Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a major Express Entry draw on March 4, 2026, issuing 5,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.
This draw targeted candidates under the French-language proficiency category, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 397.
March is already proving to be a very active month for Canada’s immigration system. In just three days, IRCC has issued 9,764 invitations through multiple Express Entry draws.
Express Entry Draw Details – March 4, 2026
Below are the key details of the latest Express Entry draw:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Draw Number | 401 |
| Date | March 4, 2026 |
| Category | French-Language Proficiency |
| Invitations Issued | 5,500 |
| CRS Cut-Off Score | 397 |
| Tie-Breaking Rule | October 10, 2025 at 18:18:20 UTC |
Understanding the Tie-Breaking Rule
When multiple candidates in the Express Entry pool have the same CRS score, IRCC applies a tie-breaking rule to determine who receives invitations first.
This rule uses the date and time when candidates submitted their Express Entry profiles.
For the March 4 draw, the tie-breaking timestamp was October 10, 2025 at 18:18:20 UTC. Candidates with exactly 397 CRS points needed to have submitted their profiles before this time to receive an invitation.
Why the CRS Score Was So Low
The CRS cut-off of 397 is significantly lower than what is typically seen in general Express Entry draws.
This is because the draw was category-based, focusing specifically on candidates with strong French-language skills.
Category-based selection allows IRCC to invite candidates who meet specific economic or linguistic priorities. French-language draws often result in lower CRS scores and higher invitation numbers.
Canada continues to prioritize French speakers to strengthen bilingual communities across the country, particularly outside Quebec.
As a result, candidates who demonstrate strong French proficiency often have better chances of receiving invitations even with lower CRS scores.
Eligibility for the French-Language Proficiency Category
To qualify for this category, candidates must meet certain French language requirements.
Applicants must achieve a minimum score of NCLC 7 in all four language abilities:
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
These scores must be based on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) scale.
Accepted language tests include:
- TEF Canada
- TCF Canada
Candidates must also be eligible under one of the three Express Entry immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Meeting the French language requirement alone does not guarantee an invitation. Candidates must still rank high enough within the eligible pool.
Express Entry Draws in March 2026 So Far
IRCC has been very active during the first week of March, conducting three draws in just three days.
| Draw | Date | Category | Invitations | CRS Cut-Off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 401 | March 4 | French-Language Proficiency | 5,500 | 397 |
| 400 | March 3 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 508 |
| 399 | March 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 264 | 710 |
In total, 9,764 invitations have been issued so far in March 2026, indicating strong immigration momentum.
This pace suggests IRCC is actively working toward meeting Canada’s 2026 immigration targets.
Understanding the March 3 Canadian Experience Class Draw
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw on March 3 invited 4,000 candidates with a CRS cut-off score of 508.
This category focuses on individuals who already have skilled work experience in Canada.
To qualify under the CEC, candidates must have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the past three years in occupations classified under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
CEC draws typically have higher CRS cut-off scores because candidates often have strong profiles that include Canadian work experience, education, and language skills.
Understanding the March 2 Provincial Nominee Program Draw
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on March 2 invited 264 candidates with a CRS cut-off score of 710.
This high score is expected for PNP draws because candidates who receive a provincial nomination automatically gain 600 additional CRS points.
As a result, most nominated candidates have CRS scores above 700.
PNP draws also tend to be smaller since the number of candidates receiving provincial nominations is limited.
What Happens After Receiving an Invitation
Candidates who receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) have 60 days to submit their complete permanent residence application.
Applicants must upload all required documents within this timeframe, including:
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical examination results
- Proof of funds (if required)
- Employment reference letters
- Education credential documents
Processing times vary depending on the application and program. However, most Express Entry applications are processed within about six months.
Once approved, applicants receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), allowing them to travel to Canada and complete the landing process.
After landing, they officially become Canadian permanent residents.
What to Expect in Upcoming Express Entry Draws
Based on recent patterns, additional Express Entry draws could occur around March 16–18.
IRCC has been conducting multiple draws each month, often following a bi-weekly pattern.
French-language category draws are likely to continue with relatively low CRS scores due to Canada’s continued demand for French-speaking immigrants.
CEC and PNP draws are also expected to remain part of the regular invitation cycle.
Candidates should ensure their Express Entry profiles remain active and updated, as invitations can be issued without much advance notice.
The March 4, 2026 Express Entry draw provided a major opportunity for French-speaking candidates, issuing 5,500 invitations with a CRS score of 397.
With 9,764 invitations already issued in March, Canada’s immigration system is off to a strong start for the month.
For candidates with strong French language skills, this could be an excellent time to enter the Express Entry pool.
Category-based selection continues to offer significant advantages for eligible candidates.
Keeping track of IRCC announcements and maintaining a complete Express Entry profile may help ensure you are ready when the next draw takes place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the CRS score for the March 4, 2026 Express Entry draw?
The CRS cut-off score for the March 4, 2026 Express Entry draw was 397 points. This draw targeted candidates under the French-language proficiency category.
How many invitations were issued in the March 4 draw?
IRCC issued 5,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the March 4, 2026 Express Entry draw.
How many invitations have been issued in March 2026 so far?
During the first week of March 2026, IRCC issued 9,764 invitations across three draws:
- 5,500 in the French-language proficiency draw
- 4,000 in the Canadian Experience Class draw
- 264 in the Provincial Nominee Program draw
