3rd Express Entry Draw of March- 5,500 French-Speaking Candidates Invited

Canada has conducted one of its most significant Express Entry draws of 2026, issuing 5,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the French-language proficiency category. The latest round was held by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and it recorded the lowest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score for this category in more than a year.

Key Details of New EE Draw

To be eligible in this draw, candidates were required to have a minimum CRS score of 397 and must have created their Express Entry profile before 6:18 p.m. (UTC) on October 10, 2025. The CRS requirement of 397 is notably lower compared to previous French-language category-based rounds, making this an important opportunity if you have strong French proficiency.

Express Entry Draw Result – 4th March 2026

Click here to see the complete list of Express Entry draws until date

This was only the second French-language draw conducted in 2026, and overall, it marks the thirteenth Express Entry selection round this year. Among all draws held in the past year, only the recent selection round for physicians with Canadian work experience recorded a lower CRS cut-off. That comparison highlights how competitive thresholds have slightly eased in targeted categories.

Throughout 2026, IRCC has largely focused on candidates already inside Canada. Many rounds have prioritized applicants under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). However, French-speaking candidates continue to receive substantial attention as Canada aims to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec. Below is the breakdown of Express Entry draw types conducted so far this year:

Express Entry Draws in 2026

Even though only two French-language draws have taken place this year, a total of 14,000 ITAs have already been issued under this category. This makes it the second-highest invitation category in 2026 so far, reflecting Canada’s strategic emphasis on bilingual immigration.

In total, 44,612 ITAs have been issued through Express Entry in 2026 across various categories. The detailed distribution is provided below:

ITAs Issued in 2026

If you are planning to apply for Canada PR through Express Entry, these trends matter. Lower CRS cut-offs in targeted draws can create practical openings, especially if you qualify under French-language proficiency or Canadian experience categories. At the same time, competition remains structured around category-based priorities and in-Canada applicants.

If you want a clear understanding of where your profile stands under Express Entry or PNP streams, you can consult the experts at Visas Avenue. A professional evaluation may help you identify the most suitable immigration pathway and improve your overall chances of success. Call Toll-Free at 78-18-000-777 or email info@visasavenue.com to begin your process with informed direction.

- Rajneesh Kumar