Canada’s immigration system continues to evolve rapidly in 2026, and the latest Express Entry draw on March 18, 2026 confirms a major trend: French-language category draws with significantly lower CRS scores are becoming a key pathway to permanent residency (PR).
According to the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) rounds of invitations page, the newest draw targeted candidates with French-language proficiency, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
This latest round follows earlier draws in March that saw CRS scores drop below 400, signaling a major shift in how candidates are selected under Express Entry.
Latest Express Entry Draw – March 18, 2026
The newest Express Entry round includes:
Draw type: French-language proficiency
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Date: March 18, 2026
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Selection system: Category-based selection
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CRS score: 393
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Invitations issued: 4000
- Tie-breaking rule: December 29, 2025 at 12:47:31 UTC
This draw continues the pattern established earlier in March, where 5,500 candidates were invited with a CRS cut-off of 397.
CRS Scores Below 400: A Major Shift in Express Entry
The most important takeaway from recent draws is clear:
👉 CRS scores below 400 are now possible—and increasingly common—for targeted categories.
For comparison:
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Typical CEC / general draws: 500+ CRS
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French-language draw (March 18): 393 CRS
This represents a dramatic drop of over 100 CRS points, opening doors for many candidates who were previously not competitive.
Why IRCC Is Prioritizing French-Speaking Candidates
Canada has made increasing Francophone immigration a national priority.
The government aims to:
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Strengthen French-speaking communities outside Quebec
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Address labor shortages in bilingual regions
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Promote economic and cultural diversity
As a result, French-language candidates are now receiving:
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Larger draw sizes
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Lower CRS cut-offs
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More frequent invitations
Express Entry 2026: Category-Based Selection Is Dominating
The latest March 18 draw confirms that Express Entry is no longer just about CRS scores.
Instead, IRCC is focusing on category-based selection, targeting candidates based on:
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Language (French proficiency)
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Occupation (healthcare, trades, STEM)
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Economic priorities
This new system allows candidates with lower CRS scores to receive invitations if they meet specific criteria.
March 2026: One of the Most Active Months for Express Entry
March 2026 has seen multiple draws in just a short period:
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March 2: PNP draw – CRS 710 (264 ITAs)
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March 3: CEC draw – CRS 508 (4,000 ITAs)
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March 4: French draw – CRS 397 (5,500 ITAs)
- March 5: Senior managers with Canadian Work Experience – CRS 429 (250 ITAs)
- March 16: PNP draw – CRS 742 (362 ITAs)
- March 17: CEC draw – CRS 507 (4,000 ITAs)
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March 18: Latest French-language draw – CRS 393 (4,000 ITAs)
This shows that IRCC is:
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Increasing draw frequency
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Targeting specific candidate groups
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Issuing large numbers of invitations
What This Means for Canada PR Applicants
1. Lower CRS Scores Are Now Competitive
If your CRS score is:
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Below 500 → Still competitive
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Below 450 → Strong chance with category eligibility
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Around 400 → Possible with French-language proficiency
This is a major change compared to previous years.
2. French Language Is a Powerful Advantage
French proficiency has become one of the most valuable assets in Express Entry.
Benefits include:
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Lower CRS requirements
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Higher chance of ITA
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More frequent draws
3. More Opportunities for Temporary Residents
This trend is especially beneficial for:
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Work permit holders
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International students
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Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates
It creates a stronger connection between temporary status and permanent residency (TR to PR pathway).
How to Qualify for French-Language Express Entry Draws
To be eligible, candidates must:
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Take an approved French test (TEF or TCF)
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Achieve at least NCLC 7 in all abilities
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Have an active Express Entry profile
You do not necessarily need:
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A job offer
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A provincial nomination
Strategy: How to Take Advantage of This Trend
1. Start Learning or Improving French
This is one of the fastest ways to increase your chances in 2026.
Even moderate French ability can:
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Unlock category-based draws
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Boost CRS score
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Increase PR opportunities
2. Create or Update Your Express Entry Profile
Make sure your profile is:
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Active and up-to-date
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Includes language test results
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Reflects your latest work experience
3. Combine French + English for Maximum CRS
Bilingual candidates receive additional points and priority.
4. Monitor Express Entry Draws Regularly
Draws are now:
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More frequent
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More targeted
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Less predictable
Being prepared is critical.
Future Outlook: More Low CRS Draws Expected
Based on current trends, we can expect:
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Continued French-language draws
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CRS scores remaining below 400 in targeted categories
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Expansion of category-based selection
At the same time:
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CEC draws may stay around 500+ CRS
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Competition will vary by category
Final Thoughts
The March 18, 2026 Express Entry draw confirms a major shift in Canada’s immigration system.
👉 CRS scores below 400 are now achievable
👉 French-speaking candidates have a major advantage
👉 Category-based selection is reshaping Express Entry
For many candidates, this represents the best opportunity in years to obtain Canadian permanent residency.
Need Help with Express Entry or TR to PR?
At Global Transway Immigration, we help you:
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Improve CRS scores strategically
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Prepare strong Express Entry profiles
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Explore TR to PR and category-based pathways
👉 Visit: https://transwayglobalimmigration.ca/
Let us help you turn your Canadian dream into reality.
