Express Entry Draw #429: 5,000 French-Speaking Candidates Invited

Canada held a new Express Entry draw (#429) on July 23, 2026, issuing 5,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) specifically to French-speaking candidates. This draw is part of the ongoing category-based selection targeting candidates with strong French language skills, underscoring the Canadian government's commitment to promoting Francophone immigration outside Quebec.

For anyone preparing for French exams such as the TEF Canada or TCF Canada, this draw signals that achieving a high score on these tests can directly translate into an invitation to apply for permanent residence. With 5,000 ITAs issued in a single round, the demand for French-speaking immigrants remains robust.

What Happened in Draw #429

According to the source article from Google News, the latest Express Entry draw specifically invited 5,000 French-speaking candidates. The draw took place on July 23, 2026. No additional details such as the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score threshold or tie-breaking rule were provided in the source material. However, the size of the draw (5,000 ITAs) is notably large, indicating that IRCC is actively prioritizing French-language proficiency within the Express Entry pool.