MASSIVE Express Entry draw for French Speaking candidates!

On January 31, 2024, IRCC offered a whopping 7000 ITAs (invitations to apply) in the latest Express Entry draw. This was the 4th draw of 2024, and the first targeted draw, as each of the previous 3 draws were open to all candidates in the Express Entry pool. Astonishingly, applicants required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of only 365, which is by far the lowest minimum CRS score seen in recent years, with the exception of the Agriculture and agri-food occupations draw in September 2023.

7000 invitations in one draw is huge, and highlights Canada's desire to introduce more French speakers into the country. In order to be invited under this category, candidates had to demonstrate French language proficiency of at least CLB level 7 across all disciplines of speaking, listening, reading and writing, evidenced through the results of either the TEF or the TCF French test.

As a comparison, the previous 3 'General' draws in 2024 required a minimum CRS score of 541, 543 and 546, further highlighting the enormous benefit of adding French language skills to your Express Entry profile. You can keep up to date with all the latest Express Entry draws here.

It is still early in the year to try and predict what will happen with Express Entry draws for the rest of 2024. If 2023 is anything to go by, the Express Entry draws are inconsistent, sporadic, and entirely unpredictable, therefore we would always recommend for you to have an active Express Entry profile, because who knows what the next targeted occupation or category might be, and you of course have to be in it to win it!

Get in touch with us today for an assessment of your options, or to get started on creating your own Express Entry profile.