5,000 French-Speaking Candidates Invited in October 27 Express Entry Draw

Key Takeaways

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

Invitations issued: 5,000

Minimum CRS score: 407

Tie-breaking rule: July 13, 2026 at 19:22:00 UTC

Prediction for next draw: Category-based draw, October 28, 2027. Check our dedicated page for more on when we’re expecting the next Express Entry draw

Our Analysis of This Express Entry Draw

IRCC has issued 5,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) in the October 27 French-language proficiency draw, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 407.

This is the twelfth French draw of 2026, bringing the total ITAs issued to Francophone candidates to 60,500. This means that there have been more French-language ITAs issued than CEC ITAs issued so far in 2026, with only 57,750 CEC invitations having been issued thus far.

So far in 2026, cut-offs for French draws had ranged from 382 to 435 – a 53-point spread. The most recent French-language draw, held on October 16, had the highest CRS score cut-off of the year for a French draw at a whopping 435 points. Candidates are likely relieved with today’s results, where the CRS score cut-off has dropped down to 407.

Notably, prior to the October 16 draw, there was a two-month gap between French language draws. This allowed French-speaking candidates to build up in the pool, pushing the CRS score to its higher cut-off.

The last five French draws all saw 5,000 ITAs each. Today’s draw was the same size. The smallest French draw we’ve seen this year was 4,000, while the largest was 8,500. On their own, these consistently large draws don’t mean much, but the fact that French draws have been issuing such a high number of invitations clearly underlines the government’s commitment to francophone migration.

Notably, the CRS scoring system will be undergoing changes over the next few weeks as IRCC implements new points for high-wage Canadian work experience and job offers. There is expected to be a pause of at least two weeks in Express Entry draws during this time.

What Does This Mean for French-Language Draws?

French has been the most used category-based draw in 2026. In fact, French-language draws have accounted for more than 60,000 ITAs so far, making up more than 40 percent of all Express Entry ITAs in 2026.

Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan target for Francophone permanent resident admissions outside Quebec is 30,267 for 2026 and 31,825 for 2027. Candidates receiving ITAs today will likely receive permanent residence in early 2027, as application processing times currently stand at around six months.

IRCC plans to increase Francophone immigration targets till at least 2029, when the plan is for French language immigration outside Quebec to reach 12 percent of the total admissions. This means that while draw sizes may vary, we don’t expect a slowdown in French draws over the mid- to long-term.

What Does This Mean for French-Speaking Candidates?

If you’re a French speaker in the Express Entry pool, you’re in a strong position relative to other candidates, but your CRS score still matters. French draws have seen among the lowest cut-offs of all draws this year, with the cut-offs often slipping below the 400-mark.

If you received an ITA in today’s draw, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. If you’re still waiting in the pool or are planning to enter the pool soon, you may have a good chance if your CRS score is in the 382-435 point range we’ve seen for French draws this year.

If your score is currently below that range, there are still ways to improve your CRS, including by:

• Retaking an official French language test and improving your NCLC scores.
• Improving your English language score.
• Getting more work experience, Canadian or foreign.
• Getting an eligible academic credential.
• Maximizing your spousal factor points, if applicable, including for the second official language.
• Exploring provincial nominee programs — A provincial nomination can add 600 points to your CRS score, almost guaranteeing an ITA.

If your profile can be strengthened with more Canadian work experience, or if your French skills aren’t quite at the NCLC 7 threshold yet, you can also consider a Francophone Mobility work permit in the meantime.

More Resources for French Language Candidates

• Learn more about the latest Express Entry draws. 
• Check the state of the Express Entry pool.
• Use our online Express Entry CRS calculator to learn more about your current score and how to improve it.