May 28 French Express Entry Draw Invites 4,500 Candidates

Key Takeaways

Type of draw: Category-based – French-Language Proficiency

Invitations issued: 4,500

Minimum CRS score: 409

Tie-breaking rule: April 29, 2026 at 22:20:00 UTC

Prediction for next draw: PNP draw on June 9. Check our dedicated page for more information on when we expect the next Express Entry draw.

Our Analysis of this Express Entry Draw

IRCC has issued 4,500 invitations to apply (ITAs) in today’s French-language proficiency draw, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 409.

This draw issued a slightly higher level of ITAs than previous rounds – but not by much. The previous three French draws issued 4,000 ITAs each. This high number of ITAs may help to explain why the CRS score cut-off remained relatively low. The cut-off came in at 409 points, slightly higher than the last French draw which had a cut-off of 400 points.

Four weeks have gone by since the French last draw, giving plenty of candidates the chance to enter the pool and likely resulting in the slight increase in the cut-off. However, this fluctuation is well with the range we’ve seen for French draws in 2026. The lowest cut-off for a French draw this year was 393 on March 18.

It’s worth bearing in mind that in the months of February through April, at least 8,000 ITAs were issued to French speakers per month. May has only seen a total of 4,500 ITAs issued in the singular French draw on May 28, marking a significant slowdown.

The CRS score range for French draws in 2026, ranging from 393-419 points, is relatively stable and well below the cut-off range for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws. This demonstrates that French-language proficiency remains one of the strongest advantages for Express Entry candidates in 2026.

What Does This Mean for French Express Entry Draws?

This suggests that French Express Entry draws are remaining a consistent part of the draw pattern. Likely due to Canada’s ongoing commitments to increase Francophone immigration, especially outside the province of Quebec.

With today’s draw, IRCC has issued 30,500 ITAs for the French-language category. According to the 2026 Immigration Levels Plan, the target for French-speaking permanent resident admissions outside Quebec is 30,267. This means that even if IRCC stops French draws now, the number of invitations has already exceeded the target admissions.

Of course, that doesn’t mean French draws will stop – or even slow down. In fact, most candidates receiving ITAs today will only be officially “admitted” as permanent residents in 2027.

What Does This Mean for You?

Did you receive an ITA today? If so, congratulations! You now have 60 days to prepare and submit a complete application for permanent residence. These applications are lengthy and complex, so make sure you give yourself enough time to complete a high-quality application.

You didn’t receive an ITA today? Don’t lose hope. So far this year, cut-offs for French draws have seen a 29-point difference, ranging between 393 and 419. If you’re near the bottom of that range, you may still receive an ITA in a future draw. French draws have been taking place more frequently than any other category – so you will likely have more opportunities in the future.

That being said, you may also want to consider ways to boost your CRS score. One simple option is to retake your language tests and try to improve your scores. Other options may include gaining additional work experience, educational credentials, or checking to see if your spouse/partner might make a stronger principal applicant.

You may also want to explore the possibility of getting a provincial nomination, which adds 600 points to your score, or applying for a Francophone Mobility Work Permit which would give you the authorization to work in Canada and gain valuable Canadian work experience.

More Resources for French Language Candidates

• Use our  online Express Entry CRS score calculator to see where you stand and how to improve your score.
• Learn more about the latest Express Entry draws. 
• Check the state of the Express Entry pool.