On May 8, 2026, IRCC held draw #415 in the French-language category of Express Entry — with a CRS cut-off of 401 points and 2,500 invitations to apply (ITAs). It is the second consecutive French-language draw below the 410-point mark, confirming greater accessibility for French-speaking candidates outside Québec.
Draw #415 results
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Draw date | May 8, 2026 |
| Category | French-language proficiency outside Québec |
| Minimum CRS score | 401 points |
| ITAs issued | 2,500 |
| Profile creation date (cut-off) | November 5, 2025 |
| Total ITAs 2026 (cumulative) | 74,100 |
What does a CRS of 401 mean for you?
A cut-off of 401 points is historically low for this type of draw. For comparison, draw #414 of April 29 showed 400 points. This trend indicates that IRCC is maintaining a sustained pace for French-speaking profiles, in line with the policy of 4 million permanent immigrants by 2027.
If your CRS score is between 390 and 420 and French is your first official language spoken, your Express Entry profile is potentially eligible right now.
How to optimize your French-language profile
- TEF Canada or TCF Canada test recent (less than 2 years old) — a minimum of CLB 7 in speaking is required
- Declare “French” as your FOLS (first official language spoken) in your Express Entry profile
- A CLB 10 score in speaking maximizes language points (+50 CRS points)
- A validated job offer from a Canadian employer outside Québec: +50 or +200 CRS points depending on the NOC level
Pro Immigration strategic tip
The French-language draw specifically targets candidates whose first official language spoken (FOLS) is French. If you are bilingual in French and English, make sure your profile declares French as your FOLS. That single correction can make you eligible for these draws, whose CRS cut-off is 80 to 130 points lower than general draws.
Next steps after receiving an ITA
If you have received an invitation to apply, you have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application. The required documents include:
- Forms IMM 0008, IMM 5406, IMM 5562 (and schedules)
- Results of the medical exam by an IRCC-designated physician
- Police certificates (Canada + countries of residence)
- Proof of funds (unless you have a valid job offer in Canada)
- Proof of work experience, diplomas, credential assessment
⚠️ Strict deadline: IRCC grants no extension to the 60-day deadline to submit after an ITA. An incomplete or late file results in the loss of the invitation and forces you to start the process over from the beginning.
See also our analysis of the 2026 Express Entry draws for an overview of the trends since January 2026.
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Mohamed Rachid Trissia, RCIC R420535, supports you at every step of your Canadian immigration plan.
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