Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 3,200 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in its latest category-based Express Entry draw, held on July 8, 2024. This draw targeted candidates with strong French language proficiency and required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 420.
This marks the fourth Express Entry draw for July, signaling a significantly active month for Canada’s flagship economic immigration program. The other category-based draws earlier this month focused on trade occupations and healthcare professions, while a separate Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-only draw saw 920 candidates selected with a high CRS threshold of 739.
The recent French-language draw underscores IRCC’s ongoing commitment to boosting bilingualism and addressing demographic needs in French-speaking communities outside Quebec. According to IRCC’s 2024 strategy, 30% of category-based ITAs are anticipated to go to French-speaking candidates—a target well on track, with 15,600 French-proficient candidates already invited this year.
Express Entry, Canada’s core immigration intake system launched in 2015, manages applications across three federal economic programs—the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Candidates are scored through the Comprehensive Ranking System based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language ability.
IRCC has been actively tailoring draws to sector-specific needs and demographic strategies. Category-based draws now focus on high-impact areas such as STEM, healthcare, skilled trades, transportation, agriculture, and linguistic abilities. This approach allows Canada to better align immigration with labor market priorities and regional demographic objectives.
Notably, July has already seen complementary draws: 1,800 invitations were issued to trade professionals on July 4, while 3,750 healthcare experts were invited on July 5. These initiatives all fall under Canada’s evolving immigration framework aiming to address current labor demands while fostering strategic linguistic and cultural diversity.
The consistent rollout of Express Entry draws every month—averaging two to four—demonstrates IRCC’s active management of immigration intake in response to national priorities. February remains 2024’s busiest month to date, featuring six draws.
As Canada continues to shape its immigration system through data-driven and category-specific selections, French-speaking candidates, especially those working in in-demand fields, remain well-positioned for permanent residency opportunities through Express Entry.