Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted its fourth Express Entry draw this month, issuing 3,200 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) based on French language proficiency. Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 420 to be eligible. This latest draw follows a busy period earlier in the month, with three draws held between July 2-5. On July 2, 920 candidates were invited in a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) only draw with a minimum CRS score of 739. The subsequent draws targeted trade occupations and healthcare occupations, issuing 1,800 and 3,750 ITAs respectively.
The month of July has been notably active for Express Entry draws, surpassing the usual frequency of bi-weekly draws. Typically, IRCC conducts two to four draws monthly, with April being the last month to feature four draws and February the busiest with six. The emphasis on French language proficiency is significant, with these draws expected to account for 30% of the ITAs issued in category-based selection draws this year. So far, IRCC has issued 15,600 ITAs to candidates demonstrating French language proficiency in 2024.
To provide a broader context, Express Entry draws have varied throughout the year, with different types of draws targeting specific categories. For instance, healthcare, trade occupations, and Provincial Nominee Programs have all seen dedicated draws. The draws’ frequency and scope reflect IRCC’s strategic focus on addressing labor market needs and optimizing the immigration process to attract candidates who can contribute effectively to Canada’s economy.
Express Entry serves as IRCC’s application management system for three key economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Launched in 2015, Express Entry aims to identify candidates with the highest potential for successful integration into the Canadian workforce. Candidates are assessed using the CRS, which evaluates factors such as age, language ability, education, work experience, and occupation. Those with higher CRS scores are more likely to receive ITAs in subsequent draws.
Category-based selection draws, introduced in 2023, allow IRCC to target candidates for urgent workforce gaps. These categories include healthcare, STEM professions, trades, transport, agriculture, and French language proficiency. Candidates in all categories, except French-proficiency, require at least six months of relevant work experience in an eligible National Occupation Classification (NOC) code. French-speaking candidates must achieve a minimum score of seven in reading, writing, speaking, and listening on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens. This targeted approach aims to align immigration with Canada’s evolving labor market needs and will be reassessed in 2025 to ensure continued relevance.
Source: CIC News