IRCC Invites 1,000 Candidates in French Language Proficiency in Third Express Entry Draw This Week

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently conducted a new Express Entry draw, extending Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. In this round, 1,000 ITAs were granted to candidates demonstrating proficiency in the French language. To qualify, applicants needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 444.

This draw marks the third event of the week. Earlier, IRCC invited 1,613 candidates through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), requiring a higher minimum score of 743. Additionally, on October 9, 500 candidates from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) were invited, needing a minimum score of 539.

Before this week, the last draw occurred on September 19, inviting 4,000 CEC candidates. Those applicants needed a minimum CRS score of 509, which was a slight rise from the previous CEC draw on August 27, where the required score was 507.

Shifts in Selection Strategy

In recent months, IRCC has decreased the frequency of category-based selection draws, focusing primarily on French proficiency since a specific draw for healthcare occupations on July 5. Conversely, CEC draws have become more frequent, with IRCC issuing 21,800 ITAs to CEC candidates since July. This shift aligns with IRCC’s goal to increase the number of domestic draws and reduce the intake of temporary residents, thus helping to meet their permanent resident targets for the year.

The latest draw represents the third event this month. In contrast, last year, IRCC held four draws throughout October, inviting a total of 9,173 candidates.

Latest Draw Details: 

• Draw Date: October 10, 2024
• Draw Type: French Language Proficiency 
• Number of Invitation Issued: 1000
• Minimum CRS Requirement: 444

Express Entry Draws List

Understanding Express Entry

Express Entry, launched in 2015, is a streamlined application management system that helps IRCC select candidates for economic immigration to address critical labor shortages. It encompasses three main programs: 

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Candidates are assessed using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which considers key factors such as work experience, age, language proficiency, education, and occupation.

Points are awarded based on these factors, with additional points available for candidates immigrating with a spouse or partner, having a sibling in Canada, or possessing Canadian work experience or education. A higher CRS score significantly enhances the chances of receiving an ITA in subsequent draws.

Insights on Category-Based Selection

Category-based selection draws typically feature lower CRS scores compared to general or program-specific draws. These draws, introduced in May 2023, are designed to assist IRCC in selecting candidates who can fill urgent labor or demographic gaps. The six identified categories include:

• Healthcare
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professions
• Skilled Trades
• Transport
• Agriculture and Agri-Food
• French Language Proficiency

These categories were established after thorough consultations with various stakeholders and analysis of labor market conditions, also taking into account IRCC’s target to admit 6% of newcomers into French-speaking minority communities outside Quebec. Although the CRS cut-off scores for these category-based draws are often lower, candidates still need to be part of the Express Entry pool, and a competitive CRS score remains beneficial for success.