Express Entry Draw October 10, 2024

On October 10, 2024, Ministerial Instructions regarding Express Entry invitation rounds for permanent residence were issued, specifically focusing on French language proficiency (Version 1). A total of 1,000 invitations were sent to candidates with Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores of 444 or higher. The cut-off rank required to receive an invitation was 1,000 or above. The tie-breaking rule was applied to candidates who submitted their profiles on or before September 27, 2024, at 18:56:32 UTC, prioritizing those who had submitted earlier if multiple candidates had the same lowest score. The round occurred at 15:45:35 UTC on October 10, 2024.

Rise in Invitations for French-Speaking Candidates

In 2024, Canada has significantly increased the number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for candidates with French language proficiency. For example, the October 10, 2024, draw saw 1,000 ITAs issued to French-speaking candidates, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 444. Earlier draws in the year had even lower CRS cutoffs, such as 336 in February and 365 in early February. This trend shows a clear focus on attracting more French-speaking candidates, reflecting a strategic initiative by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Category-Based Selection Driving Change

A key factor behind this rise is the introduction of category-based selection rounds, where candidates with strong French language skills are prioritized. IRCC is aiming to allocate around 30% of all ITAs to this category throughout 2024. This initiative supports Canada’s broader target to have 6% of new permanent residents be Francophones settling outside Quebec by 2024, increasing to 7% by 2025 and 8% by 2026.

Government Support Through Policy Initiatives

To back these efforts, the Canadian government has committed $137.2 million over five years under the Official Languages Action Plan 2023-2028. This funding supports new measures designed to attract and integrate skilled French-speaking workers, ensuring they have a smooth transition into Canadian society. These initiatives are essential to meeting Canada’s goals for Francophone immigration and bilingualism.

Addressing Labor Market Needs

The focus on French language proficiency is also driven by labor market demands. Many employers are struggling to find qualified bilingual candidates for key positions. A report from Statistics Canada revealed that the percentage of Canadians who primarily speak French at home has declined from 20% in 2016 to 19.2% in 2021, underscoring the need for policies that support the growth of the Francophone population.

Future Projections for Francophone Immigration

Looking ahead, IRCC plans to welcome approximately 31,500 new permanent residents with French language proficiency in 2025 and 36,000 by 2026. This aligns with Canada’s larger immigration strategy of stabilizing its intake at 500,000 new immigrants annually, starting in 2026.

The increase in ITAs for French-speaking candidates highlights Canada’s commitment to promoting linguistic diversity and supporting Francophone communities. By prioritizing French-proficient candidates, Canada aims to address labor shortages while enriching its cultural landscape and ensuring equitable access to services in both official languages.

Draw History 2024