How Draw #405 Compares
The round before this one was draw #404 on March 17, 2026, a Canadian Experience Class draw that invited 4,000 candidates with a cut-off of 507. Against that round, the CRS cut-off fell by 114 points, from 507 to 393, and invitations were unchanged at 4,000. The last French Language draw before this one was #401 on March 4, 2026, 14 days earlier. Compared with that draw, the CRS cut-off fell by 4 points, from 397 to 393, and invitations fell from 5,500 to 4,000. In the 12 months up to and including this round, IRCC held 10 French Language draws with cut-offs from 379 to 481 and 55,000 invitations in total; 393 sat 14 points above the lowest cut-off and 88 points below the highest.
What This Draw Means
Express Entry Draw #405 was held on March 18, 2026, targeting French Language Proficiency candidates. The minimum CRS score was 393 with 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued. Every candidate above 393 was invited; candidates with exactly 393 were invited only if they submitted their Express Entry profile before the tie-breaking date and time.
Tie-Breaking Rule
Tie-break date and time: December 29, 2025 at 12:47:31 UTC. Candidates with exactly 393 points were invited only if they submitted their profile before this time.
What This Means For You
French Language Priority
French language proficiency draws have significantly lower CRS requirements. Achieving CLB 7+ in French adds 25-50 bonus points and qualifies you for these targeted draws.
If Your Score is Higher
You likely would have received an ITA in this draw. Ensure your profile is complete and up-to-date to receive invitations in future draws.
If Your Score is Lower
Focus on improving your CRS score through better language tests, additional education, Canadian experience, or a provincial nomination.
How to Improve Your CRS Score
Improve Language Scores
Retake IELTS/CELPIP to achieve CLB 9+ in all abilities. Each band increase significantly boosts your score.
Provincial Nomination (+600 Points)
Apply for PNP programs in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, or Alberta. An Express Entry-linked nomination adds 600 CRS points; 2026 Provincial Nominee Program rounds have cut off between 697 and 805.
Gain Canadian Experience
Work in Canada on a work permit to earn up to 80 CRS points for Canadian work experience.
Learn French (Up to 50 Points)
French proficiency (CLB 7+) adds bonus points and qualifies you for French-language draws with lower cut-offs.
Get Expert Help
Our RCIC consultants can calculate your exact CRS score, identify the best strategies to improve it, and help you navigate the Express Entry process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Each case is unique and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) before making immigration decisions.