IRCC has issued 4,000 invitations to apply to education occupation candidates in the latest Express Entry draw. Candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 400 to receive an invitation.
The in-depth coverage of this Express Entry draw is made possible by the support of Scotiabank. The views, opinions, and information expressed in this piece are those of Moving2Canada and do not reflect those of Scotiabank. Scotiabank is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or any representations made herein.
Key Takeaways
Type of draw: Category-based – French-Language Proficiency
Invitations issued: 4,000
Minimum CRS score: 400
Tie-breaking rule: April 07, 2026 at 20:13:59 UTC
Prediction for next draw: PNP draw on May 11, 2026. 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 second French language category draw of April 2026, and the fifth of 2026. IRCC invited 4,000 candidates to apply for permanent residence, with a minimum CRS score of 400.
This was the third French draw in a row with 4,000 ITAs. The cut-off came in below the 419 set in previous draw on April 15, but this fluctuation is well within the range we’ve seen this year. The lowest cut-off for a French draw this year was 393, on March 18.
Today’s draw maintains the trend this category has been following: a high number of ITAs combined with a relatively low CRS score compared to other draw types. This reflects IRCC’s ongoing effort to meet its French-speaking immigration targets.
At the same time, a CRS score of 400 suggests that competition in the pool is steady. That said, French-Language proficiency draws remain more accessible compared to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws, from a score perspective.
What’s Next for French Express Entry Draws
So far, French language draws have been a consistent feature within Express Entry invitation rounds this year. We expect this pattern to continue.
However, with today’s draw, IRCC has issued 26,000 ITAs for the French-language category. According to the Immigration Levels Plan for 2026, the target for French-speaking permanent resident admissions outside Quebec is 30,267. This means that even if IRCC stops French draws now, it will have achieved 85% of the target.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that French draws will stop. ITAs are only one step in the process, and accounting for processing time, someone getting an ITA today will likely only enter Canada in November or December.
We expect French draws to continue but possibly at a slower pace, with either smaller or fewer draws, with IRCC using upcoming draws to build its inventory for 2027.
What This Means for You
If you received an ITA today, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence.
If you did not receive an ITA and your score is near the cut-off, don’t lose hope. In 2026 alone, cut-offs for French draws have seen a 29-point difference, ranging between 393 and 419. Today’s draw came in lower than the previous one, and while we don’t necessarily expect cut-offs to drop, some fluctuation between draws is expected.
The main thing to keep in mind is that French draws, more than any other category, have been consistent. So, make sure your profile is up to date and ready for the next round of invitations.
If your score isn’t within the range we’ve seen this year, one possible path is to attempt the language test again and improve your scores. If that isn’t an option, additional work experience, education, or a second official language test score can bolster your CRS score.
Alternatively you can explore the possibility of getting a provincial nomination, which adds 600 points to your score, or look into a Francophone Mobility Work Permit to get or extend your temporary residence status in Canada.
Further 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.
About the author
Sugandha Mahajan
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