IRCC has just completed another Express Entry draw targeting French-language proficiency — and the CRS bar has moved again. On 9 July 2026, IRCC issued 5,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in an Express Entry round dedicated to French-language proficiency, with a CRS cutoff of 420. This is part of the ongoing category-based selection strategy, where candidates with strong French skills (NCLC 7+ in all four abilities) can be invited from the pool even if they would not meet the

If you expected an Express Entry invitation in the French-language draw on May 28, 2026 (round #418) but did not receive one, you are not alone. IRCC has acknowledged that some candidates who appeared to meet the criteria for the May 28, 2026 French-language proficiency round (#418) did not receive an Invitation to Apply. According to IRCC’s own update, a review is underway and **no action is required from candidates at this time**. In practice, this means you should avoid