Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held Express Entry draw #450 on October 16, 2026 — a French-language proficiency round.
Key figures:
– Invitations issued: 5,000
– Minimum CRS score: 435
– Tie-breaking rule: October 6, 2026 at 21:31:22 UTC
– Program: French-language proficiency
What this means for candidates: French-speaking candidates continue to see some of the lowest CRS cut-offs in the Express Entry system. A score of 435 is far below the cut-offs seen in general and PNP-only draws, which makes French proficiency one of the most powerful levers in a candidate’s profile — strong French test results (NCLC 7 or higher) can open the door to these dedicated rounds.
If you speak French, make sure your language results are valid and your profile highlights them. Contact ImmiQuest for a personalized assessment of your Express Entry options.
Vikas Tulashyam, RCIC #R709710 | +1 778-855-4155 | info@immiquest.ca | https://immiquest.ca