EE Draw #418 Francophone —
4,500 ITAs Issued at CRS 409

The francophone-targeted draw #418 on May 29, 2026 set a historically low CRS score of 409 with 4,500 invitations issued. For francophone candidates scoring between 400 and 425, this downward trend represents an exceptional opportunity to seize right now.

1. Draw #418 Results — May 29, 2026

IRCC held its 418th Express Entry draw on May 29, 2026, with the following results:

• Minimum CRS score: 409 points
• Number of invitations: 4,500 (high volume)
• Draw type: Francophone-targeted category
• Profile cut-off date: December 1, 2025

This score of 409 confirms the downward trend in francophone thresholds in 2026 — in January the threshold was 440. In 5 months it dropped 31 points, opening the door to thousands of new candidates.

2. Who Was Eligible for This Draw?

To be included in draw #418, candidates needed to:

• Have French as their first official spoken language (FOSL) in their profile
• Score at minimum CLB 7 in speaking (TEF Canada or TCF Canada)
• Be eligible under FSW, CEC, or FST
• Intend to settle outside Quebec
• Profile created before December 1, 2025

3. What to Do If You Didn't Receive an ITA?

If your score is close to 409 but you didn't receive an invitation, several options are available:

• Improve your TEF/IELTS score: One additional CLB level can be worth 6 to 20 CRS points
• Add a Canadian credential: A one-year diploma from a Canadian institution adds significant points
• Combine with a PNP: A provincial nomination adds +600 points and guarantees an ITA
• Verify your profile settings: Common errors with the FOSL parameter and provincial intention