IRCC invites 4,000 Candidates in Second French-Proficiency Draw this Month

Key Takeaways  

Type of draw: Category-based selection for French proficiency

Invitations issued: 4,000

Minimum CRS score:  393

Tie-breaking rule: December 29, 2025 at 12:47:31 UTC

Prediction for next draw: Provincial Nominee Program March 30. Check our dedicated page for more on when we’re expecting the next Express Entry draw

Our Analysis of this Express Entry Draw 

Today’s draw is the third Express Entry draw of the week, and the second of the month for French-speaking proficiency. The last French draw was on March 4 and invited 5,500 candidates with a minimum CRS of 397.

Today’s CRS score of 393 is the second-lowest of 2026, only passed by a physicians draw on February 19 which had a minimum CRS score of 169. 

This is the smallest French draw we’ve seen so far this year. The first draw on February 6 invited 8,500 candidates. However, the number of ITAs today is identical to the number issued in yesterday’s Canadian Experience Class draw. This could mean that IRCC is establishing a pattern but it’s too early to say for sure.

A draw of 4,000 candidates, while the smallest of its kind, is still considered a large draw. It’s not a total surprise that this draw is smaller than previous French draws since it is coming close to the last one. Previous French draws this year have been a month apart.

As of March 15, there were 53,565 candidates with a CRS score between 351 and 400.

What Does this Mean for French Speaking Express Entry Candidates?  

The low CRS score indicates that IRCC is moving forward with it’s goal to increase the number of French-speaking newcomers to 9% of all permanent resident admissions this year. This rises to 12% by the end of 2029.

This means that it’s very possible we will keep seeing French-proficiency draws that issue more ITAs than we will see in other category-based selection draws, as has been the case in previous years.

If you missed out on this round, it might be time to consider retaking a language test to improve your score. Those who don’t quite have a high enough score on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens should keep studying.

What if you don’t speak French?

As always, the best thing any Express Entry candidate can do is work to increase their CRS score and keep their profile updated.  

If you are an Express Entry candidate but don’t have French language skills, the biggest CRS increase you can get comes from getting a provincial nomination. It adds 600 points to your overall score and almost guarantees an ITA in another draw.

Every province and territory (except Quebec and Nunavut) has a PNP with streams targeting candidates with specific education or in-demand work experience. If you are an Express Entry candidate already, there’s a decent chance you will be eligible for a PNP stream. 

You can also try retaking a language test to see if you can get a higher score in English.  

If you’ve maxed out your language tests, getting more education might be a good idea. Extra credentials add extra points. 

Finally, married or common-law candidates can consider adding their spouse or partner to their application if they are eligible for Express Entry. 

Further Resources for French Language Candidates  

For more information:  

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