Highlights of the Latest Express Entry Draw 429
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Draw Number | #429 |
| Date | July 22, 2026 |
| Draw Type | French-language Proficiency |
| Invitations Issued | 5,000 |
| Minimum CRS Score | 399 |
| Tie-break Rule | November 19, 2025, at 21:21:56 UTC |
Candidates with a CRS score of 399 received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) only if they had submitted their Express Entry profile before the tie-break date and time.
Who Was Invited for Express Entry Draw 429 ?
The latest Express Entry French-language draw targeted candidates who:
- Qualified under one of Canada’s three federal economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Met the French-language proficiency requirements established by IRCC.
- Had a CRS score of 399 or above.
This category-based selection is designed to support Canada’s objective of increasing the number of French-speaking immigrants settling outside Quebec.
CRS Score Drops from 516 to 399
The latest draw came just one day after Express Entry Draw 428, which invited 2,000 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates with a significantly higher CRS score of 516.
| Draw # | Date | Category | ITAs Issued | Minimum CRS Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 428 | July 21, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 2,000 | 516 |
| 429 | July 22, 2026 | French-language Proficiency | 5,000 | 399 |
Although the CRS cut-off decreased by 117 points, the two draws targeted different groups of candidates. French-language category-based draws operate under separate Ministerial Instructions and should not be directly compared with CEC-specific draws.
Why Does Canada Hold French-Language Express Entry Draws?
Canada continues to prioritize Francophone immigration to promote bilingualism and support the growth of French-speaking communities across provinces and territories outside Quebec.
By conducting category-based draws for French speakers, IRCC can invite skilled professionals who may not have extremely high CRS scores but possess strong French-language abilities that are in demand across the country.
This approach aligns with Canada’s long-term immigration strategy to address labour shortages while increasing Francophone immigration.
Express Entry Invitations Issued by Category in 2026
The latest draw brings the total number of invitations issued through Express Entry in 2026 to more than 104,000.
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 45,250 |
| French-language Proficiency | 40,500 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 8,000 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 6,450 |
| Trades | 3,000 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 750 |
| Physicians with Canadian Work Experience | 662 |
Total ITAs Issued in 2026 (Till July 23,2026) : 104,612
French-language proficiency remains the second-largest category for invitations this year, demonstrating IRCC’s continued emphasis on bilingual skilled immigration.
Who Is Affected by This Express Entry Draw 429?
This draw applies to candidates who:
- Have an active Express Entry profile.
- Meet the eligibility requirements of the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades Program.
- Meet the French-language proficiency requirements.
- Have a CRS score of 399 or higher before the tie-break date
Who Is Not Affected?
The draw does not apply to:
- Candidates who do not meet the French-language eligibility criteria.
- Express Entry candidates with CRS scores below 399.
- Applicants under Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) or other immigration pathways outside this specific category-based draw.
Source Disclaimer: This article is based on information published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The content is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Readers should refer to the official IRCC Express Entry website for the latest updates and official ministerial instructions.