On October 10, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted an Express Entry draw focusing on candidates with French language proficiency. This category-based selection draw resulted in 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) being issued to eligible candidates.
Key Details of the Latest Targeted Express Entry Draw
- Express Entry Round: #318
- Draw Type: Targeted for French Language Proficiency
- Draw Date: October 10, 2024
- CRS Cut-off Score: 444
- No. of invitations: 1,000
- Tie-breaking rule: September 27, 2024
Targeted Express Entry for French Language Proficiency
Targeted Express Entry for French-speaking immigrants is a special category within the Express Entry system. It focuses on individuals who are fluent in French and want to immigrate to Canada.
To qualify for this category, applicants must prove their French language skills by scoring at least 7 in all four language skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening) on the official French language test. This is different from other categories, which require candidates to have at least six months of work experience in a specific job category.
Recent Express Entry Activity
This draw marked the third Express Entry draw of the week:
October 9, 2024: Invited 500 candidates from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) with a minimum score of 539.
Earlier Draws: On October 8, IRCC invited 1,613 Express Entry candidates with Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nominations requiring a minimum score of 743.
Prior to this week, the last draw occurred on September 19, inviting 4,000 candidates from the CEC with a minimum CRS score of 509. Notably, IRCC has decreased the frequency of category-based selection draws recently; the last draw for any category other than French language proficiency was for healthcare occupations on July 5.
| Date | Draw Type | Invitations | CRS Cut-off Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 6, 2025 | French language proficiency (Version 1) | 4,500 | 410 |
| March 3, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 725 | 667 |
| February 19, 2025 | French language proficiency (Version 1) | 6,500 | 428 |
| February 17, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| February 5, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| February 4, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
| January 23, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| January 8, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| January 7, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
Ready to Apply for Express Entry?
Book a ConsultationUnderstanding Category-Based Selection
Introduced in 2023, category-based selection draws allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to prioritize candidates who possess skills that are in high demand within specific sectors of the Canadian economy. This targeted approach aims to address workforce shortages and ensure that the immigration system aligns with the country’s economic needs.
- Healthcare occupations
- STEM professions
- Trades occupations
- Transport occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
- French language proficiency
In addition to meeting the requirements of one of these categories, candidates must also fulfill all the eligibility criteria for one of the three economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, or the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Need Help with Category-Based Targeted Express Entry?
Our team of immigration experts offers comprehensive support to eligible French-speaking applicants throughout the immigration process. From initial profile submission to personalized consultations with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), we provide guidance and assistance at every step.
Reach out to our team to explore this exciting opportunity. Schedule a one-on-one Zoom appointment with an RCIC to discuss your case.
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