In a recent move to support linguistic diversity and meet economic needs, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) specifically to candidates proficient in French. This category-based Express Entry draw highlights Canada’s commitment to welcoming French-speaking immigrants, requiring a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of just 336.
Key Highlights from the Latest Draws
Following a general draw on February 28, which saw 1,410 candidates invited, this special draw for French speakers marks a significant step towards addressing specific skill sets and language proficiencies within Canada’s immigration strategy. February has been a busy month, with a total of 13,610 ITAs issued across various focused and general draws, demonstrating IRCC’s proactive approach in inviting candidates from healthcare, agriculture, agri-food sectors, and those with strong French language skills.
2024 Express Entry Draws at a Glance
So far, 2024 has witnessed a dynamic range of Express Entry draws, including:
- General draws welcoming candidates from all managed programs.
- Specialized draws targeting sectors like healthcare, agriculture, agri-food, and now French language proficiency.
Despite speculation, IRCC has confirmed that the six new Express Entry draw categories introduced in May 2023 will remain unchanged through 2024. These categories, developed in consultation with provincial governments, employers, and settlement services, aim to align immigration with Canada’s economic and social goals.
Understanding Express Entry
Express Entry serves as Canada’s flagship system for managing applications from skilled workers. By assigning CRS scores based on factors like occupation, education, language ability, and work experience, Express Entry ensures that those most likely to succeed in Canada are invited to apply for permanent residency.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nominees stand out in this system, gaining 600 additional CRS points and significantly increasing their chances of receiving an ITA.
Looking Ahead: Canada’s Immigration Targets
IRCC’s Immigration Levels Plan sets ambitious targets for newcomers through Express Entry, aiming to welcome 110,770 new permanent residents in 2024—a notable increase from the previous year’s target of 82,880. With plans to further expand to 117,500 in 2025 and 2026, Canada emphasizes the role of economic immigration in its growth strategy. Additionally, starting in 2025, the PNP will become the primary pathway for economic immigrants, with an allocation of 120,000 new permanent residents.
How Skynet Immigration Can Help
Navigating the complexities of Canada’s immigration system and staying updated on the latest Express Entry draws can be challenging. At Skynet Immigration, we specialize in guiding candidates through the application process, ensuring that you’re well-prepared to take advantage of opportunities like the recent draw for French-speaking candidates. Whether you’re aiming for a general draw or fit into one of the specialized categories, our experts are here to support your journey to Canadian permanent residency.
