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The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) executed its fourth Express Entry draw of the week, a historic first for the French-Language Proficiency category.
The most recent Express Entry draw, carried out on July 07, 2023, resulted in a total of 2,300 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) extended to applicants under the French Language Proficiency category. To qualify for this round of invitations, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 439.
In the past two weeks, IRCC has held six Express Entry draws, with a combined total of 9,800 candidates receiving invitations. The immediate previous round happened on July 6, where 1,500 candidates with healthcare occupation work experience were invited.
Express Entry Draw #256
Invited Individuals:
- Total invitations dispatched: 2,300
- Rank required to receive an invite: 2,300 or higher Draw category: French Language Proficiency (2023-1)
- Event date and time: July 07, 2023, 13:11:16 UTC
- CRS score for lowest-ranked invitees: 439 Tie-breaker rule applied: January 20, 2023, 17:18:32 UTC
In instances where several candidates have the same lowest score, the selection is determined by the submission date and time of their Express Entry profiles.
Eligibility for the French-Language Proficiency Category
For qualification under the French-Language Proficiency category, applicants must:
- Possess French language test results demonstrating a minimum score of 7 across all four language abilities based on the Niveaux De Compétence Linguistique Canadiens.
- Satisfy all requirements as per the instructions of the specific invitation round.
Unlike the other five recently announced Express Entry selection categories, French-Language Proficiency is the only one that doesn't require work experience as a principal criterion for an ITA.
Sean Fraser, Canada’s Immigration Minister, has a directive to enhance the prominence of the French language outside of Quebec. While introducing the inaugural French-Language Proficiency Express Entry draw, the IRCC stated, "By prioritizing French-speaking newcomers' invitations, Canada intends to bolster economic growth via Francophone immigration outside Quebec, acknowledging its value in enriching and strengthening these communities.”
On May 31, Fraser declared that the IRCC has completed the establishment of six novel selection categories for Express Entry draws. The newly introduced categories - French-Language Proficiency, Healthcare Occupations, STEM Occupations, Trades Occupations, Transport Occupations, and Agriculture & Agri-Food Occupations - will be a focus for the Express Entry draws in 2023. These categories were selected based on labor market projections and consultations with Partners, Stakeholders, and Provincial and Territorial governments.
