IRCC Invites Over 5000 French Candidates In Latest Express Entry

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has conducted a new round of invitations through the Express Entry, targeting candidates with strong French-language proficiency. 

In the previous draw, Canada invited over 8,500 skilled candidates, marking the lowest CRS cut-off score recorded in the past year. The draw highlights Canada’s continued efforts to strengthen Francophone immigration outside Quebec while addressing labour market needs. 

By prioritizing French-speaking candidates, IRCC aims to attract skilled professionals who can support the country’s bilingual workforce and contribute to economic growth. The latest round has also created new opportunities for candidates in the Express Entry pool seeking to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

Express Entry Draw Results

Canada released the latest Express Entry draw on March 04, 2026, inviting 5,500 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 397.

• Draw Number: 401
• Date of Round: March 04, 2026
• Type of Draw: French-Language proficiency 2026-Version 2
• Number of ITAs Issued: 5,500
• CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 397
• Tie-Breaking Rule: October 10, 2025, at 18:18:20 UTC

If more than one candidate has the lowest score, the cut-off is based on the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles.

CRS Score Calculator

Express Entry French- Language Summary of 2026

The following table summarizes French-language proficiency Express Entry draws in 2026, including draw dates, invitations issued, and CRS cut-off scores.

How French-Speaking Candidates Benefit from Express Entry Draws?

French-speaking candidates can gain a significant advantage through the Express Entry when category-based draws target applicants with strong French-language proficiency. These draws often have lower CRS cut-off scores, increasing the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.

Language ability also strengthens a candidate’s profile under major immigration pathways such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Strong French proficiency can help candidates earn additional CRS points, improving their overall ranking in the Express Entry pool.

By prioritizing French-language candidates, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada aims to strengthen Francophone communities across Canada, particularly outside Quebec. This strategy helps address labour shortages, supports the growth of bilingual communities, and creates more pathways for skilled workers to obtain Canadian permanent residence.

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Source: canada.ca

Tags: French Speaking Draw Latest Draw Canada Immigration News Latest Express Entry IRCC Federal Skilled Worker Program