Express Entry April 29, 2026: 4,000 French-Proficiency ITAs Issued — CRS Cut-Off Score 400
Canada invited 4,000 people to apply for permanent residence on April 29, 2026. The draw targeted French-language proficiency candidates with a CRS minimum score of 400. This is the 26th Express Entry draw of 2026 — and the fifth French-language draw this year.
Key Facts
- Draw #26 of 2026: Held April 29, 2026 — the third Express Entry draw in a single week (April 27, 28, and 29 all saw draws).
- Category targeted: French-language proficiency. To qualify, candidates must demonstrate strong French skills and have created their profile before 8:13 PM UTC on April 7, 2026.
- CRS cut-off: 400. This is lower than the April 15 French draw cut-off of 419 — a drop of 19 points, making this draw more accessible to French-speaking candidates.
- 71,627 ITAs issued in 2026 so far across all draw types, with the Canadian Experience Class leading at 34,250 invitations.
- French-language draws are the second most prolific category of 2026 — 26,000 ITAs issued so far, ahead of healthcare, PNP, trades, and physician categories.
- IRCC is prioritizing people already in Canada: Most 2026 draws (PNP and CEC) focus on candidates with Canadian experience or provincial nominations. French-language draws are the primary pathway for international candidates with no Canadian work experience.
2026 Express Entry Draw History — All Draws to April 29
| Date | Category | CRS Cut-Off | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 29 | French-Language Proficiency | 400 | 4,000 |
| Apr 28 | Canadian Experience Class | 514 | 2,000 |
| Apr 27 | Provincial Nominee Program | 795 | 473 |
| Apr 15 | French-Language Proficiency | 419 | 4,000 |
| Apr 14 | Canadian Experience Class | 515 | 2,000 |
| Apr 13 | Provincial Nominee Program | 786 | 324 |
| Apr 2 | Trades | 477 | 3,000 |
| Mar 31 | Canadian Experience Class | 509 | 2,250 |
| Mar 18 | French-Language Proficiency | 393 | 4,000 |
| Mar 5 | Senior Managers (Canadian Work Experience) | 429 | 250 |
| Feb 20 | Healthcare and Social Services | 467 | 4,000 |
| Feb 19 | Physicians (Canadian Work Experience) | 169 | 391 |
| Feb 6 | French-Language Proficiency | 400 | 8,500 |
2026 ITA Totals by Draw Type
| Draw Type | Total ITAs Issued in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 34,250 |
| French-Language Proficiency | 26,000 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 4,000 |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 3,736 |
| Trades | 3,000 |
| Physicians (Canadian Work Experience) | 391 |
| Senior Managers (Canadian Work Experience) | 250 |
| Total 2026 ITAs | 71,627 |
What This Means For You
If you speak French and have an Express Entry profile: The CRS cut-off for French draws has ranged between 393 and 419 in 2026 — well below the 500+ scores needed for all-program draws. If you have strong French language scores (TEF Canada or TCF Canada at CLB 7 or above), you may qualify even with a lower overall CRS score. Ensure your French test results are uploaded to your Express Entry profile and that your profile remains active. If you haven't taken a French language test yet, this is the strongest incentive to do so — it could be the fastest path to your permanent residency invitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CRS score do I need for a French Express Entry draw in 2026?
French-language draws in 2026 have cut off between 393 and 419. This is significantly lower than all-program draws. You do not need a high CRS score overall — but you must have strong French proficiency test results at CLB 7 or above in all four skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening) from TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
Can I qualify for a French Express Entry draw if I don't live in Quebec?
Yes. French-language Express Entry draws are federal — they apply to candidates planning to settle in any province or territory outside Quebec. Quebec has its own immigration system. If you plan to live in Ontario, BC, Alberta, or elsewhere and speak French, these draws apply to you directly.
How often do French-language Express Entry draws happen?
In 2026, there have been 5 French-language draws as of April 29. They have been held roughly every 2–6 weeks. There is no fixed schedule, but IRCC has been consistent in holding them regularly throughout the year. Keeping your profile active means you are automatically considered each time a draw runs.
Not sure if your French language scores qualify you for Express Entry? Get a free Express Entry profile assessment from a regulated immigration consultant on SettleFast.
Source: CIC News — April 29, 2026 · Rewritten in SettleFast voice.