Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 1,400 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in the Express Entry pool through a new category-based selection draw focused on French language proficiency. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for selection in this round was 410.
This draw, conducted on April 24, marks IRCC’s second Express Entry round of the week and is part of Canada’s ongoing efforts to boost Francophone immigration outside of Quebec. It follows the general draw held on April 23, which invited 2,095 candidates with a much higher minimum CRS score of 529.
The Express Entry system has become more dynamic with the introduction of category-based draws in 2023, allowing IRCC to prioritize applicants with in-demand attributes such as language skills, professions, or work experience in key sectors. These categories are maintained for 2024 and include healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, agriculture and agri-food occupations, and strong French language ability.
Earlier this month, Canada hosted its first STEM-focused category draw of 2024, issuing 4,500 ITAs to eligible candidates with a minimum CRS of 491. The trend illustrates IRCC’s strategic use of category-based draws to address labor shortages and support economic immigration goals.
French-speaking candidates continue to benefit from lower CRS thresholds compared to general draws, as seen in this latest round. This approach aligns with Canada’s efforts to promote the use of French across the country and encourage immigration in Francophone minority communities outside Quebec.
Throughout 2024, IRCC has maintained a steady pace of draws across various categories. In previous rounds specifically for French speakers, CRS cut-offs have ranged between 336 and 478, reflecting a relatively accessible pathway for bilingual applicants.
To be eligible under an occupation-specific category, applicants must have at least six months of continuous full-time work experience in a listed occupation within the past three years. For the French proficiency category, high scores in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in French are required.
Canada’s category-based Express Entry draws provide an excellent opportunity for qualified candidates to receive permanent residency invitations, particularly those with competitive language skills or relevant industry experience. Maple News will continue to monitor upcoming draws and policy developments shaping Canada’s immigration landscape.