Express Entry Draws October 27 and 28, 2026: 5,000 French Speakers and 150 Transport Workers Invited
IRCC held two more Express Entry draws this week. On October 27, it invited 5,000 candidates with strong French skills at a minimum CRS score of 407. On October 28, it invited 150 candidates in transport occupations at a minimum of 477. Both came days before new scoring rules take effect on November 3, when IRCC will pause draws for up to two weeks.
Results at a glance
October 27: French-language proficiency
| Detail | Result |
|---|---|
| Round | #452 (64th of 2026) |
| Date | October 27, 2026 |
| Draw type | French-language proficiency (2026-Version 2) |
| Invitations issued | 5,000 |
| Minimum CRS score | 407 |
| Tie-breaking rule | July 13, 2026 at 19:22:00 UTC |
October 28: Transport occupations
| Detail | Result |
|---|---|
| Round | #453 (65th of 2026) |
| Date | October 28, 2026 |
| Draw type | Transport occupations (2026-Version 2) |
| Invitations issued | 150 |
| Minimum CRS score | 477 |
| Tie-breaking rule | June 4, 2026 at 21:48:22 UTC |
The tie-breaking rule only matters if several candidates had exactly the cut-off score. Those who submitted their profile before the time shown were invited.
What the French-language draw means
The cut-off of 407 is 28 points lower than the previous French-language draw on October 16 (435). French draws have been some of the most generous of 2026, with 5,000 invitations each time and cut-offs well below most other draw types.
| Date | Invitations | Minimum CRS |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 27 | 5,000 | 407 |
| Oct 16 | 5,000 | 435 |
| Aug 19 | 5,000 | 382 |
| Aug 6 | 5,000 | 391 |
| Jul 22 | 5,000 | 399 |
| Jul 9 | 5,000 | 420 |
To be eligible for a French-language draw, you generally need strong French test results (NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilities). If you speak French, or could realistically learn it, this is one of the most reliable routes to an invitation right now.
What the transport draw means
This was only the second transport draw of 2026. The first, on August 7, invited 300 candidates at a cut-off of 470. This round was half the size, and the cut-off was 7 points higher.
The transport category covers a specific list of occupations, with examples reported for this round including aircraft mechanics and inspectors, pilots and flying instructors, and avionics technicians. Check IRCC's category-based selection page for the full list. To qualify, your work experience must match the lead statement and main duties of an eligible NOC code. A similar job title isn't enough.
Three draws in three days
| Date | Draw type | Invitations | CRS cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 28 | Transport occupations | 150 | 477 |
| Oct 27 | French-language proficiency | 5,000 | 407 |
| Oct 26 | Provincial Nominee Program | 792 | 761 |
| Oct 16 | French-language proficiency | 5,000 | 435 |
| Oct 15 | Canadian Experience Class | 2,500 | 519 |
| Oct 13 | Provincial Nominee Program | 752 | 772 |
This week's three rounds issued 5,942 invitations in total. That brings 2026 to 65 Express Entry rounds and about 149,400 invitations so far. Read our breakdown of the October 26 provincial nominee draw.
What happens next?
On November 3, 2026, Express Entry's new Labour Market Integration factor takes effect, adding points for Canadian work experience and high-wage job offers. IRCC will recalculate every profile and pause invitations while it does, which it estimates could take up to two weeks. That means these may be the last draws for a few weeks, and cut-offs could look different when draws resume.
Learn more in our guide to the November 3 Express Entry changes.
What should you do now?
If you were invited
- Start right away. You have 60 days to submit a complete application. See our guide: I got an Express Entry ITA. What happens next?
- Don't wait for November 3. Your invitation is assessed under the rules in place on the day you were invited.
If you're still in the pool
- Check whether your occupation is on the new high-wage list. You could gain points after November 3.
- Keep your language test results valid, especially French results if you're aiming for French-language draws.
- Consider a provincial nomination, such as Alberta's AAIP, which adds 600 points.
Common mistakes we see
- Choosing a NOC code by job title. For category draws, your duties must match the NOC's lead statement and main duties.
- Letting a French or English test expire. Language results are valid for two years, and an expired result can remove you from the pool.
- Not enough category experience. Category draws usually require a minimum amount of recent experience in an eligible occupation. Check the exact requirement before claiming it.
Every situation is different. Book a consultation with Osaro Ezomo, RCIC, for a review of yours.
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Frequently asked questions
What was the CRS cut-off in the October 27, 2026 Express Entry draw?
407. The draw was for candidates with strong French-language skills, and IRCC issued 5,000 invitations.
What was the CRS cut-off in the October 28, 2026 transport draw?
477. IRCC issued 150 invitations to candidates with eligible experience in transport occupations.
How many Express Entry draws have there been in 2026?
With the October 28 transport draw, IRCC has held 65 Express Entry rounds in 2026 and issued about 149,400 invitations.
Will there be Express Entry draws in early November 2026?
IRCC has said it will pause invitations after November 3 while it recalculates every profile under the new scoring rules, which it estimates could take up to two weeks.
Do I need French to get invited through Express Entry?
No, but it helps a lot. French-language draws have had some of 2026's lowest cut-offs, and strong French also adds up to 50 additional CRS points.
Fact-checked: Draw results as published on IRCC's Express Entry rounds of invitations page and reported on October 27 and 28, 2026. November 3 changes are from IRCC's 2026 Express Entry changes page. Verified October 28, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change often. For advice on your situation, speak with a licensed immigration professional.
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), licence #R711785. Osaro is the principal consultant at GLC Immigration Consulting in Calgary, Alberta, helping clients with Express Entry, provincial nomination, work and study permits and family sponsorship.
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