The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 800 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a French-language proficiency category-based Express Entry draw. Candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 466 to be eligible.
This marks the second Express Entry draw for December, following the December 2nd draw for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.
Express Entry Activity in November and December
The pace of ITA issuances has been steady, with 5,507 ITAs issued across six draws in November. December is shaping up similarly, with both French-language proficiency and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws held so far.
IRCC continues to favor consistent invitations for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and PNP candidates, a trend expected to persist. The establishment of the new “In-Canada” focus category aims to further streamline draws for candidates in the CEC, Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and other regional programs.
Increased Opportunities for French-Speaking Candidates
As part of Canada’s Francophone Immigration Strategy, IRCC has outlined ambitious goals for French-speaking immigrants outside of Quebec. Planned Permanent Resident (PR) admissions for this category will grow significantly:
- 2024: 29,235 admissions
- 2025: Further increases anticipated
- 2026-2027: Continued growth in ITAs under this category
This underscores the emphasis on attracting Francophone talent to support Canada’s labor market and demographic needs.
Summary of Recent Express Entry Draws
Below is a snapshot of Express Entry activity for 2024 so far:
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 3 | French-language proficiency | 800 | 466 |
| December 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 676 | 705 |
| November 20 | Healthcare occupations | 3,000 | 463 |
| November 19 | Canadian Experience Class | 400 | 539 |
| November 15 | French-language proficiency | 800 | 478 |
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s flagship system for managing applications for three federal economic immigration programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
In addition, Express Entry also manages enhanced Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams, which allow provinces to select candidates to meet local labor market needs.
How the CRS Works
Candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns points based on:
- Age
- Language proficiency
- Education
- Work experience
Additional CRS points are awarded for factors like:
- Provincial nomination (+600 CRS points)
- Having a sibling in Canada
- Applying with a spouse or partner
Category-Based Selections
In addition to CRS-based selections, IRCC has introduced category-based draws targeting specific professional skills or language proficiencies that align with Canada’s labor market needs. These draws often have lower CRS cut-offs than general or program-specific draws, increasing accessibility for candidates.
Next Steps for Express Entry Candidates
With trends favoring French-speaking and healthcare candidates, along with steady Provincial Nominee Program invitations, now is the time to optimize your Express Entry profile.
Get Started with Skynet Immigration
As a trusted provider of immigration services, Skynet Immigration offers free assessments, expert guidance, and support for your Express Entry journey. Contact us today to take the next step toward Canadian Permanent Residency.
