🎯 New Express Entry French Draw: What CRS 420 Really Means

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 score of recent general draws. While French-language rounds continue to be one of the more accessible options compared with many all-program or CEC draws, the rising cutoff suggests increasing competition among French-speaking candidates. To be considered, you must still qualify under an Express Entry program (such as CEC or FSW), have valid French test results at NCLC 7 or higher in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, and remember that no CRS threshold is guaranteed for future rounds. If you already have French skills — or are considering French as part of your long-term strategy — it may be worth reviewing your profile to confirm eligibility, language scores, and how French interacts with your overall CRS. ATA Immigration can walk you through what category-based selection means for your situation and how to position your profile responsibly within the Express Entry system. 📘 Learn more about Express Entry and category-based selection: https://www.ataimmigration.com/immigration-canada 🧭 Explore your Canadian immigration options with professional guidance: https://www.ataimmigration.com/ 📅 Book a consultation to review your Express Entry and language strategy: https://www.ataimmigration.com/book-online

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