## Key takeaways
– IRCC held Express Entry draw #452 on October 27, 2026, for French-language proficiency.
– 5,000 candidates received invitations to apply for permanent residence.
– The minimum CRS score was 407, down 28 points from the October 16 French draw.
– The tie-breaking rule was July 13, 2026 at 19:22:00 UTC.
– The round was held at 10:17:26 UTC on October 27, 2026.
## What happened
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Express Entry invitation round #452 on October 27, 2026. The round was a category-based selection for French-language proficiency (2026-Version 2). IRCC issued 5,000 invitations to apply, and the lowest-ranked candidate invited had a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 407. It was the second Express Entry round in two days, following the Provincial Nominee Program draw on October 26.
## How the tie-break worked
When more than one candidate shares the lowest score in a round, IRCC uses the date and time the Express Entry profile was submitted as the tie-breaker. For draw #452, candidates with exactly 407 points were invited only if their profile had been submitted before July 13, 2026 at 19:22:00 UTC. Candidates with scores above 407 were not affected by the tie-break.
## What it means for candidates
French-language draws continue to offer one of the most accessible Express Entry routes. The 407 cut-off is 28 points lower than the previous French-language round on October 16, 2026, which also invited 5,000 candidates but closed at 435. Category-based rounds invite only candidates who qualify for the named category, so the eligible pool is smaller than in a general round, which is why cut-offs can sit well below those of Canadian Experience Class rounds. For French-speaking candidates, strong French test results remain a powerful way to strengthen a profile, and this round shows that opportunity continuing into late October.
## What invited candidates should do next
An invitation to apply is an opportunity to submit a complete permanent residence application, not an approval. Invited candidates should check the deadline and document instructions in their IRCC account, gather supporting documents such as police certificates and medical exam results, and submit a complete application within the window IRCC sets. Candidates who were not invited remain in the pool and may be considered in future rounds if their profile is still valid.
## Frequently asked questions
Q: What was Express Entry draw #452?
A: Draw #452 was a French-language proficiency round held on October 27, 2026. IRCC invited 5,000 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 407.
Q: How much did the French-language cut-off fall?
A: The cut-off fell 28 points, from 435 in the October 16 French-language draw to 407 in draw #452. Both rounds invited 5,000 candidates.
Q: What was the tie-break for draw #452?
A: The tie-breaking rule was July 13, 2026 at 19:22:00 UTC. It applied only to candidates with exactly 407 points.
Q: Who qualifies for a French-language Express Entry draw?
A: Candidates must meet the French-language proficiency category requirements, including approved French test results at the required level, in addition to being eligible for an Express Entry-managed program.
For help checking your eligibility or preparing your application, contact ImmiQuest Immigration at +1 778-855-4155, info@immiquest.ca, or https://immiquest.ca. Vikas Tulashyam, RCIC #R709710