4,000 candidates with French language proficiency received Express Entry ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 393

By Vicky

Mar 19, 2026 | 2 min read

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a new Express Entry draw 405, inviting 4,000 candidates to apply for Canadian permanent residence under the French-language proficiency category, one of the targeted selection streams within Canada’s Express Entry system.

This French Language Proficiency draw held on March 18th,2026 ,issued 4,000 Express Entry ITAs to candidates with at least NCLC level 7 in all four abilities and a minimum CRS score of 393, marking the lowest cut-off recorded for a French-language proficiency draw in 2026 and reinforcing Canada’s efforts to attract skilled French-speaking immigrants to support Francophone communities outside Quebec.

Key Highlights – Express Entry Draw 405

Draw Type: French-Language Proficiency (Category-based selection)
Date of Round: March 18, 2026
Invitations to Apply (ITAs): 4,000
Minimum CRS Score: 393
Tie-Breaking Rule: Candidates with the same CRS score had to have submitted their profiles on or before December 29, 2025 at 12:47:31 UTC to be invited.

This round follows earlier French-language proficiency draws conducted in March and reflects IRCC’s continued use of language-based selection as part of its broader Express Entry strategy.

Continued Focus on French-Language Candidates

French-language proficiency has remained a consistent priority within the Express Entry system in 2026. Dedicated draws for French-speaking candidates allow IRCC to issue a large number of invitations at comparatively lower CRS thresholds, creating additional pathways for eligible applicants.
These targeted selections support Canada’s long-term goal of strengthening bilingualism and increasing Francophone immigration across provinces, while also addressing regional labour market needs.

Express Entry Trends in 2026

Canada’s Express Entry system continues to operate through a mix of program-specific and category-based draws, including selections for Provincial Nominee Program candidates, Canadian Experience Class applicants, and occupation-focused groups.

The repeated issuance of French-language proficiency draws indicates that language ability remains a strong competitive advantage within the Express Entry pool.

Looking Ahead

As Express Entry draws continue throughout the year, candidates with strong French language skills may remain well positioned for future invitations. Maintaining updated language test results and ensuring accurate profile information can help improve selection chances in upcoming rounds.

Staying informed about draw patterns and eligibility trends will be important for candidates planning their next steps in the Canadian permanent residence process.