Published by: Di Leone Group – Canadian Immigration Consultants
Date: March 4, 2026
Canada continues to strengthen its strategy to attract international talent. On March 4, 2026, the Express Entry system held a new round of invitations targeting candidates with French-language proficiency, issuing 5,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.
The draw required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 397, marking one of the lowest CRS cut-offs for this category in the past year. This draw represents a significant opportunity for bilingual professionals who want to immigrate to Canada.
Official Results of the March 4, 2026 Express Entry Draw
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the details of the draw are as follows:
Draw type: Category-based selection – French-language proficiency
Date: March 4, 2026
Invitations issued: 5,500
Minimum CRS score: 397
Tie-breaking rule: October 10, 2025 at 18:18:20 UTC
The tie-breaking rule means that if multiple candidates had the minimum CRS score of 397, priority was given to those who submitted their Express Entry profile before the specified date and time.
This draw is particularly notable because it features the lowest CRS score for this category in more than a year, increasing the chances for candidates with mid-range scores in the pool.
Express Entry in 2026: A More Targeted Immigration Strategy
In 2026, Express Entry draws have shown a clear trend: Canada is prioritizing candidates who meet specific economic and labor market needs.
So far this year, IRCC has conducted 13 Express Entry draws, distributed across different categories:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 5 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 4 |
| French-language proficiency | 2 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 1 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 1 |
This distribution shows how Canada is increasingly using category-based selections to attract skilled workers in priority sectors and candidates with specific language abilities.
How Many Invitations Has Canada Issued in 2026?
So far in 2026, the Canadian government has issued 39,112 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through Express Entry.
The invitations have been distributed across the following categories:
| Category | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | 24,000 |
| French-language proficiency | 14,000 |
| Healthcare and social services | 4,000 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 1,798 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 391 |
Although there have been only two French-language category draws this year, candidates in this category have already received 14,000 invitations, making it the second-largest source of invitations in 2026.
This highlights how French language ability remains a major advantage in Canada’s immigration system.
Summary of Recent Express Entry Draws in 2026
Here are some of the most recent Express Entry draws held in 2026:
| Date | Draw Type | CRS Cut-off | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 & Social Services | 467 | 4,000 |
| February 19 | Physicians (Canadian work experience) | 169 | 391 |
The 397 CRS cut-off in the March 4 draw is particularly noteworthy because only one draw in the past year has had a lower CRS score, which was the draw for physicians with Canadian work experience.
Why Canada Is Prioritizing French-Speaking Candidates
The Canadian government has introduced policies aimed at increasing francophone immigration outside of Quebec.
This strategy aims to:
• strengthen francophone communities across Canada
• support the country’s linguistic diversity
• address labor shortages in certain regions
• attract bilingual professionals to the Canadian workforce
For this reason, candidates who demonstrate French proficiency through tests such as TEF Canada or TCF Canada may receive invitations with significantly lower CRS scores compared to other draw types.
How Express Entry Draws Work
The Express Entry system selects candidates from the pool through a structured process:
1️⃣ IRCC determines the type of draw (general, program-specific, or category-based).
2️⃣ The department decides how many candidates will be invited.
3️⃣ The highest-ranking candidates who meet the criteria are selected based on their CRS score.
4️⃣ Selected candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Candidates who receive an ITA typically have 60 days to submit their complete permanent residence application.
What This Draw Means for Future Immigration Candidates
The March 4 draw highlights several key trends for those planning to immigrate to Canada:
1. French language skills can significantly lower the CRS requirement
A cut-off score of 397 CRS points shows how French proficiency can create opportunities even for candidates with moderate CRS scores.
2. Canada is prioritizing candidates already integrated into the country
Many draws in 2026 have focused on candidates with Canadian work experience or provincial nominations.
3. Maintaining an active Express Entry profile is essential
Draws can happen at any time during the year, so keeping your profile updated ensures you don’t miss opportunities.
How to Increase Your CRS Score
If you are planning to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry, several strategies can help improve your CRS score:
• improving your English or French language scores
• gaining additional skilled work experience
• completing further education or credential assessments
• obtaining a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination
• gaining Canadian work experience
Since every immigration profile is different, having a personalized strategy can make a significant difference in your chances of receiving an invitation.