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Canada Express Entry: IRCC Invites 4,000 Candidates in French-Language Draw on March 18
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a new Express Entry draw on March 18, 2026, issuing 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with French-language proficiency.
To be eligible for this round, candidates were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 393. In addition, applicants needed to have submitted their Express Entry profile before December 29, 2025, at 12:47 p.m. (UTC).
Express Entry Draws in 2026
| Date | Draw Type | Minimum CRS | ITAs Issued |
| March 18 | French Language Proficiency | 393 | 4,000 |
| March 17 | Canadian Experience Class | 507 | 4,000 |
| March 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 742 | 362 |
| March 5 | Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 429 | 250 |
| March 4 | French Language Proficiency | 397 | 5,500 |
| March 3 | Canadian Experience Class | 508 | 4,000 |
| March 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 710 | 264 |
| February 20 | Healthcare and Social Services | 467 | 4,000 |
| February 19 | Physicians with Canadian Work Experience | 169 | 391 |
| February 17 | Canadian Experience Class | 508 | 6,000 |
| February 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 789 | 279 |
| February 6 | French Language Proficiency | 400 | 8,500 |
| February 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 749 | 423 |
| January 21 | Canadian Experience Class | 509 | 6,000 |
| January 20 | Provincial Nominee Program | 746 | 681 |
| January 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 511 | 8,000 |
| January 5 | Provincial Nominee Program | 711 | 574 |
This marks the 17th Express Entry draw of 2026 and the third draw specifically targeting French-speaking candidates this year.
Strong Demand for French-Speaking Candidates
Despite being only the third French-language draw in 2026, this category has already received a significant number of invitations, making it one of the top priorities in the Express Entry system this year.
Canada continues to emphasize the importance of bilingual talent, particularly to support the growth of French-speaking communities outside Quebec and to address labour market needs across the country.
Focus on In-Canada Candidates Continues
In 2026, IRCC has largely prioritized candidates already residing in Canada, especially those with provincial nominations or Canadian work experience. At the same time, category-based draws such as French-language proficiency remain a key part of the country’s targeted immigration strategy.
What This Means for Applicants
The latest draw highlights Canada’s ongoing efforts to attract skilled bilingual candidates who can contribute to both the economy and cultural diversity of the country.
For applicants with strong French-language skills, this presents a valuable opportunity to secure permanent residence with relatively lower CRS score requirements compared to other categories.