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Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently undertaken its most recent Express Entry draw. This marked the second Express Entry draw specifically for the French Language Proficiency category.
The most recent Express Entry draw, which occurred on July 12, 2023, saw a total of 3,800 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued, specific to the French-language proficiency category. A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 375 was necessary for eligibility in this round of invitations.
Two Express Entry draws have been carried out by the IRCC under the French-category in July alone. The initial one happened on July 7, issuing 2,300 ITAs. With the subsequent draw on July 12, the total ITAs for the French-Language Category have reached 6,100.
Details of Express Entry Draw #258:
Who was eligible?
Number of ITAs: 3,800
Required rank to receive an invitation to apply: 3,800 or higher
Draw type: French Language Proficiency (2023-1)
Date and time of round: July 12, 2023 at 13:36:01 UTC
CRS score for lowest-ranking candidates invited: 375
Tie-breaking rule: June 15, 2023 at 23:49:05
In case candidates have the same lowest score, the selection is based on when they submitted their Express Entry profiles.
Criteria to Apply under French Language Proficiency Category
For applying under the French-Language Proficiency Category, candidates need to meet the following criteria -
- They need to have French language test results with at least 7 CLB in all four language abilities according to the Niveaux De Compétence Linguistique Canadiens.
- They must meet all the requirements stipulated in the instructions for that particular invitation round.
Work experience isn't the main factor for receiving an ITA under the French-Language Proficiency category, unlike the other five recently introduced Express Entry selection categories.
The Immigration Minister of Canada, Sean Fraser, is keen to enhance the reach of the French language beyond Quebec. The IRCC recently launched the first French-Language Proficiency Express Entry draw and stated, "The goal of Canada, through prioritizing French-speaking newcomers, is to stimulate economic growth by encouraging Francophone immigration beyond Quebec, recognizing the beneficial impact it has on these communities, enhancing and strengthening them."
On May 31, Sean Fraser announced that the IRCC has successfully developed six new selection categories for Express Entry draws. Along with French-Language Proficiency, the categories include Healthcare Occupations, STEM Occupations, Trades Occupations, Transport Occupations, and Agriculture & Agri-Food Occupations. These categories will be considered for Express Entry draws in 2023. These selections were meticulously determined based on labour market forecasts and after thorough consultations with various partners, stakeholders, and provincial and territorial governments.