Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a category-based Express Entry draw held on September 13. The draw specifically targeted candidates with strong French language proficiency, a continuing trend in Canada’s effort to bolster bilingual immigration. To be eligible for selection in this round, candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 446.
This is the second Express Entry draw of the month, following a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-exclusive draw on September 9, which saw 911 candidates invited with a minimum CRS score of 732. French-speaking candidates have consistently been one of the key focus areas in Canada’s category-based draws, reaffirming the government’s strategy to promote linguistic diversity, especially outside of Quebec.
IRCC launched category-specific Express Entry draws in 2023 to better align economic immigration with labor market needs and national priorities. Categories include healthcare, STEM, trade, transport, and agriculture-related occupations, as well as candidates with French-language ability. This approach enables IRCC to select skilled immigrants who can immediately contribute to Canada’s workforce and demographics.
Canada recorded a historically high number of Express Entry rounds through July and August of this year. In July alone, IRCC conducted a record-setting nine separate draws. The frequent activity underscores Ottawa’s evolving immigration strategy: a sharper focus on converting temporary residents to permanent status while meeting specific regional and skill-based labor shortages.
The Express Entry system continues to serve as the primary pathway for skilled workers to obtain permanent residency in Canada. It ranks candidates based on the CRS, assigning scores for age, work experience, education, language proficiency, and other human capital factors. Those with the highest scores receive ITAs during regular IRCC draws.
Recent draw patterns also signal a growing emphasis on in-Canada applicants, especially those with Canadian work experience or those nominated by provinces. This is consistent with IRCC’s goal to reduce reliance on temporary residents and bring more stability to Canada’s labor force and population planning.
French-speaking immigrants have additional opportunities under this system, with several dedicated draws occurring throughout 2024. For example, earlier draws in July and August each saw over 1,800 French-speaking candidates invited.
As the Express Entry landscape continues to evolve, candidates with French proficiency, Canadian work experience, or provincial nominations currently enjoy an increased likelihood of receiving invitations to apply for permanent residence.