Express Entry's French rounds invite only candidates with NCLC 7 or higher in all four French skills. So far in 2026: 12 rounds, 60,500 invitations, cutoffs from 382 to 435.
Every French round in 2026
| Round | Invitations | Lowest CRS invited |
|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | 5,000 | 407 |
| October 2026 | 5,000 | 435 |
| August 2026 | 5,000 | 382 |
| August 2026 | 5,000 | 391 |
| July 2026 | 5,000 | 399 |
| July 2026 | 5,000 | 420 |
| May 2026 | 4,500 | 409 |
| April 2026 | 4,000 | 400 |
| April 2026 | 4,000 | 419 |
| March 2026 | 4,000 | 393 |
| March 2026 | 5,500 | 397 |
| February 2026 | 8,500 | 400 |
From IRCC's rounds of invitations, which has each round's exact date and instructions.
French against Canadian Experience Class
| 2026 | Rounds | Cutoff range | Average cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| French | 12 | 382-435 | 404 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 18 | 507-523 | 515 |
The average is a plain average of the rounds' cutoffs, not weighted by invitations.
Reading these numbers
- Cutoffs move. Rounds this year range 53 points apart. Past cutoffs do not promise future ones.
- The score mix may shift. High-wage points came in during November 2026, and it is too early to say what they do to French rounds.
- The target is rising. The 2027-2029 plan raises the French target, but sets no number of rounds or invitations.
- An invitation is not permanent residence. It starts an application.
Can you enter these rounds?
You need NCLC 7 in every skill, and one short skill rules you out. See how French works for Canada PR for the points it adds.
Common questions
What is the lowest French Express Entry cutoff this year?
382 CRS in 2026, as of IRCC's feed when this page was last built.
What do I need to be invited in a French draw?
A profile in the Express Entry pool, NCLC 7 in all four French skills, and a CRS score at or above the round's cutoff.
When is the next French draw?
IRCC does not announce rounds in advance, and there is no fixed schedule.
Where can I practise for TEF Canada?
TEF Trainer, which publishes this guide, has all four papers online: 1,923 listening and reading questions, including TEF-style predictions, and 435 speaking and writing topics with model answers, plus English translations and answer explanations. 142 questions and 32 topics are free, with no account and no card.
Practise with TEF Trainer
TEF Trainer is TEF Canada practice for all four papers, in your browser.
- Predictions: TEF-style listening and reading predictions, based on recent exams and updated regularly (558 questions).
- The full question bank: 1,923 listening and reading questions in all.
- Every speaking and writing topic (435) with a model answer, in French with English alongside.
- English translations and answer explanations, plus shuffle mode, autoplay and audio speed control.
142 questions and 32 topics are free, with everything switched on. No account, no card.
Start practising free See pricing
General information from IRCC's published rules, not immigration advice. For your own case, see a licensed consultant (RCIC) or a lawyer.
Updated November 2026. Exam rules and fees change: check them with your test centre and on canada.ca.