Express Entry August 2026: Ongoing draws and 10,000 ITAs for French speakers

During the month of August, the Express Entry system held several draws for permanent residence, and in the first week, it did so continuously, day after day. This bodes well for candidates who have not yet received their ITA.

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The current trend reflects a priority placed on both Canadian work experience and proficiency in French.

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As of the date of this article's publication, 10,000 ITAs have been issued to French speakers. This is an encouraging figure for those who wish to live in Canada outside of Quebec.

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On August 19, the government announced the round with the lowest minimum score for French proficiency since 2025, which encourages candidates to continue improving their language skills to increase their chances of being selected in future draws.

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In this blog post, I'll break down the first August lotteries and tell you the best strategy to use when applying while you wait for your invitation.

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The Frenchman's goal: 10,000 ITA in a single month

Reaching the milestone of 10,000 invitations confirms Canada's intention to strengthen the Francophone presence outside Quebec. 

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The two large-scale rounds held on August 6 (5,000 ITA) and August 19 (5,000 ITA), respectively, demonstrate that this category is one of the most reliable, fastest, and most accessible routes—in terms of cut-off scores—to obtaining permanent residency.

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What You Need to Know About Your Profile and Express Entry Trends

If you registered your profile in the Express Entry pool a few months ago and still haven't received an invitation, assess the current trends and reflect on your profile.

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• Opportunities for Specific Profiles: The category-based rounds show that IRCC is actively seeking candidates with proficiency in French or experience in strategic sectors (transportation, healthcare, skilled trades, etc.).

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• Understanding the CRS System: Knowing how your points are structured allows you to better assess your chances relative to the current cutoff scores.

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• Update your profile in a timely manner: If you’ve improved your language scores on international tests, earned additional degrees, or gained more work experience, don’t just wait for the ITA to arrive—update your profile and avoid losing valuable days with outdated information.

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• Gather your documents: Once you receive the ITA, you’ll have only 60 days to submit your application. Make sure to organize your essential documents (ECA, employment letters, criminal background check, and certificates) well in advance.

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Trends in Immigration to Canada

In addition to the lotteries, the current immigration landscape is characterized by key trends:

• Greater Focus on Francophones Outside Quebec: IRCC aims to increase the percentage of Francophone residents in English-speaking provinces by ensuring large-scale draws and competitive scores.

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• Prioritizing internal and provincial talent: The ongoing rounds for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) reaffirm that retaining those who are already working, studying, or have provincial support is a strategic pillar.

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• Profile Optimization: Strategies such as improving proficiency in the second official language (up to 56 extra CRS points) or securing a provincial nomination (600 automatic points) are combined.

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August 2026 Draws: Experience, Language, and New Division Debut

The priority rounds of the first draws include candidates with work experience in Canada, French-speaking background, and employment as a truck driver.

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• August 19, 2026 (2026 French Language Competition - Version 2): 5,000 ITA | Minimum CRS score: 382
• August 18, 2026 (Canadian Experience Class): 1,000 ITA | Minimum CRS score: 523
• August 17, 2026 (Provincial Candidate Program): 442 ITA | Minimum CRS score: 760
• August 7, 2026 (Transportation Sector Occupations, Version 2): 300 ITA | Minimum CRS score: 470
• August 6, 2026 (French-language exam, Version 2): 5,000 ITA | Minimum CRS score: 391
• August 5, 2026 (Canadian Experience Class - CEC): 3,000 ITA | Minimum CRS score: 516
• August 4, 2026 (Provincial Candidate Program - PNP): 507 ITA | Minimum CRS score: 768

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August has gotten off to a fast-paced and promising start for the Express Entry system and for the thousands of candidates who are waiting for an invitation.

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Recommendations

Those who have their documents in order and have certified language proficiency can immediately take advantage of the opening of new rounds of invitations.

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If you have any doubts about your profile, don't submit your application without the peace of mind that comes from a professional review. 

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At Immiland Canada, we offer an application review service, which is ideal for those who have prepared their visa application on their own and just need a second opinion before submitting it. 

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If you already have your application completed and ready to submit, our attorneys and licensed consultants can review it and provide the necessary feedback to ensure it is as strong as possible. Visit: https://www.immilandcanada.com/migracion/revision-previa-a-envio 

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I hope this information is helpful for your process.

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If you would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us.

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See you in our next blog post, where we’ll continue to help you build your Canadian dream with empathy, dedication, and professionalism.

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With love,

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Immiland Canada