Canada Continues to Target French-Speaking Candidates in Express Entry Draws

IRCC Express Entry PNP Draw Federal Skilled Worker French Speaking candidates french General Category
  • August 3, 2023

In a recent Express Entry draw on August 2, Canada issued 800 Invitations to Apply, with a specific focus on candidates possessing French language proficiency.

This draw featured a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 435, marking an increase of 60 points compared to the previous draw targeting French-speaking candidates.

The draw implemented a tie-breaking rule that came into effect on July 31, 2023 at 09:57:30 UTC. In cases where multiple candidates shared the minimum CRS score, only those who submitted their Express Entry profiles before this specified date and time were selected.

Notably, this marks Canada’s third draw of the year targeting French speakers.

Canada’s draw history for 2023 includes:

  • 13 all-program draws
  • Four Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws
  • Two draws for healthcare occupations
  • One draw for STEM occupations
  • One draw for Federal Skilled Worker candidates

In 2023, Canada has issued a total of 72,649 Invitations to Apply (ITAs), a significant increase from the 45,115 candidates invited in the entirety of 2022. In 2021, a record-breaking 114,431 ITAs were issued, surpassing the previous record of 107,350 set in 2020.

Aligned with its ambitious immigration target of 465,000 for 2023, Canada remains committed to attracting diverse talent. This draw marks the 24th round of invitations under the Express Entry system in 2023 and the 260th overall. Successful candidates have a 60-day window to submit their applications, which will then be processed within the standard six-month period.

Canada’s decision to target francophone candidates also underscores its support for French-speaking communities across the country, outside of Quebec.

 

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