Canada released 4th round of invitations in the Express Entry draw for the French Language

Canada released its 20th round of invites under Express Entry and 256th overall in this month's draw, making it the country's fourth straight draw in a row. Canada is committed to achieving a balance of competent employees through category-based selection in every industry, including the French language. Candidates having a CRS of 439, one of the lowest this year, were drawn for French language candidates.

French Language Occupation: A Linguistic Need

This is the first Express Entry draw that issued 2,300 invitations for the French language occupation. Canada is much more focused on Healthcare, STEM, and now French language candidates. Besides Express Entry, the country is also working on its All-Program draw to manage and control other sectors.

According to Canada Immigration officials, the department has conducted 11 All-Program draws, 4 PNP, 2 Occupation specific, and one for Federal Skilled Workers and French - Speaking candidates.

Canada decided to issue visas to maximum numbers of eligible candidates for several sectors this year and fixed their target immigration is 465,000 this 2023, sources added.

Rules & Regulations for French Language Experts

However, the draw followed the tie-breaker rule implemented on January 20, 2023, at 1.18 pm. As per the rules, if there's more than one candidate who has the minimum CRS score, only those will receive the invitation who submitted the Express Entry profiles before the date and time.

Further, the candidate will get a 60-day duration to submit their applications with complete data. Applications that meet all the criteria will further lead to the processing, which will take another six months of standard time.

While planning to target Francophone candidates for Express Entry, the authority also considered the necessity of French-speaking professionals to support French-speaking communities inside Canada and outside Quebec.

Eligibility Checklist

Eligibility criteria are similar to other Category-based selections. The candidates must have six months of continuous work experience in Canada or other countries for the last three years. For French, candidates must score 7 in all language abilities, including speaking, writing, reading and listening.

Express Entry draws targets to manage Federal immigration streams, including Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class, and partial Provincial Nominee Program to address the labor market needs.

The current Express entry draw is the result of the decision they made in June last year. Canadian immigration had issued a notice stating that IRCC will bring changes in the Express Entry and add occupation-specific draws, including proficiency in the French language.

Additionally, the category-based selection aimed at Employment and Social Development Canada that encountered the occupation-related shortage doubled between 2019 to 2021.

Things to Remember

The immigration department confirmed that despite other programs and eligibility criteria, the CRS score will remain the primary gateway to getting the invitation to the Express Entry draw. Still, the minimum score will continue to be the lowest in 2023.

The Express entry draw can fulfill your dream of landing in Canada with a valid visa and job offer.

To check if all the criteria match your job profile, visit Kansas Overseas to avail of the free consultation!