Express Entry: October Rounds—IRCC Invites 5,000 French Speakers

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued four rounds of invitations in the first half of October. Each round focused on a different category: SkilledTrades, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and, most recently , the Francophone category, which received the highest number of invitations.

‍

The Trades category is back after several months, because Canada needs electricians, plumbers, welders, and other professionals. The economic and employment goals are key, as is the French language, which always attracts more foreign workers. 

‍

In this blog post, I'll provide a helpful analysis to help you determine which category best fits your profile and bring you closer to the opportunity to settle in Canada.

‍

French-speaking category: More ITA, lower score

On October 16, 2026, IRCC issued the highest number of invitations for the month through a draw for the French Language Proficiency Category. A total of 5,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were sent to foreign nationals who are fluent in French and achieved a minimum CRS score of 435—the lowest score among the rounds held from October 1 to date.

‍

In short, speaking French opens the doors to immigration in Canada. Once again, this pathway has proven to be one of the most advantageous and accessible ways within the entire Express Entry system to obtain permanent residence. 

‍

Summary of the First Rounds

Draw 447: October 1, 2026

• Category:Trades
• Invitations issued: 3,500
• Minimum CRS score: 476

‍

The " Skilled Trades " category ( Trades) category includes technical and hands-on jobs that require specialized training, manual skills, and focused instruction, rather than a traditional college degree. 

‍

It is important to remember that to qualify, it is not enough to simply belong to an eligible occupation; you must also have accumulated at least 12 months of work experience in that same eligible occupation over the past 3 years—whether in Canada or abroad—and meet the other requirements.

‍

Draw 448: October 13 , 2026

• Category: Provincial Candidate Program (PNP) 
• Invitations: 752  
• Minimum CRS score: 772

‍

The PNP under Express Entry serves as a bridge to the provincial governments, which award 600 direct points to the profile. That is why the cutoff score is much higher than in other categories. This practically guarantees permanent residence. 

‍

Draw 449: October 15, 2026

‍

• Category: Canadian Experience Class

‍

• Invitations issued: 2 ,500

‍

• Minimum CRS score: 519

‍

The CEC's 519 points represent a slight decrease from the PNP's 772 points (which include 600 for the nomination), making this category the benchmark for competitiveness among candidates with experience in Canada.

‍

Score Trends by Age

In the general draws under the Express Entry system, points are progressively reduced starting at age 30 and are no longer awarded at age 45.

‍

That is why selection by categories such as trades becomes a strategic alternative for obtaining an ITA (Invitation to Apply). 

‍

Like other priority areas—such as proficiency in French, health, STEM, agriculture, or education—the vocational tracks make it possible to overcome the barrier of an overall score that is heavily influenced by age and traditional academic experience.

‍

In conclusion, breaking through the 30-year barrier requires optimizing other aspects of one's profile to the fullest extent possible in order to remain competitive. 

‍

Recommendations

If you received an invitation, make the most of your time by being proactive with your paperwork.

‍

To minimize the chances of your application being rejected, include detailed letters of recommendation from employers, contracts, pay stubs, and any official documentation that clearly demonstrates the duties you performed in your position.

‍

Regularly check for updates to the CNP code classification and the specific criteria that IRCC establishes for each priority sector.

‍

To secure a provincial nomination (PNP) under the Express Entry system, the key is to align your profile with the actual labor market needs of a specific province and demonstrate a clear intention to reside there. 

‍

If you have questions about the Canadian immigration system, look for reliable information on the official website or seek specialized legal advice.

‍

Do you have questions about applying under a specific category? At Immiland Canada, we have regulated consultants (CICC) and Canadian attorneys who specialize in immigration processes and can help you.

‍

You can request a Free Assessment or Schedule a Personalized Consultation and get started with us.

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

‍

‍With love,

Immiland Canada