Express Entry Invites Francophone Candidates at a Faster Rate than Quebec’s Arrima

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 18,200 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence to eligible candidates through category-based Express Entry draws, specifically targeting those in the French language proficiency category. This number exceeds the 13,133 provincial immigration invitations issued by Quebec via Arrima for its Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) program during the same period.

Furthermore, IRCC’s invitation rate for French-speaking candidates from July 1, 2023, to March 1, 2024 (18,200 ITAs), was higher than the total number of invitations issued by Quebec in all of 2023 (18,173).

Understanding Category-Based Express Entry Draws

Launched in June 2023, category-based Express Entry draws are designed to address Canada’s labor market needs by prioritizing candidates with specific skills or language proficiencies. These draws target six categories:

1. Healthcare
2. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
3. Trades (e.g., carpenters, plumbers, contractors)
4. Transport
5. Agriculture and Agri-Food
6. French Language Proficiency

IRCC has confirmed that these categories, including the Francophone category, will continue to guide Express Entry draws in 2024.

Eligibility for French Proficiency Category

The French language proficiency category was introduced partly to support the federal government’s goal of strengthening Francophone minority communities outside Quebec. To qualify for this category, candidates must have valid French language test results with a minimum score of 7 in all four abilities—reading, writing, speaking, and listening—on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC). Additional eligibility criteria are specified in the invitation rounds’ instructions.

Benefits of Applying Through the French Language Proficiency Category

1. Lower CRS Score Requirements:

Express Entry draws focused on French language proficiency have featured some of the lowest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cut-offs since the initiation of category-based draws in June 2023. For instance:

• February 29, 2024: CRS score of 336
• July 12, 2023: CRS score of 375
• Lower CRS scores make it easier for more candidates to qualify for an ITA.

2. Large Draw Sizes:

The draw held on February 1, 2024, was the largest French language category-based draw to date, with 7,000 ITAs issued. In total, IRCC has issued 9,500 ITAs to French-speaking candidates in 2024 alone, surpassing the combined ITAs of all other category-based draws.

3. Flexibility and Additional Opportunities in the Express Entry Pool:
   Candidates in the Express Entry pool are not only considered for category-based draws but also for general and program-specific draws, which are based on CRS scores rather than specific skills or language proficiencies. Enhanced Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws offer additional opportunities, as candidates nominated by a province receive an extra 600 CRS points, practically guaranteeing an ITA.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Options: Enhanced and Base Nominations

Enhanced Nominations:

Provinces and territories can nominate candidates through the Express Entry system, known as “enhanced” nominations, to meet local labor needs. Enhanced nominations add 600 points to a candidate’s CRS score, greatly increasing the likelihood of receiving an ITA from IRCC.

Base Nominations:

Outside the Express Entry system, provinces and territories can also make “base” nominations through their regular PNP streams. While these nominations do not add CRS points, they provide a pathway to permanent residence for individuals not eligible under Express Entry. Candidates must meet specific criteria for these streams, receive a nomination certificate, and then apply to the federal government for final processing.

Why the Focus on Francophone Immigration?

Canada’s federal government is committed to supporting and growing Francophone communities outside Quebec. By prioritizing French-speaking candidates through Express Entry, Canada aims to bolster these communities and address specific labor market needs. Category-based draws allow IRCC to select candidates who can contribute to Canada’s economy while promoting linguistic diversity.

Comparison with Quebec’s Arrima System

While Quebec has its own immigration system with unique criteria and priorities, IRCC’s recent emphasis on French-speaking candidates has led to more invitations issued through Express Entry than Quebec’s Arrima system over the same period. Quebec’s Arrima system targets skilled workers who meet specific criteria under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSW), but the overall number of invitations is lower compared to the federal Express Entry program.

IRCC’s strategy to increase invitations for Francophone candidates through category-based Express Entry draws is proving effective, outpacing Quebec’s Arrima system in terms of invitation rates. This approach aligns with the federal government’s broader goals of fostering economic growth, addressing labor shortages, and strengthening Francophone communities across Canada. With continued focus on these categories in 2024, Canada is poised to attract a diverse and skilled immigrant population that meets its economic and demographic needs.