Express Entry Draw #401 | 5,500 Francophone Candidates Invited
On March 04, 2026, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 5,500 invitations in the Express Entry draw 401. The minimum CRS score was 397. This draw is specific to applicants who are proficient in the French language. All candidates who meet the minimum point requirement were invited.
What is the French Language Proficiency Category?
The French language proficiency category under Express Entry is designed to encourage bilingual applicants who can contribute to Canada’s linguistic diversity. To qualify, candidates must demonstrate strong French communication skills by meeting specific Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels in an approved French test such as the TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
This draw gives additional opportunities for French-speaking or bilingual individuals.
Key Details of Express Entry Draw #401
| Category | Details |
| Draw Number | 401 |
| Program | French-Language Proficiency |
| Date | March 4, 2026 |
| Invitations Issued | 5,500 |
| Minimum CRS Score | 397 |
This draw represents the largest invitation round ever conducted under the French-language category, providing major opportunities for bilingual candidates both inside and outside Canada.
Express Entry Trends in 2026
The Express Entry system in 2026 continues to rely heavily on category-based selection rather than large general draws. Recent rounds have included:
- Provincial Nominee Program draws
- Canadian Experience Class draws
- French-language proficiency draws
- Healthcare and social service occupations
- Physicians with Canadian work experience
This targeted approach allows Canada to select candidates who meet specific labour market needs while supporting long-term economic growth.
How Candidates Can Benefit from French Language Skills
For Express Entry candidates, strong French proficiency can significantly improve immigration prospects.
Ways French language skills help include:
- Additional CRS points for bilingual ability
- Eligibility for French category-based draws
- Access to specialized provincial nomination streams
- Better employment opportunities in bilingual sectors
- Stronger integration in Canadian society
Candidates who combine English and French proficiency often have a competitive advantage in the Express Entry system.
What Happens After Receiving an ITA
Candidates invited in Express Entry Draw #399 now have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application. This stage includes:
- Uploading all supporting documentation
- Completing medical examinations
- Providing police clearance certificates
- Paying required government processing fees
Ready to Apply for Canada PR Visa? Let Expressway Immigration Help You Succeed!
At Expressway Immigration, our licensed experts help you to assess eligibility, enhance your CRS profile, and choose the best program, whether through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program. Contact Expressway Immigration today to explore your immigration options and take your next step toward becoming a permanent resident of Canada!
How Expressway Immigration™ Can Help
Express Entry is designed to be transparent, but the reality is that competition is fierce, rules shift quickly, and even small mistakes in an application can lead to rejection. This is where Our licensed RCIC consultants can make all the difference.
Our Services Include:
- Profile assessment: to calculate your CRS and recommend improvements.
- Program strategy: to help you choose between Express Entry, PNP, or other immigration streams.
- Strategy development: Crafting a roadmap to boost your CRS and align with future draw eligibility.
- Document preparation: Ensuring your work experience, credentials, language tests and other evidence are ready.
- Application support: to ensure accurate documentation and error-free submission.
- Submission guidance: Helping you prepare for ITA receipt, application timing, and compliance with IRCC requirements.
- Next Express Entry Draw guidance: so you know what to expect and how to prepare.
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