Last Updated On 18 March 2026, 2:02 PM EDT (Toronto Time)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new Express Entry draw for French-language proficiency on March 18, 2026, inviting 4,000 candidates with a minimum CRS score of just 393.
This draw brings the weekly total to 8,362 invitations to apply (ITAs) and pushes the monthly total to 18,376 ITAs issued so far in March 2026.
The aggressive invitation pace aligns perfectly with our Express Entry draw predictions for March 2026 published at the beginning of the month, which projected approximately 20,000 total invitations for March.
Table of Contents
Full Details Of March 18 Express Entry Draw
| Draw Detail | Information |
| Category | French-Language Proficiency 2026-Version 2 |
| Date | March 18, 2026 |
| CRS Score Cutoff | 393 |
| Invitations Issued | 4,000 |
| Tie-Breaking Rule | December 29, 2025 at 12:47:31 UTC |
The tie-breaking timestamp of December 29, 2025 indicates that candidates with exactly 393 CRS points needed to have created their Express Entry profile before this date to receive an invitation.
When will the next Express Entry draw be?
Based on current patterns and IRCC’s draw history, candidates should watch for the following developments:
Tomorrow or Friday (March 19-20): A smaller round of invitations targeting one of the newly launched categories is possible, such as the Researchers or Transport Occupations categories introduced in February 2026.
The first Express Entry draw under the new senior managers category on March 5 set a precedent for smaller, targeted draws at surprisingly low CRS cutoffs.
March 30-31: The next major Express Entry draws are anticipated on these dates, likely a PNP draw followed by a CEC draw and potentially another category-based round to close out the month.
This Week’s Express Entry Draws
IRCC has conducted three Express Entry draws this week alone, demonstrating strong commitment to meeting 2026 immigration targets.
| Date | Category | CRS | ITAs |
| March 16 | PNP | 742 | 362 |
| March 17 | CEC | 507 | 4,000 |
| March 18 | French | 393 | 4,000 |
The March 17 CEC draw at 507 CRS marked the lowest CEC cutoff since September 2024, while the March 16 PNP draw continued the steady flow of provincial nominee invitations.
Why French Draws Have Lower CRS Cutoffs
French-language proficiency draws consistently feature the lowest CRS cutoffs among all Express Entry draw categories.
This is because IRCC prioritizes French-speaking immigration to support Francophone communities outside Quebec, with a federal target of 8.5% French-speaking admissions rising to 10.5% by 2027.
The 2026 Express Entry draw categories maintain French-language proficiency as a key category, consistently attracting the largest invitation volumes at the lowest CRS thresholds.
French-Language Proficiency Eligibility
To qualify for French-language proficiency draws, candidates must meet the following requirements:
1. Valid Express Entry profile under FSW, CEC, or FSTP
2. French language test results (TEF Canada or TCF Canada) demonstrating CLB 7 or higher in all four abilities
3. Test results must be less than two years old at the time of the draw
4. No requirement for English proficiency, though bilingual candidates earn additional CRS points
All The Express Entry Draws in 2026
The following table shows all Express Entry draws conducted by IRCC in 2026, demonstrating the variety of categories and consistent invitation volumes.
| Date | Category | CRS | ITAs | Tie-Break |
| Jan 5 | PNP | 749 | 680 | Sep 18, 2025 |
| Jan 7 | CEC | 507 | 6,000 | Nov 13, 2025 |
| Jan 20 | PNP | 746 | 681 | Jul 31, 2025 |
| Jan 27 | CEC | 509 | 6,000 | Mar 6, 2025 |
| Feb 3 | PNP | 749 | 423 | Jul 16, 2025 |
| Feb 16 | PNP | 789 | 279 | Jan 9, 2025 |
| Feb 17 | CEC | 508 | 6,000 | Mar 16, 2025 |
| Feb 19 | Physicians | 169 | 391 | Jul 26, 2024 |
| Feb 20 | Healthcare | 467 | 4,000 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| Mar 2 | PNP | 710 | 264 | Aug 7, 2025 |
| Mar 3 | CEC | 508 | 4,000 | Jun 24, 2025 |
| Mar 4 | French | 397 | 5,500 | Dec 18, 2025 |
| Mar 5 | Senior Managers | 429 | 250 | Aug 19, 2025 |
| Mar 16 | PNP | 742 | 362 | Oct 5, 2025 |
| Mar 17 | CEC | 507 | 4,000 | May 11, 2025 |
| Mar 18 | French | 393 | 4,000 | Dec 29, 2025 |
Next Steps for Invited Candidates
Candidates who received an ITA must submit their permanent residence application within 60 days of the invitation date.
Required documents include valid French language test results (TEF Canada or TCF Canada), employment reference letters, educational credential assessments, police certificates, and medical examination results.
Applicants should verify that all profile information matches their supporting documentation to avoid processing delays.
March 2026 is on track to be one of the strongest months for Express Entry this year, with 18,376 ITAs already issued and more draws expected before month end.
Candidates should monitor the official IRCC rounds of invitations page for updates on upcoming draws.
The Express Entry pool analysis from February 2026 showed over 230,000 candidates competing for invitations, making category-based draws like today’s French round an attractive pathway for eligible candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I qualify for French Express Entry draws if I only have basic French skills?
No, you need to demonstrate CLB 7 or higher in all four French language abilities through TEF Canada or TCF Canada to be eligible for French-language proficiency draws.
Do I need to know English to qualify for French Express Entry draws?
English proficiency is not required for French-language draws, but having both English and French test results can significantly boost your CRS score through bilingual bonus points.
How often does IRCC conduct French-language proficiency draws?
French-language draws typically occur 1-2 times per month, often with larger invitation volumes than other category-based draws due to Canada’s Francophone immigration targets.
Will French CRS draw cutoffs continue to stay below 400?
French draws’ CRS cutoffs depend on the draw size and the eligible candidate pool, but historically they have ranged from 379 to 446, making them consistently the lowest among all Express Entry categories.
Can I apply from outside Canada for French-language proficiency draws?
Yes, French-language draws are open to both inland and overseas candidates, unlike Canadian Experience Class draws, which require Canadian work experience.
Disclaimer: All information in this article has been fact-checked against official IRCC sources. Readers should verify current eligibility requirements directly with IRCC before making immigration decisions.
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