05/28/2026
Canada just held its 6th French Express Entry draw of 2026.
Here are the numbers — and what they mean for you
Latest French Draw (May 28, 2026)
• ITAs issued: 4,500
• CRS cut-off: 409
• Draw type: French-Language Proficiency (Category-Based)
2026 French Draw Summary so far:
→ 5 draws held
→ 20,500 iTas
→ Lowest cut-off: 393 CRS (March 18)
→ Highest cut-off this year: 419 CRS
Compare that to the latest CEC (Canadian Experience Class) draw, which ran at 514–518 CRS.
That's an approx 115-point gap.
Before 2024, Express Entry was largely CRS-driven.
Today, it’s policy-driven selection.
IRCC now uses category-based draws to meet:
Labour shortages
Regional & demographic goals
Francophone immigration targets outside Quebec
This means:
A lower CRS candidate with CLB 7 French can now outperform a higher CRS candidate without it.
If your CRS is between 390 and 450, a general CEC draw will not reach you anytime soon — possibly ever in 2026.
But a French draw already has. Twice this month.
What you need to qualify for a French draw:
→ NCLC 7+ in all 4 skills: speaking, listening, reading, writing
→ Test: TEF Canada or TCF Canada (must be under 2 years old)
→ Already in an Express Entry pool (FSW, CEC, or FST)
→ No job offer required. No Canadian study required.
That's it.
3 things to focus on RIGHT NOW if you want an ITA:
1. Test your French — even CLB 5 tells you how far you are from CLB 7
2. Calculate your CRS with and without French added — the jump may surprise you
3. Confirm your NOC code is correct in your profile — occupational draws are live too (healthcare, trades, senior managers)
The window is open. French draws are large, frequent, and accessible.
The only question is whether you are in the pool and eligible when the next one drops.
If you're currently in Canada and feeling stuck despite doing “everything right” — you're not alone.
But the solution isn’t frustration. It’s strategy realignment.
If you have been invited a huge congratulations!
If you are looking for a full representation or review services, you can find my details at : https://lnkd.in/gmaqAP_t or also book a consultation at https://lnkd.in/gaxmUaC5