Canada issued 4,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence in a targeted Express Entry draw for French speakers on March 18, 2026. This round saw the minimum score decrease to 393 points.
Details of the March 18 Express Entry Round
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its latest draw for candidates with high French proficiency. The department issued 4,000 invitations during this Ministerial Instruction 405. This represents a major opportunity for bilingual applicants currently in the pool.
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off for this round was 393. Candidates needed a score of 393 or higher to receive an invitation. IRCC applied a tie-breaking rule dated December 29, 2025, at 12:47:31 UTC. This means only those who submitted their profiles before this date received an invitation if they had the minimum score.
Summary of Express Entry Activity in March 2026
March 2026 has been an active month for the Express Entry system. IRCC conducted several draws covering various categories. These rounds included the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
The variety of draws this month shows a strategic selection process. IRCC is targeting different sectors and programs to fill specific labor needs. This balanced method helps maintain a steady flow of skilled workers into the Canadian economy.
| Draw # | Date | Category | Invitations | Min. CRS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 405 | March 18, 2026 | French-Language proficiency | 4,000 | 393 |
| 404 | March 17, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 507 |
| 403 | March 16, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 362 | 742 |
| 402 | March 5, 2026 | Senior managers (Work Exp.) | 250 | 429 |
| 401 | March 4, 2026 | French-Language proficiency | 5,500 | 397 |
| 400 | March 3, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 508 |
| 399 | March 2, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 264 | 710 |
Requirements for the French-Language Category
To qualify for these targeted draws, candidates must meet specific language requirements. Applicants need to show a minimum level 7 in all four language skills. These skills include reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
The results must come from an approved language test. This test must be less than two years old at the time of the invitation. IRCC establishes these categories to support economic growth through Francophone immigration outside of Quebec.
Candidates must verify their proficiency through designated institutions. The Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) serves as the benchmark for these assessments. High scores in French can significantly improve a candidate’s rank within the Express Entry pool.
Minister Lena Metlege Diab issued these instructions to meet specific economic goals. By inviting 4,000 candidates, the government aims to strengthen French-speaking communities across Canada. This strategy helps diversify the national workforce and supports regional development.
