Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has invited 7,000 candidates through its latest Express Entry draw, marking a significant move in its targeted immigration strategy. Conducted on February 1, this category-based selection round focused on applicants with strong French language skills.
To qualify for this draw, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 365—the lowest threshold seen so far in 2024. This low cutoff creates broader opportunities for French-speaking immigrants, aligning with Canada’s goal to strengthen its bilingual profile and boost Francophone communities outside Quebec.
The French language proficiency draw follows a general draw held just a day earlier, on January 31, which saw 730 candidates invited with a much higher CRS requirement of 541. Earlier in January, two general draws were held—one on January 23 that invited 1,040 candidates with a minimum CRS of 543, and another on January 10 that invited 1,510 candidates with a CRS of 546.
Category-based draws were introduced in 2023 as a major revision to the Express Entry system. These allow the government to meet targeted immigration goals by selecting candidates with specific skills or attributes, such as proficiency in French, experience in healthcare, trades, STEM fields, or other priority sectors. In 2023, IRCC issued over 110,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through Express Entry across 42 draws, reflecting Canada’s growing reliance on skilled newcomers to support its economic and population growth.
French language draws have become increasingly prominent, with recent rounds also inviting thousands of applicants in 2023. Last year, several draws focusing on French proficiency saw CRS scores dip below 400, reinforcing the advantage that bilingual candidates hold in Canada’s immigration landscape.
In tandem with Express Entry updates, IRCC has also announced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility. Effective September 1, 2024, international students enrolled in programs at private colleges operating under curriculum licensing agreements with public institutions will no longer qualify for a PGWP. This policy shift aims to maintain the integrity of Canada’s post-secondary and immigration systems by ensuring work-permit access aligns with public education standards.
While it’s too early to predict the trajectory for the rest of 2024, these early draws suggest Canada will continue leveraging targeted selection to address demographic needs and labor gaps, while making room for language diversity and regional development.