In the latest Express Entry draw. On August 2nd, 2023, Canada invited 800 candidates with French language proficiency. The minimum CRS score required for this draw was 435.

In July 2023, 6195 French-speaking candidates have been invited with a CRS score from 321 to 439, through the French-speaking category, and the French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream (OINP). Earlier in February 2023, 830 candidates were invited with a CRS of 50 through Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). 

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted several Express Entry draws in July targeting candidates with specific language proficiency and work experience. This was the first time that Express Entry had held a draw specifically for French-speaking candidates. This is due to the fact that French is one of the official languages of Canada, and the government believes that it is important to have French-speaking citizens in the country. It is likely to see more draws like this in the future under the Express Entry Program as the government of Canada has set a target of admitting 40,000 French-speaking immigrants per year.

There were 7.7 million French speakers (including both native French speakers and those who have learned French as a second language) in Canada or about 22% of the population in 2021. The French language first came to Canada in the 16th century, when French explorers and missionaries arrived in the country. 

watch: Why French is one of the official languages of Canada? https://youtu.be/QICnwY57Nvo

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is an immigration system that was introduced by the Government of Canada in 2015, designed to attract skilled immigrants across the globe, who have the skills and experience that Canada needs. CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System), Express Entry Pool, and ITA (Invitation to Apply) are the main 3 components that help to attract skilled immigrants who can help to fill labor shortages in the country.

Watch: Know everything about Express Entry in 5 Minutes. 

Till now, a total of 48 Express Entry draws held since January 2023. These draws have invited a total of 34,000 candidates to apply for permanent residency in Canada. The lowest CRS score requirement was 321, under the OINP French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream draw held on July 25, 2023. The highest CRS score requirement was 517, which was required for the Express Entry draw on August 1, 2023. 

The government of Canada has been making a concerted effort to attract skilled immigrants since 2015. This is due to the fact that Canada has an aging population with, a low birth rate, and is in need of more workers in certain sectors. The Express Entry system is one of the most famous ways the government is trying to attract skilled immigrants.

Till now, a total of 16,300 Indian nationals have been invited to apply for permanent residency through Express Entry since January 2023, that’s about 48% of all invitations issued through Express Entry in this period. The lowest CRS score for Indian nationals was 394, required for the Express Entry draw on February 14, 2023, & the highest CRS score for Indian nationals was 499, as on July 25, 2023.

Based on the factors mentioned above, it will not be wrong to say that the number of ITAs issued through Express Entry will remain relatively stable in 2023. However, the CRS score is likely to fluctuate in order to get ITAs. The Canadian government might introduce new streams under Express Entry to achieve its target of 431,600 immigrants.

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