Canada’s category-based express entry draw – French proficiency invites 500 applicants

A fresh round of invites was conducted by the IRCC and invited 500 candidates in the French-speaking category. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System(CRS) score to receive an ITA was 472
This draw took place just one day after the all-program draw of express entry, which was on September 26. The IRCC seems to have developed a pattern in the last few times when the category-based draws will happen just one day after the all-program Express Entry Draws. 

The Express entry category-based draw highlight –

• ITA – 500 ( French speaking)
• CRS - 472

What is  Express entry category-based selection?

To meet the rising demand for labors in certain areas, the IRCC started the category-based express entry draws in May this year. The categories were selected by the RCC, where there is a demand for labour, and the appellant will be invited in these categories, and  CRS scores will no longer be the only selection criterion. This has made the skills and experience important for candidates.

 
Every year, new categories will be shortlisted as part of category-based Express entry draws. The six categories this year are - 

• Healthcare
• STEM professions
• Trades
• Transport
• Agriculture and agri-food
• French speaking  applicants

The first ever category-based express entry draw was conducted on June 28, after which there was an express entry draw in each category.

Let us look at the summary of category-based express entry draws in 2023-  

As per the above table, the largest number of applicants are invited in the French-speaking category, and there has not been a single draw so far in the Agriculture and agri-food category. 

What is the Express Entry program?

The Express entry program is the economic pathway to immigration to Canada for skilled workers, which selects applicants in three sub – streams - the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
 The applicants are selected based on their points in the Comprehensive Ranking System and the high-ranking individuals are given the ITA.