Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 800 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a category-based Express Entry draw targeting French-speaking candidates. This draw, held on December 3, is part of Canada’s continued efforts to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec. Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 466 to be considered in this specific draw.
This was the first French-language proficiency draw of December and closely followed another draw on December 2, which targeted candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) pool. December has already seen multiple draws, reflecting IRCC’s momentum in category-based selections as part of its 2023–2025 Immigration Levels Plan.
IRCC has been using category-based draws to address specific labor market gaps and demographic priorities. Along with French-language proficiency, other target categories include healthcare, STEM, trades, and candidates with Canadian work experience under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Notably, IRCC has introduced an “In-Canada” focus to prioritize candidates who are already living and working within Canada.
According to current projections, the federal government plans to welcome 82,980 permanent residents through the Express Entry system in 2025—more than 40% of Canada’s total planned permanent resident admissions for the year. Of that number, Francophone immigrants outside Quebec are expected to make up a growing share, with 29,235 admissions allocated for 2025 and more increases planned in 2026 and 2027 under IRCC’s Francophone Immigration Strategy.
French-speaking candidates continue to benefit from lower CRS thresholds compared to other draw types, making them competitive in attaining permanent residency. For instance, previous French-language draws this year had CRS cut-offs as low as 336 in February and 394 in August.
To date in 2024, IRCC has held a wide variety of Express Entry draws, targeting various immigration pathways, including those aligned with provincial programs. The frequency and diversity of these draws highlight Canada’s multifaceted approach to addressing population and labor market needs across the country.
Express Entry is Canada’s flagship application management system for skilled economic immigrants. It manages applications for three key programs: the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Candidates aligned with provincial nomination streams are also considered through the system, often gaining a substantial CRS boost via enhanced nominations.
As category-based draws continue to shape Canada’s immigration landscape, prospective immigrants—especially Francophones—may find increasing opportunities ahead through the Express Entry system.