.
| Date | Category | Invitations | CRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 22 | French Language | 5,000 | 399 |
| July 21 | Canadian Experience Class | 2,000 | 516 |
| July 20 | Provincial Nominee Program | 511 | 744 |
| July 10 | Senior Managers | 500 | 392 |
| July 9 | French Language | 5,000 | 420 |
| July 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 2,000 | 517 |
| July 6 | Provincial Nominee Program | 534 | 708 |
Total Invitations in July 2026: 15,545
A Clear Draw Pattern Is Starting to Appear
Another interesting trend is the way IRCC scheduled the draws this month.
Earlier in July, IRCC conducted a group of draws that included PNP, Canadian Experience Class, French language, and Senior Managers.
Later in the month, another group of draws followed almost the same sequence with PNP first, CEC second, and French language third.
While IRCC never guarantees future schedules, this repeated pattern may help candidates understand how recent invitation rounds are being organized.
What This Means for Express Entry Candidates
This draw is especially positive for applicants with French language ability.
If your CRS score is close to 399, your chances may now be much stronger than they were just a few weeks ago.
One practical step I always recommend is keeping every document ready before receiving an Invitation to Apply. Many candidates spend months improving their CRS score but lose valuable time later because language test reports, police certificates, or employment documents are not prepared.
If you have not yet completed a recognized French language exam, this may also be the right time to consider it. Even moderate French results can improve your CRS score and open access to category based draws that often have lower cutoffs than general rounds.
Candidates with strong English and French skills may also receive additional CRS points through Canada’s language scoring system.
Who Should Check Their Express Entry Profile?
You should review your profile if:
- Your CRS score is 399 or higher.
- Your profile was submitted before November 19, 2025, at 21:21:56 UTC.
- You qualify under the French language proficiency category.
- Your Express Entry profile is still active.
If your CRS score is 399 but your profile was created after the tie breaking timestamp, you were not included in this round and should keep your profile updated for future invitations.
My Observation
Over the past several months, French language category draws have remained one of the most attractive pathways under Express Entry. Even when CRS scores increased earlier this year, IRCC continued issuing thousands of invitations in this category.
If this trend continues, candidates who invest time in improving their French language score may have more opportunities than applicants relying only on general Express Entry draws.
FAQ
The minimum CRS score was 399. IRCC issued 5,000 Invitations to Apply under the French language proficiency category.
The cutoff dropped by 21 points, falling from 420 on July 9 to 399 on July 22, 2026.
As of July 22, 2026, IRCC has issued 40,500 invitations across eight French language proficiency draws.
IRCC held seven Express Entry draws during July 2026 and issued a combined 15,545 invitations across four different categories.
IRCC accepts TEF Canada and TCF Canada as approved French language tests for Express Entry applications.
Fact Check: This article is based on the official Express Entry Ministerial Instructions and draw results released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for July 22, 2026.
Disclaimer: This content is provided for general information only. It should not be considered legal or immigration advice. Always verify the latest requirements through official IRCC announcements before making any immigration decisions.
Dolly Patwalia is a Canadian Citizen with over 7 years of experience in Canadian immigration. She specializes in breaking down complex immigration policies — from Express Entry and PNPs to citizenship and provincial programs — into clear, actionable information. As the lead writer at CIKH.CA, Dolly is committed to providing verified, up-to-date guidance to help newcomers, residents, and immigration professionals make confident decisions about their Canadian journey.