Canada’s immigration department (IRCC) carried out its second French-language category draw of the month on 22 July 2026, issuing 5,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence at a surprisingly low Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score of 399. Independent tracker QueueCheck confirmed the results on 23 July. The cut-off is 21 points below the previous French-language round on 9 July and the lowest French-specific threshold since March. While the category targets candidates with strong French in all four language abilities, Indians comprise one of the largest non-francophone groups now investing in French study to boost their Express Entry prospects. According to IRCC’s 2025 data, Indians received 17 percent of all French-language ITAs—up from just 7 percent three years earlier. What the drop means: Candidates who scored between 399 and 420 but missed out earlier this month may now receive invitations. For Indian professionals stuck around the 480-point mark in general draws, adding French results can shave months off the waiting game. Immigration consultants in New Delhi report a surge in Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) bookings since IRCC began category-based rounds in mid-2025. Business impact: Canadian subsidiaries planning intra-company transfers should review whether staff already in the Express Entry pool can capitalise on the lower French cut-off. Employers may wish to sponsor intensive language training, which costs about ₹50,000 for a 12-week course in India but can translate into quicker PR status and lower mobility overheads. Next steps: Invited candidates have 60 days to lodge a complete PR application. HR teams should ensure employees secure police clearances and medicals early—these remain the two biggest bottlenecks for India-based applicants. IRCC processing times for the French category average 6–8 months, shorter than many Provincial Nominee pathways.
Source: QueueCheck
