2026 Francophone draw history
This table is updated after each Francophone-category draw. ITAs issued, CRS cutoff, and dates are pulled directly from the IRCC Express Entry rounds-of-invitations publication.
| Date | Round | ITAs | CRS Cutoff | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 7, 2026 | 335 | 3,500 | 397 | French proficiency |
| Apr 9, 2026 | 328 | 4,000 | 398 | French proficiency |
| Mar 5, 2026 | 320 | 3,000 | 397 | French proficiency |
| Feb 12, 2026 | 315 | 8,500 | 400 | French proficiency |
| Jan 15, 2026 | 308 | 4,500 | 402 | French proficiency |
2025 Francophone draw history (summary)
2025 was the breakout year for French-category draws - IRCC issued 48,000 Francophone ITAs, more than any other Express Entry category for the first time. Average CRS cutoff: 397. Average draw size: 2,000–4,000 ITAs.
| Quarter | Total ITAs | Avg CRS cutoff | # of draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 | 10,500 | 401 | 5 |
| Q2 2025 | 12,000 | 397 | 6 |
| Q3 2025 | 14,000 | 395 | 7 |
| Q4 2025 | 11,500 | 398 | 5 |
| 2025 Total | 48,000 | 397 | 23 |
French draws vs general draws
| Metric | French Category | General (no PNP) |
|---|---|---|
| Average CRS cutoff | 397–400 | 514–520 |
| Total ITAs (2025) | 48,000 | 38,000 |
| Frequency | ~2 per month | ~2 per month |
| Eligible NOCs | All TEER 0/1/2/3 | All TEER 0/1/2/3 |
| Language requirement | CLB 7 French | CLB 7 English or French |
| Pool size | ~20,000 candidates | ~250,000 candidates |
| Competition ratio | Low | Very high |
The pool-size column is the hidden factor most applicants miss. Even when general draw cutoffs drop, you are competing against 250,000+ candidates. French-category draws pull from a pool of only 20,000 - a 12× smaller competitor field at a 114-point lower threshold.
Who qualifies for French draws?
IRCC's criteria for French-category selection are simple but strict:
- CLB 7 or higher in ALL four French skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking)
- Already in the Express Entry pool under FSW, CEC, or FSTP
- No restriction on nationality, occupation, or current work location
- No restriction on whether you currently live in or outside Canada
- You can submit BOTH English and French test results - the bilingual bonus (+50 CRS) applies on top of the lower French-draw cutoff
- Province of destination cannot be Quebec - Quebec runs its own immigration programs outside Express Entry
Read more about the path to CLB 7 in our TEF vs TCF guide and our by-nationality French learning guide.
Strategic analysis - should you learn French?
Use this decision framework. The right answer depends on where your CRS sits today and how much time you have.
| Your situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| CRS 460–520, no French | YES - French drops you into the draw range |
| CRS below 400, no French | MAYBE - French alone won't help; pair with PNP |
| CRS above 520, no French | OPTIONAL - nice to have, not necessary |
| Already at A2 or B1 French | DEFINITELY - fastest ROI you can get |
| 6–12 months available | YES - enough time to reach CLB 7 |
| Need PR in under 3 months | NO - CLB 7 takes longer to reach safely |
Run the numbers on your own profile with our French CRS Calculator. Enter your current CRS, English level, and target French level - see if French gets you over the line.
Predictions for 2026–2027
Canada's Francophone immigration target outside Quebec is 30,267 newcomers for 2026, rising to 36,000+ in 2027. The trend has increased every year since the policy launched in 2023.
- CRS cutoff likely to stay in the 390–410 band through 2026
- Draw frequency expected to remain at ~2 per month
- Average draw size will likely grow to 4,000–6,000 ITAs
- IRCC's May 2026 consultation proposed REMOVING the French bonus points from CRS - but KEEPING French-category draws. Net effect: the draws themselves become even more important if the bonus is cut.
Frequently asked questions
How often are Francophone Express Entry draws held?
Approximately twice per month since mid-2024. IRCC has confirmed this cadence will continue through 2026 to meet the 30,267 Francophone newcomer target outside Quebec.
What's the difference between French-category draws and the bilingual bonus?
Two different things. French-category draws are dedicated invitation rounds at CRS 397–400 - only candidates with CLB 7+ French qualify. The bilingual bonus is +25 to +50 CRS points added to your total score if you have CLB 7 French AND CLB 5 English. You can benefit from both simultaneously.
Do I need to live in a Francophone region of Canada?
No. French-category draws are open to candidates settling anywhere in Canada EXCEPT Quebec (which runs its own programs). You can settle in Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary with CLB 7 French and still qualify.
Will French draws continue at this rate?
Almost certainly yes through 2027. Canada's Francophone immigration target rises each year, and the political consensus across federal parties supports expanded Francophone immigration outside Quebec. The risk to monitor is a CRS-bonus rule change - the draw category itself appears safe.
Can I see all historical Francophone draw data in one place?
Yes - IRCC publishes every Express Entry round-of-invitations result on canada.ca. This page summarises the Francophone-category subset and is updated within 24 hours of each new draw.
What CRS score do I need to be confident of an ITA?
For Francophone-category draws: CRS 405+ has resulted in an ITA in every draw of 2025–2026. CRS 400–404 has resulted in ITAs in 9 of the last 10 draws. Below 397 you're outside the typical cutoff range.
Are PNP nominees better off than French candidates?
PNP nominees still get +600 CRS - that's the strongest single boost. But French is faster to acquire (6–12 months) and cheaper than the PNP application process. Combining French with a PNP nomination is the strongest possible profile.
What if my CRS is high enough for general draws - should I still learn French?
Optional. If your CRS is consistently above 520, you'll likely get invited in a general draw. French is a hedge against rising general-draw cutoffs (which have crept up year-over-year). It also dramatically improves your settlement options across French-speaking Canada.
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