IRCC Holds Third Express Entry Draw This Week, Invites 4,500 French Candidates

The minimum CRS score was 409. This draw gives another clear signal that French-language candidates remain a key focus in 2026.

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Draw Highlights

• Program/category: French-Language proficiency 2026-Version 2
• Invitations issued: 4,500
• Minimum CRS: 409
• Date/time: May 28, 2026 at 10:52:36 UTC
• Rank required: 4,500 or above
• Tie-breaking rule: April 29, 2026 at 22:20:00 UTC

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Who was invited in this draw?

This draw invited Express Entry candidates eligible under the French-language proficiency category.

Candidates needed to meet the category rules and have a CRS score of at least 409. If more than one candidate had the lowest score, IRCC used the tie-breaking rule.

This means candidates with a CRS score of 409 needed to submit their profile before April 29, 2026 at 22:20:00 UTC.

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What this draw means for candidates

• This was the third Express Entry draw this week.
• IRCC held a PNP draw on May 25, 2026 and a CEC draw on May 27, 2026.
• The May 28 French draw issued 500 more ITAs than the April 29 French draw.
• The CRS cut-off rose from 400 on April 29 to 409 on May 28.
• French-language candidates should keep test results valid and profiles updated.
• Candidates below the cut-off can still improve CRS or review PNP options through UmberApp’s free PNP Finder.

French-language draws have been active in 2026. So far, IRCC has issued 30,500 invitations through French-language rounds this year.

Candidates can also review Express Entry basics in our Express Entry overview.

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2026 Express Entry Draw Results: Complete ITA Tracker

IRCC has issued 79,841 invitations across 30 Express Entry draws so far in 2026.

Track every invitation round below. This breakdown shows ITAs by draw category, CRS trends, and progress toward IRCC’s annual targets.

All Express Entry Draws in 2026

The table below lists every Express Entry round in 2026 so far. It shows the draw date, program stream, ITAs issued, and the minimum CRS cut-off score required.

2026 Express Entry Draws by Program Category

This breakdown groups invitation rounds by stream. It shows draw frequency, total ITAs per category, and the CRS score range for each program type.

IRCC 2026 Targets and Express Entry ITAs Issued to Date

The table below compares Express Entry ITAs against IRCC’s 2026 admissions targets. ITAs and admissions are not the same. IRCC may issue multiple ITAs to reach each target.

Important: ITAs and admissions are not equivalent. Multiple ITAs may be issued to reach each admissions target, and not all ITA recipients become permanent residents.

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If you received an ITA: what to do next

If you received an invitation, review your Express Entry profile before you submit your PR application.

Prepare these documents early:

• Passport or travel document
• Language test results
• Education documents
• Work history records
• Proof of funds, if needed
• Police certificates
• Medical exam details, if requested
• PNP nomination, if it applies

Make sure all details match your profile. Small errors can delay your file or create issues later.

You can also use UmberApp AI Chat for any Canada immigration question, including PR, work permits, study permits, and visitor visas.

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If you did not receive an ITA: next steps

If you were not invited, focus on areas you can improve.

• Retake a language test if your score can rise.
• Add valid work experience when eligible.
• Update your profile after any major change.
• Check if you qualify for a PNP stream.
• Review category-based draw options.
• Keep your profile active and accurate.

A provincial nomination can add 600 CRS points. You can check free and instant PNP matches through UmberApp’s PNP Finder.

For more Canada immigration updates, visit Immigration News and Tips.

Need help with your next step? Use the free PNP Finder for instant results.

Ask any Canada immigration question with AI Chat