New Express Entry Draw On February 6 Sent 8,500 PR Invitations

Last Updated On 6 February 2026, 1:34 PM EST (Toronto Time)

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a major Express Entry draw on February 6, 2026, issuing an impressive 8,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with French-language proficiency.

This category-based selection round represents one of the largest French-language draws in Express Entry history, demonstrating Canada’s ongoing dedication to strengthening Francophone communities across the country outside Quebec.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score for this draw was set at 400 points, making it accessible for many French-speaking candidates who might not qualify for other Express Entry categories.

February 6, 2026 Express Entry Draw Details

Draw Parameter	Details
Draw Date	February 6, 2026
Draw Category	French-Language Proficiency 2026-Version 2
Number of ITAs Issued	8,500
CRS Score Cut-Off	400
Rank Required	8,500 or above
Tie-Breaking Rule	February 3, 2026 at 11:11:44 UTC

The tie-breaking rule applies when multiple candidates share the same lowest CRS score in a draw.

In such cases, IRCC uses the date and time candidates submitted their Express Entry profiles to determine who receives an invitation.

For this draw, candidates who submitted their profiles before February 3, 2026, at 11:11:44 UTC and had a CRS score of 400 were invited to apply.

Understanding the French-Language Proficiency Category

The French-language proficiency category is one of several category-based selection streams within the Express Entry system.

Introduced as part of Canada’s commitment to supporting official language minority communities, this category prioritizes candidates who demonstrate strong French language abilities, helping to promote Francophone immigration outside Quebec.

Category-based draws allow IRCC to select candidates based on specific attributes that align with Canada’s economic goals and demographic priorities.

Unlike CEC draw types that invite candidates purely based on their CRS scores, category-based draws target individuals with particular skills, work experience, or language abilities that address specific needs in the Canadian labor market and society.

The French-language proficiency category has consistently been one of the most active draw categories since its introduction, with IRCC issuing tens of thousands of invitations annually to French-speaking candidates.

This reflects the federal government’s broader strategy to strengthen Francophone communities across Canada and maintain the country’s bilingual character.

Who Is Eligible for French-Language Proficiency Draws

To qualify for French-language proficiency draws under the Express Entry system, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements.

According to IRCC’s instructions, an eligible foreign national must not be a member of the class referred to in paragraph 2(d) of the Express Entry Instructions and must satisfy the following conditions:

French Language Test Requirement: The candidate’s French proficiency must have been assessed using an approved language test and the test results must be less than two years old at the time an immigration officer receives the complete permanent residence application.

The approved tests are:

Minimum Language Score Requirement: The candidate must achieve a result of level 7 or higher in each of the four language skill areas tested according to the benchmarks set out in the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC).

This means candidates must demonstrate NCLC 7 or above in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Additionally, candidates must have an active Express Entry profile under one of the three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Canada’s Francophone Immigration Strategy for 2026

The February 6, 2026, Express Entry draw aligns with Canada’s comprehensive strategy to strengthen Francophone communities across the country.

Under the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan, the federal government has set ambitious targets for French-speaking permanent resident admissions outside Quebec.

For 2026, Canada has established a target of 9% for Francophone permanent resident admissions outside Quebec, representing approximately 30,267 admissions.

This target increases to 9.5% in 2027 and 10.5% in 2028, reflecting the government’s commitment to gradually increasing Francophone immigration.

The ultimate goal is to reach 12% by 2029, supporting efforts to restore the demographic weight of Francophone minority communities.

In January 2026, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced that Canada exceeded its 2025 Francophone immigration target for the fourth consecutive year, achieving approximately 8.9% of permanent resident admissions outside Quebec.

This success reflects the effectiveness of measures such as the French-language proficiency category in Express Entry, the Francophone Mobility program, and the Welcoming Francophone Communities initiative.

The government has also announced that starting in 2026, it will reserve 5,000 federal selection spaces for provinces and territories to designate French-speaking immigrants.

These spaces are in addition to regular Provincial Nominee Program allocations, providing extra pathways for Francophone candidates seeking permanent residence.

What Happens After Receiving an Invitation to Apply

Candidates who receive an Invitation to Apply through the February 6, 2026, Express Entry draw have 60 calendar days to submit a complete electronic application for permanent residence.

This deadline is firm, and applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

Your permanent residence application must include comprehensive documentation proving your eligibility.

This includes:

a valid French language test results demonstrating NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilities,
identity documents such as passports and travel documents,
educational credentials and ECA reports if applicable,
work experience documentation, including reference letters,
police clearance certificates from all countries where you lived for six months or more, and
results of an immigration medical examination.

It is crucial to ensure that your French language test results remain valid throughout the application process.

Your test results must be less than two years old when the immigration officer receives your complete application, not just when you receive your ITA.

If your results expire before your application is processed, your application may be refused.

IRCC aims to process most Express Entry applications within six months of receiving a complete submission.

However, processing times can vary based on application volumes and the complexity of individual cases.

Candidates should monitor their application status through the IRCC online portal and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

The February 6, 2026, Express Entry draw marks another significant milestone in Canada’s efforts to attract French-speaking skilled workers.

With 8,500 ITAs issued at a CRS cut-off of 400 points, this draw offers hope to thousands of Francophone candidates seeking permanent residence in Canada.

For candidates with French language proficiency, the path to Canadian permanent residence has never been more accessible.

Lower CRS requirements, consistent draw frequencies, and multiple pathways including provincial nominee programs, create numerous opportunities for French-speaking skilled workers.

If you are considering immigrating to Canada and have French language abilities, now is an excellent time to pursue this pathway.

By preparing thoroughly, achieving strong language test results, and maintaining an active Express Entry profile, you can position yourself for success in future French-language proficiency draws.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I qualify for French-language draws if French is my second language and English is my first?

Yes, the order in which you list your official languages in your Express Entry profile does not affect your eligibility for French-language draws. What matters is that you achieve NCLC 7 or higher in all four French language abilities on an approved test. You can list English as your first official language and still be selected in French-language draws if you meet the French proficiency requirements.

Do I need to settle in a Francophone community after receiving permanent residence through a French-language draw?

No, there is no requirement to settle in a specific location after receiving permanent residence through Express Entry, including French-language draws. As a permanent resident, you have the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada except Quebec (which has its own immigration system). However, Francophone communities across Canada offer dedicated settlement services, employment support, and social networks that many French-speaking newcomers find valuable.

What is the difference between NCLC and CLB, and which one applies to French?

NCLC stands for Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens, which is the Canadian language benchmark system used to measure French proficiency. CLB stands for Canadian Language Benchmarks, which measures English proficiency. Both systems use the same numerical scale (levels 1-12), but NCLC applies specifically to French while CLB applies to English. For French-language draws, your test results are converted to NCLC levels, and you must achieve NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilities.

Can I take both TEF Canada and TCF Canada and use the higher scores from each test?

No, you cannot combine scores from different tests. When creating your Express Entry profile, you must choose results from a single test administration. However, you can take multiple tests and use whichever complete set of results gives you the highest overall NCLC levels. If you are unsatisfied with your first test results, you can retake either the TEF Canada or TCF Canada and update your Express Entry profile with the new results.

How long should I wait in the Express Entry pool before receiving an invitation through a French-language draw?

Wait times vary depending on your CRS score and draw patterns, but candidates with competitive French-language profiles typically receive invitations within 1-3 months of entering the pool. IRCC conducts French-language draws regularly throughout the year, and candidates with NCLC 7+ in French and CRS scores above the typical cut-off range (generally 379-450 points in recent draws) have strong chances of selection. Keep your profile updated and ensure your language test results remain valid throughout your time in the pool.

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.