A huge Express Entry draw was conducted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on March 4, 2026, which dispatched 5,500 invitations to apply as permanent residents.
This was a target of drawing according to categories with a high level of French-language proficiency among the candidates.
The lowest minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score was only 397 points.
The month of March is proving to be a great month among Express Entry candidates. Already, in the past three days, IRCC has already sent out 9,764 invitations.
Express Entry Draw Details for March 4, 2026
Here are the complete details of the latest Express Entry draw.
- Draw number: 401
- Date: March 4, 2026
- Category: French-Language proficiency 2026
- Number of invitations issued: 5,500
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 397
- Tie-breaking rule: October 10, 2025 at 18:18:20 UTC
How the Tie-Breaking Rule Works
In case of a tie in the scores of the CRS among a few candidates, IRCC refers to a tie-breaking rule. This dictates the first people to be invited.
The tie breaking rule is based on the time that a profile is submitted. Those who have already expressed their profiles have preference.
To the March 4 draw, the tie-breaking date was October 10, 2025 at 18:18:20 UTC. Candidates with a score of 397 points would only be given an ITA if they had submitted before this time.
Why the CRS Score Is So Low
It is very low in the 397 CRS cutoff in comparison to general draws. The reason behind this is that category-based draws focus on candidate profiles.
Proficiency French-speaking students always achieve low CRS and large quantity of invitations.
IRCC values the French speakers to promote the objectives of bilingualism in Canada.
Applicants who are able to prove a high level of the French skills are at a significant advantage.
They are able to get ITAs even when the overall CRS scores are lower.
Who Is Eligible for the French-Language Proficiency Category
In order to be qualified in this category, the candidates should have language requirements.
You should possess the results of tests in the French language with a minimum score of 7 in all their four language competencies.
These skills are reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.
The scores should be made on the basis of the Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) scale. The accepted tests are the TEF Canada and TCF Canada.
You should also qualify based on one of three Express Entry programs. These are Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program and the Canadian Experience Class.
Passing the threshold of French language does not mean an invitation. You have to rank high among the potential viable applicants.
March 2026 Express Entry Draws Summary
IRCC has been quiet on the week of the first of March. Already three draw Express Entry have taken place.
Write 401 on March 4, aiming at proficiency in the French language. It sent out 5,500 invitations and a CRS cutoff of 397.
On March 3, the Canadian Experience Class was the target of a draw of 400. It sent 4,000 invitations at the CRS cutoff of 508.
March 2, 399 was an attack on the Provincial Nominee Program. It posted 264 invitations having a CRS cutoff of 710.
The total of 9, 764 ITAs in three draws alone can spell out good immigration targets in 2026.
This rate is an indicator that IRCC believes in achieving its annual intake targets.
What Is the Canadian Experience Class Draw
The draw of Canadian Experience Class on March 3 invited 4,000 candidates. This category is aimed at individuals who are already employed in Canada.
CEC candidates need to possess one year of competent work experience in Canada (TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3). This is a requirement that needs to be attained in three years during the application.
The CRS end of 508 is the usual end of CEC-specific draws. Such draws usually have more cutoffs as the candidates who possess Canadian experience are likely to have more profiles.
Understanding the Provincial Nominee Program Draw
The PNP draw of March 2 was the highest with a CRS requirement of 710. This is customary for provincial nominee draws.
Applicants that have a provincial nomination automatically get a 600-point increase. This makes their scores rise way beyond 700, in most instances.
Only 264 invitations were made under this draw. PNP draws are usually small since the number of nominated candidates is small.
What Happens After Receiving an ITA
Successful candidates that are invited have 60 days to apply. This is a very strict deadline.
This is the time you are to offer all necessary documents. These are police certificates, medical exams and evidence of funds.
The time required to process the programs differs with the program. The majority of the Express Entry applications are disposed of in six months.
Upon permission, a Confirmation of Permanent Residence will be issued to you. Your landing can then be completed and you get to be a Canadian permanent resident.
What to Expect in Coming Weeks
According to recent trends, Express Entry will have additional draws in the near future probably between March 16-18.
IRCC has been carrying out numerous draws in a week with a majority of them being twice a week.
Proficiency in French languages does not attract may proceed with the same CRS cutoffs. There is still high demand for French speakers.
CEC and PNP draws are also likely to be continued. These offer chances to candidates who have Canadian experience or provincial nominations.
A candidate is supposed to maintain their profile and have their documents on hand. The calls may come with short notice.
The Express Entry draw of March 4, 2026 invited 5,500 French language proficiency candidates.
This is a great chance to the French speakers because the CRS limit is 397.
March began well with 9,764 general invitations booked in three draws. IRCC seems to be determined to achieve the 2026 immigration targets of Canada.
When you know the French language, it is an opportune moment to file your Express Entry profile.
The category selection gives a big advantage to qualified candidates.
Continue checking IRCC announcements on the following draws. Any day, your offer to apply to permanent residence in Canada might come.