Canada Holds New French-Language Express Entry Draw on May 28, 2026

Canada has conducted another major French-language Express Entry draw, continuing its strong push to attract Francophone immigrants outside Quebec.

On May 28, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 4,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the French-language proficiency category. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 409.

This latest draw follows several aggressive French-language rounds earlier this year, showing Canada’s ongoing commitment to bilingual immigration and Francophone community growth across the country.

Latest French Draw Details

Category

Details

Draw Type

French-Language Proficiency

Date

May 28, 2026

Invitations Issued

4,500

CRS Cut-Off Score

409

Draw Number

#418

The draw came just one day after a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw on May 27, where 3,000 invitations were issued with a significantly higher CRS score of 518.

Why This Draw Matters

French-speaking candidates continue to receive a major advantage in Canada’s Express Entry system. While general and CEC draws often require CRS scores above 500, French-language draws in 2026 have consistently stayed much lower — ranging from 393 to 409.

This creates an incredible opportunity for bilingual applicants and those willing to improve their French language skills.

Canada is actively working toward increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec, and category-based draws are now one of the key tools being used to achieve that goal.

French Draws Continue to Dominate 2026

So far in 2026, IRCC has already conducted multiple French-language proficiency draws, issuing tens of thousands of invitations to candidates. According to immigration reports, the Express Entry pool may actually be running lower on qualified French-speaking candidates — a trend that could help keep CRS scores competitive in future rounds.

Recent French-language draws in 2026 include:

* February 6: 8,500 ITAs — CRS 400
* March 4: 5,500 ITAs — CRS 397
* March 18: 4,000 ITAs — CRS 393
* April 29: 4,000 ITAs — CRS 400
* May 28: 4,500 ITAs — CRS 409

Benefits of French for Express Entry Candidates

Candidates with strong French-language abilities can receive:

* Additional CRS points
* Access to category-based French draws
* Better chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

IRCC confirms that applicants with strong French skills may earn up to 50 additional CRS points, even if French is their second language.

Accepted French tests include:

* TEF Canada
* TCF Canada

Final Thoughts

The May 28 French-language Express Entry draw once again proves that French proficiency remains one of the strongest immigration advantages in Canada today.

With lower CRS requirements, frequent invitations, and continued government focus on Francophone immigration, candidates who invest in improving their French may significantly increase their chances of becoming permanent residents of Canada.

For many applicants in 2026, learning French is no longer just an asset — it is becoming a strategic pathway to Canadian immigration