CEC 519 vs French 407: 112 Points Apart in Express Entry

Same Express Entry pool. Two very different cut-offs.

The latest Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw — round #449, 15 October 2026 — invited 2,500 candidates at a CRS cut-off of 519. The latest French-language proficiency draw — round #452, 27 October 2026 — invited 5,000 candidates at a cut-off of 407. That is a gap of 112 points.

The French cut-off is falling, not rising: the previous French round, on 16 October 2026 (#450), cut off at 435 — so it fell 28 points in 11 days. In 2026 to 28 October, French-language rounds invited 60,500 people across 12 rounds, with cut-offs from 382 to 435. CEC invited 57,750 people across 18 rounds, with cut-offs from 507 to 523.

What CEC needs: at least 1 year of skilled work in Canada in the last 3 years. No proof of funds is needed.

What the French path needs: NCLC 7 or higher in ALL FOUR abilities — listening, speaking, reading and writing — proven with TEF Canada or TCF Canada (results less than 2 years old). There is no occupation restriction. French also adds up to 50 CRS points on top of the category draw, whether or not you are invited in the French category.

What has happened since: no Express Entry draw has been held since 28 October 2026 (round #453, Transport, 150 invitations, cut-off 477). Draws are paused from 3 November while IRCC recalculates every profile under the new CRS rules — maximum CRS is now 1,270, with a new Labour Market Integration factor worth up to 150 points for high-wage Canadian work experience or a high-wage job offer. Recalculation may take up to two weeks, so the earliest resumption is around 17 November — but IRCC has not confirmed a date, and the next cut-offs will shift under the new scoring. Do not rely on predicted cut-offs.

See also our summary of the Levels Plan for 2027–2029. See also our post on the RCIP becoming permanent.

The honest caution: a French draw is not a promise of the next one, and NCLC 7 takes most learners 12+ months. A French test is a strategy, not a shortcut — get your profile assessed before enrolling in a course.

FAQ

Which cut-off applies to me?

The cut-off for the round you were eligible for. CEC 519 and French 407 are different draws; one "latest CRS" does not apply to everyone.

Do I need a job offer for the French draw?

No. The French-language category has no occupation restriction — the requirement is NCLC 7 in all four skills.

Does French really add CRS points?

Yes — up to 50 additional CRS points, on top of the category draw.

When is the next Express Entry draw?

IRCC publishes no schedule. Rounds are paused while scores are recalculated under the 3 November rules; they resume when that is complete, with no confirmed date.

Can I switch from CEC to the French path?

If you meet the French-language requirement, you can be considered in French-language rounds as well as CEC rounds. Your eligibility depends on your full profile.

Which path fits your profile?

Which path fits your profile — CEC or French? DM "FRENCH" on Instagram @psimmigration or call PS Immigration Consultancy — Pardeep Kumar Sharma, RCIC (Licence No. R710891) — +1 647-326-9562, 10 George St N, Suite 176, Brampton, ON (second location: 591 Remembrance Rd, Brampton). General information only; eligibility depends on your profile and IRCC decides.