Express Entry Draw 18th March- French Category Draw Drops CRS Cut-Off Below 400

Canada’s immigration system has seen a notable shift in its latest Express Entry round, where the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score has slipped below the 400 marks. In the newest draw conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a total of 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates with French-language proficiency.

New Express Entry Draw

To be eligible in this round, candidates were required to meet two key conditions. They needed a minimum CRS score of 393, which is relatively lower compared to many recent draws. Alongside this, applicants must have created their Express Entry profile before 12:47 p.m. UTC on December 29, 2025. The tie-breaking rule played a role in deciding which candidates were invited at the cut-off score.

Express Entry Draw Result – 18th March 2026

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

This marks the seventeenth Express Entry draw of 2026 and the third specifically targeting French-speaking candidates. Even though only three such draws have taken place so far this year, the number of invitations issued under this category has already reached 18,000. This places it just behind the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which continues to lead in total invitations. The distribution of draws this year reflects this approach:

A closer look at the 2026 trend shows that IRCC is maintaining a clear focus on candidates who are already inside Canada. Profiles with provincial nominations or Canadian work experience are being prioritized more frequently. However, the consistent presence of French-language draws also highlights Canada’s ongoing effort to strengthen Francophone communities outside Quebec.

In total, 53,224 ITAs have been issued so far in 2026 across different categories. The majority of these invitations have gone to candidates under the Canadian Experience Class, followed by French-language proficiency draws.

What stands out in the latest update is the relatively lower CRS requirement in the French-language category. For many candidates, especially those who may not have very high CRS scores, improving French proficiency could open up a realistic pathway to receive an ITA. It is slowly becoming one of those factors that can make a noticeable difference in selection chances.

If you are planning to apply for Canada PR, understanding where your profile stands becomes important before entering the pool. The Express Entry system is evolving, and each draw type now has its own pattern.

At Visas Avenue, experienced consultants review your profile and help you figure out the most suitable pathway, whether it is through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). A detailed assessment can also point out small gaps that might be holding your profile back.

To begin your process with better clarity, you can connect with their team for an evaluation. Call Toll-Free at 78-18-000-777 or email info@visasavenue.com. Starting with the right guidance can make your Canada PR journey feel much more structured and manageable.

- Rajneesh Kumar