IRCC held a new Express Entry category-based draw on March 4, 2026, focused on French-language proficiency. The department issued 5,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs), and the minimum CRS score was 397.
This matters if you have French test results and your CRS score is not high enough for other draw types. However, meeting the French category requirement does not guarantee an ITA—IRCC still ranks eligible candidates and invites the highest scores in that category.
March 4, 2026 draw details (French-language proficiency)
Publicly reported details include:
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Draw type: Category-based selection (French-language proficiency)
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ITAs issued: 5,500
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CRS cut-off: 397
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Tie-breaking timestamp: October 10, 2025 at 18:18:20 UTC (relevant only if you had exactly 397)
Why the CRS cut-off can be lower in category-based draws
A CRS of 397 is low compared to many program-specific draws because category-based rounds invite only candidates who meet a specific category requirement (here, French proficiency). Cut-offs depend on how many eligible candidates are in the pool and how many ITAs IRCC issues in that round.
Who qualifies for the French-language proficiency category
According to IRCC, to be eligible for the French-language proficiency category you must have French-language test results showing NCLC 7 in all four abilities (speaking, listening, reading, writing) and meet the round’s instructions.
IRCC also lists accepted language tests for Express Entry, including TEF Canada for French (and IRCC also accepts TCF Canada for French).
Internal guidance for Canadianow: If you’re writing a follow-up guide, link readers to your Canada Express Entry guide and a separate article explaining NCLC 7 and how to confirm scores on TEF/TCF.
What happens if you received an ITA
IRCC states that an Invitation to Apply is valid for 60 days, so invited candidates should begin preparing and uploading documents right away through their IRCC account.
FAQ
Does NCLC 7 in French guarantee an ITA in French category draws?
No. You must meet the category requirement and rank high enough among eligible candidates in the pool.
If I have CRS 397, why might I still miss the draw?
Tie-breaking can apply when many candidates share the cut-off score. In that case, earlier profile submission timestamps are prioritized.
Can French help even outside category-based draws?
Yes. IRCC’s CRS rules award additional points for strong French ability (depending on English results).
Reality check
A low CRS cut-off in a category draw does not mean the process is “easy” or predictable. Draw sizes and cut-offs can change quickly, and eligibility depends on accurate profiles and valid test results. Always confirm details using official IRCC pages before making major decisions.
Express Entry rounds of invitations:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/rounds-invitations.html
Express Entry category-based selection (French-language eligibility is listed here):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/rounds-invitations/category-based-selection.html
Express Entry language test results (accepted tests + validity rules):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/language-test.html
Apply for permanent residence through Express Entry (ITA valid 60 days):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/apply-permanent-residence.html
CRS criteria (extra points for French):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/check-score/crs-criteria.html
