What Are Category-Based Express Entry Draws?

Category-based draws are different from general Express Entry draws. In a general round, IRCC invites the top-ranking candidates in the overall Express Entry pool. In a category-based round, the Minister establishes a category to meet a specific economic goal, and IRCC invites top-ranking candidates who are eligible for that category.

This matters because category-based selection does not only look at who has the highest CRS score overall. It allows IRCC to focus on candidates with certain language abilities, occupations or other characteristics. For the July 9, 2026 round, the category was French-language proficiency.

IRCC currently lists French-language proficiency as one of the Express Entry categories. To be eligible for an invitation through a category-based round, a candidate must still meet the minimum criteria for Express Entry, including eligibility for one of the programs managed by Express Entry, and must also meet the requirements in the instructions for that specific round.

Why French Proficiency Matters

French proficiency can be especially valuable for candidates who want to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry. For the French-language proficiency category, IRCC states that candidates must have French-language test results showing a minimum score of 7 in all four language abilities under the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens, or NCLC. The four abilities are reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Candidates must prove language ability through an approved language test. For French, IRCC accepts TEF Canada and TCF Canada for Express Entry. IRCC also states that language test results must be less than two years old when the candidate completes the Express Entry profile and when the candidate submits the permanent residence application.

What Candidates Should Do After This Draw

Candidates who were invited should carefully review their invitation and make sure their documents support every point claimed in their Express Entry profile. This includes language results, work history, education, identity documents and any other information used to calculate the CRS score.

Candidates who were not invited should not assume they are out of options. A future draw may have a different CRS cut-off, a different number of invitations or different category requirements. They may wish to consider what can be done to strengthen their profile to be in the best position for a future draw to increase their chance for an ITA.

The July 9, 2026 French proficiency draw shows why category-based Express Entry rounds are important. They can help IRCC target candidates who meet specific policy goals, while giving qualified French-speaking candidates a more focused pathway to receive an invitation to apply. Still, an invitation depends on meeting the category requirements, having a competitive CRS score and maintaining accurate, valid information in the Express Entry profile.