IRCC held eight Express Entry draws in July 2026 and issued 15,549 invitations, 10,000 of them in two French-language rounds.
July at a glance
IRCC held eight Express Entry draws in July 2026 and issued 15,549 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. The French-language proficiency category accounted for 10,000 of them, about 64%: 5,000 ITAs on July 9 with a cut-off of 420, and 5,000 on July 22 with a cut-off of 399.
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) had two draws of 2,000 ITAs each, on July 7 (cut-off 517) and July 21 (cut-off 516). Provincial Nominee Program draws invited 534 candidates on July 6 (cut-off 708) and 511 on July 20 (cut-off 744). A draw for senior managers with Canadian work experience on July 10 invited 500 candidates with a cut-off of 392, and a skilled military recruits draw on July 23 invited 4 candidates with a cut-off of 368.
Who benefits
Candidates with strong French results faced much lower cut-offs than those relying on the CEC alone, where scores stayed at 516 to 517. Category-based rounds, including senior managers, continued to reach candidates with lower overall scores.
What to do
Candidates who can improve their French (NCLC) results, or who may qualify for a category, should check their eligibility and keep their profiles up to date. Past cut-offs do not predict future draws.
Key points
- Eight draws and 15,549 ITAs in July 2026
- French-language rounds: 10,000 ITAs, cut-offs 420 and 399
- CEC cut-offs held at 516 to 517
- Past cut-offs are not a forecast
Based on official information available at the time of the announcement. General information only, not legal advice. Immigration rules change often; IRCC and provincial websites prevail.