Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is reviewing irregularities in Express Entry draw #418, which targeted French-speaking candidates on June 4, 2026. The department confirmed the review after multiple applicants reported discrepancies between their invitations to apply and their actual eligibility under the draw's stated criteria.

Draw #418 was the latest in IRCC's French-language proficiency category, designed to invite candidates with strong French skills under the Express Entry system. Previous French-language draws in 2026 maintained consistent Comprehensive Ranking System score thresholds and language requirements, making the reported irregularities in this draw particularly notable for affected candidates.

The specific nature of the glitch has not been publicly detailed, but applicants have indicated that some invitations may have been issued to candidates who did not meet the minimum French-language test score requirements typically enforced in category-based draws. IRCC uses the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens scale to assess French proficiency, with category-based draws historically requiring CLB 7 or higher across all four language abilities.

"IRCC is aware of concerns regarding draw #418 and is conducting a thorough review," the department stated in response to applicant inquiries.