IRCC issues 500 ITAs in a new Express Entry draw for French Proficient candidates.
IRCC conducted a new Express Entry draw today, inviting 500 candidates who demonstrated proficiency in the French language. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required to receive an ITA was 472.
In addition, this draw follows yesterday’s event on September 26, where 3,000 candidates received an invitation to an all-program draw with a minimum CRS score requirement of 504. Officials consider candidates from the three Express Entry-managed programs in an all-program draw.
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What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is a system for managing applications from candidates seeking economic immigration in Canada. It encompasses three programs:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
These programs utilize the Comprehensive Ranking System to assess and rank candidates based on specific factors related to their human capital, including work experience, occupation, education, age, and language proficiency. Each attribute carries a designated point value, and candidates with the highest overall scores are more likely to receive invitations to apply in future Express Entry draws.
In addition, eligibility for Express Entry varies depending on the program. For instance, the FSWP and FSTP programs have distinct minimum Canadian Language Benchmark score requirements. Additionally, while the FSTP and FSWP stipulate minimum settlement funds, the CEC does not impose this requirement on candidates.
What is Category-Based Selection?
In May of this year, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) announced a new approach to selecting Express Entry candidates. Instead of relying solely on their overall Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, candidates are now selected based on specific attributes.
Furthermore, this shift towards category-based selection was set in motion after a change to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) in 2022, granting the immigration minister the authority to choose Express Entry candidates who align with Canada’s goals of bolstering its economy and promoting the French language outside of Quebec.
Six distinct categories exist to implement this change, catering to in-demand occupations and newcomers with strong French language skills. These categories include:
- Healthcare
- STEM Professions
- Trades
- Transport
- Agriculture and Agri-food
Since the inaugural category-based draw for healthcare workers on June 28, IRCC has conducted appeals for each category. Except Agriculture and Agri-food.
Notably, Candidates with strong French language abilities received the highest number of Category-Based Invitations to Apply (ITAs), totaling 6,900.
Besides, individuals aspiring to immigrate to Canada through category-based selection must first be part of the Express Entry pool and meet a minimum CRS score.
