For individuals considering relocation to Canada and possessing French language skills, a recent opportunity has emerged. In the most recent Express Entry draw, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has granted 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates who demonstrate proficiency in French via the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 444 is must. This initiative is part of a sequence of draws conducted over the past week.

This week marked the third Express Entry draw. Previously, the department extended invitations to 1,613 candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), necessitating a minimum score of 743. Additionally, on October 9, a draw was conducted that invited 500 candidates from the Canadian Experience Class, requiring a minimum score of 539.

Before this week, the last draw was on September 19, which invited 4,000 candidates from the Canadian Experience Class. These applicants were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 509, a slight increase from the previous CEC draw held on August 27, which had a minimum score of 507.

In recent months, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has lessened the frequency of category-based selection draws, there is no such draw occurring for any category other than those related to French language proficiency since the draw for healthcare occupation candidates on July 5.

Conversely, draws for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) have become more frequent over the summer, with the IRCC issuing a total of 21,800 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to CEC candidates since July. This matches with the IRCC’s objective to increase the number of “domestic” draws while reducing the number of temporary residents in Canada, in doing so assisting the department in achieving its permanent resident targets for the year.

Comprehensive Analysis of the Recent Express Entry Draws Executed by IRCC in 2024.

Understanding Express Entry 

Express Entry is an online application management system launched by the IRCC in 2015, pointing at streamlining the selection process for individuals seeking economic immigration. It encompasses three primary programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). 

Candidates participating in Express Entry are evaluated using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which is a points-based framework that assesses applicants based on various human capital criteria, including age, work experience, education, language skills, and occupation. Additional points may be granted to applicants with a spouse or partner, a sibling residing in Canada, or relevant Canadian work experience or education. 

The CRS score plays a crucial role in determining whether a candidate will be issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) during an Express Entry draw. A higher CRS score significantly enhances the likelihood of receiving an invitation, contingent upon the specific type of draw.

Category-Based Selection in Express Entry 

In May 2023, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented category-based selection draws to more effectively align immigration candidates with the changing demands of Canada’s workforce. This initiative aims to tackle critical labour market shortages and facilitate the integration of skilled immigrants into essential economic sectors. 

The IRCC has select six specific categories for these draws, which are as follows: 

1. Healthcare 

2. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) 

3. Trades 

4. Transport 

5. Agriculture and Agri-food 

6. Proficiency in the French language. 

The selection of these categories was conducted after thorough discussions with industry stakeholders and a comprehensive examination of labor market requirements.