French Language Proficiency (2023-1): Fifth Express Entry Draw Invites 300 Profiles For PR

Highlights

🔸IRCC held its eleventh category-based Express Entry draw on October 25.
🔸October 25 marks the 270th Express Entry draw since 2015.
🔸300 registered foreign nationals with strong French-speaking abilities received ITAs for Canada PR.
🔸The qualifying score increased to 486 points.
🔸Thanks to regular category-based draws, IRCC issued about 15,000 Express Entry ITAs for PR since June 28, 2023.

Yesterday, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its fifth French category-based Express Entry draw. 300 eligible candidates under the French language proficiency (2023-1) category received an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residency (PR). 

Canada has already held nine other category-based Express Entry draws. Consequently, candidates with six months or more relevant work experience under healthcare occupations (2023-1), STEM occupations (2023-1), Skilled Trades (2023-1), Transport (2023-1), Agriculture (2023-1) categories became eligible.   

However, no prior work experience is required for this French language proficiency (2023-1) category draw. It is possible that FSWP, CEC, or FSTP-qualified candidates received nominations here. 

Additionally, invited candidates here secured a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score above 486. It is 14 points higher than the previous French language proficiency (2023-1) category-based draws. 

Also, if more than one eligible candidate had the same CRS score, IRCC considered only those profiles submitted on or before September 30, 2023 at 04:22:17 AM UTC. 

What is French Language Proficiency (2023-1) Category? 

French-speaking newcomers in Canada are individuals or families who speak French as their first language. They may come from various French-speaking countries, such as France, Haiti, Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, or other African and European nations. 

But naturally, these immigrants settle in predominantly French-speaking provinces like Quebec, New Brunswick, or parts of Ontario.

Until now, french-speaking candidates received additional points when registering their Express Entry profile in the federal pool. 

However, the inclusion of the French language proficiency (2023-1) category has fast-tracked the invitation of exclusive French-speaking immigrants to settle outside of Quebec. 

Qualifying for Upcoming Express Entry Draws

IRCC will continue to hold all program draws, program-specific, and category-specific draws as needed. It is crucial as Canada plans to admit 82,880 new permanent residents through Express Entry by the end of 2023. 

Further, we may see targets rise to 109,020 in 2024 and 114,000 by 2025. 

It signals a good time to register your Express Entry profile online. However, you must consider the following assessment criteria to maximize your success:

🔸Age: Younger candidates receive more points
🔸Education: Higher levels of education can earn you more CRS points
🔸Language Proficiency: Language skills in English and French are crucial
🔸Work Experience: Relevant work experience in a skilled occupation can earn you points
🔸Provincial Nomination: Candidates with prior provincial nominations receive additional CRS points
🔸Arranged Employment: If you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, you can earn extra CRS points
🔸Spouse or Common-law Partner: Adaptability factors of your spouse or common-law partner can add points to your CRS score
🔸Siblings in Canada: Having a brother or sister who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can give you additional CRS points.

Interested healthcare professionals, STEM professionals or those with strong French speaking abilities can contact a licensed immigration consultant like CanApprove to boost their chances of qualifying for immigration.