Canada has held another Express Entry draw targeting candidates with French-language proficiency, issuing 5,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence on October 27, 2026.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) set the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score at 407, giving eligible candidates with French-language abilities another opportunity to pursue permanent residence.
To receive an invitation in this round, candidates needed to have:
- A CRS score of at least 407; and
- Submitted their Express Entry profile before 7:22 p.m. UTC on July 13, 2026, in accordance with the tie-breaking rule.
The draw was conducted under Ministerial Instructions No. 452 for invitations to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry.
Key details of the October 27 draw
The tie-breaking rule determines which candidates are invited when multiple profiles have the same CRS score at the cut-off. Candidates who submitted their profiles before the specified date and time receive priority over those who submitted theirs later.
CRS cut-off drops by 28 points
The latest draw recorded a CRS cut-off of 407, which was 28 points lower than the 435-point threshold in the previous French-language proficiency draw held on October 16.
Both rounds issued 5,000 invitations, continuing IRCC’s selection of candidates with French-language proficiency through category-based draws.
The lower cut-off may benefit eligible candidates with scores that would not have met the previous round’s threshold. However, future CRS cut-offs will depend on the selection criteria and the composition of the Express Entry pool at the time of each draw.
Summary of October 2026 Express Entry draws
Canada has conducted six Express Entry draws so far in October, including the latest French-language proficiency round.
| Date | Draw type | CRS cut-off score | ITAs issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 27 | French-language proficiency | 407 | 5,000 |
| October 26 | Provincial Nominee Program | 761 | 792 |
| October 16 | French-language proficiency | 435 | 5,000 |
| October 15 | Canadian Experience Class | 519 | 2,500 |
| October 13 | Provincial Nominee Program | 772 | 752 |
| October 1 | Trades Occupations | 476 | 3,500 |
| Total | 6 draws | — | 17,544 |
The six rounds have issued a combined 17,544 invitations to apply for permanent residence.
French-language proficiency draws accounted for 10,000 invitations, while the Trades Occupations draw issued 3,500. The two Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program rounds accounted for the remaining invitations.
The CRS cut-off varied considerably across draw types. Provincial Nominee Program rounds required scores of 761 and 772, while the Canadian Experience Class draw had a cut-off of 519. The French-language proficiency category recorded the lowest cut-off of the month so far, at 407 in the October 27 round.
How French-language proficiency draws work
Express Entry manages applications for several of Canada’s economic immigration programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Through category-based selection, IRCC can invite candidates who meet specific criteria, including French-language proficiency.
Candidates must meet the applicable language requirements and qualify for an eligible Express Entry program to be considered. The CRS ranks candidates using factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience and other eligible factors.
The minimum score required to receive an invitation can change between rounds and categories.
What happens after receiving an invitation?
Candidates who receive an ITA can submit an application for permanent residence through Express Entry.
Applicants should review their invitation, verify that the information in their profile remains accurate and prepare the required supporting documents before submitting their applications within IRCC’s prescribed deadline.
Receiving an invitation does not automatically result in permanent residence. IRCC must assess the application and confirm that the candidate meets the applicable eligibility and admissibility requirements.
Candidates who were not invited can continue to monitor upcoming draws, maintain a valid Express Entry profile and explore ways to improve their CRS scores where possible.
