Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada conducted the third draw in a row within three days, as Another Express Entry Draw On August 6 Issued 5,000 PR Invitations for Francophone Candidates reveals. Under the French language proficiency stream, this draw issued 5,000 PR invites for Canadian permanent residency. As an amazing piece of news for candidates, the lowest cut-off CRS score required was 391 points, which is the lowest ever for French-language selection in 2026.
Highlights of Another Express Entry Draw On August 6
- Draw Date – August 6, 2026
- Draw Category – French language proficiency category
- Total Invitations Issued – 5,000
- Minimum CRS Score Required – 391
Analysis of 2026 Low French CRS Cut-off Score
The French language draw cut-off score has been consistently declining this summer. Following its highest level of 420 points recorded earlier in July, the cut-off was down to 399 points in July 22, and has now reduced even more to 391 points in the current draw.
This reduction in cut-off score to 391 points has mainly resulted from the consistent issuance of quotas of 5,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in each draw by IRCC. This has caused the clearing off of French speaking candidates at the highest ranks.
Comparing All 2026 Express Entry Invitations of French Language
Even in 2026, the French language proficiency category continues to be the most important category-based route of Express Entry. Below is a comparison of the changing volume of invitations sent out in each draw round of this year.
| Date | Invitations Issued | CRS Cutoff Score |
|---|---|---|
| August 6, 2026 | 5,000 | 391 |
| July 22, 2026 | 5,000 | 399 |
| July 9, 2026 | 5,000 | 420 |
| May 28, 2026 | 4,500 | 409 |
| April 29, 2026 | 4,000 | 400 |
| April 15, 2026 | 4,000 | 419 |
| March 18, 2026 | 4,000 | 393 |
| March 4, 2026 | 5,500 | 397 |
| February 6, 2026 | 8,500 | 400 |
A total of 45,500 PR invitations were issued through this Francophone stream in nine draw rounds by IRCC.
What Candidates Should Do Now
Those candidates who have managed to get 391 points or more and provided their profile before March 18, 2026, should sign in to their account and collect Invitations to Apply (ITAs). Once the ITA is received, candidates have two months to provide all necessary documents and fill out an online application form for getting permanent residency status.
Recommendations for bilingual or French learning candidates
- Get NCLC benchmark 7 – Getting the NCLC level 7 in French by using either TEF Canada or TCF Canada makes it possible to participate in the high-frequency category draws that have less points requirement (more than 120 points less than regular CEC draw).
- Ensure language testing score accuracy – Providing an accurate language test score guarantees eligibility for the next round of selection.