Express Entry Draw 260 | 800 Invited in French Language Draw
The latest Canadian Express Entry draw was just held. Express Entry draw 260 saw a CRS score of 435 and invited 800 eligible for category-based selection for French-language proficiency.
Express Entry Draw 260
Date of Draw: August 2, 2023
Number of Invitations Issued: 800
Minimum CRS: 435
Program Specified: French language proficiency (2023-1)
Tie-breaking rule: July 31, 2023 at 09:57:30 UTC
Do you qualify for Express Entry?Third Draw for French Speakers
Express Entry draw 260 issued 800 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) of 435. This was a category-based draw for those with French language proficiency, meaning that all candidates from today’s draw indicated and met the minimum level of French in their Express Entry profile. To qualify as proficient in French, candidates need to show a minimum score of 7 in all 4 language abilities on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens.
Compared to the category-specific draws that have taken place this month, all-program draws have had a higher CRS cut-off score in the most recent draws. Yesterday’s all-program draw saw a cut-off score of 517 was 142 points higher than the last category-specific draw on July 12th for French speakers, which saw the lowest CRS score for recent draws.
Since the first category-specific draw just one month ago, a total of six category-based draws have now taken place. Draws for STEM occupations, healthcare occupations, and French speakers have all taken place in the past few weeks. Combined, they have invited a total of 9,400 candidates combined. So far, the largest category has been for Francophones. A total of 6,900 candidates have been invited to apply in the French language draws.
It was also announced that a category-specific draw will take place this week for those with experience in the trades. This draw will focus on candidates with trade expertise, which includes carpentry, plumbing, and welding. This will help Canada’s construction sector attract the skilled talent it needs across the country.
Why Are French Language Skills Important in Canada?
In recent years, the Canadian government has been stepping up its efforts to attract French-speaking immigrants to communities across Canada. To encourage continued francophone immigration growth, the government has set a target of 4.4 percent of francophone immigrants settling outside Quebec by the end of 2023.
The push for increased francophone immigration is largely due to declining French-speaking populations across Canada. According to Statistics Canada, the percentage of Canadians who speak predominantly French at home fell to 19.2 percent in 2021 from 20 percent in 2016. In fact, the proportion of French speakers has declined in nearly all areas of Canada, including Quebec.
Will Express Entry Still Hold All-Program Draws?
Yes, Express Entry will hold different types of draws throughout the year, not just category-based draws. There will be three types of rounds:
- General round of invitations (all-program draws): General rounds of invitations invite the top-ranking candidates in the Express Entry pool who are eligible for 1 of the 3 Express Entry Programs. The 3 programs include the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
- Program-specific rounds of invitations: Program-specific rounds invite the top-ranking candidates who are eligible for a specific Express Entry program. For example, the IRCC often has draws specifically for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), where only candidates who are eligible for a PNP are invited.
- Category-based rounds of invitations: The Minister of Immigration will establish specific categories to meet specific economic goals across Canada. Once the categories are established, the top-ranking candidates in the pool who are eligible for this category will receive an invitation.
How Can I Apply for Express Entry?
Express Entry is a system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for Canadian permanent residency. Express Entry uses a point-based system, the CRS, to rank candidates’ profiles.
Applying to Express Entry is a two-step procedure. The first step is to submit your profile with the required documents. Required documents usually consist of language test results, educational credentials, and passport or travel documentation.
After you submit a profile and receive an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence, you can submit your complete application for the IRCC to review. Your complete application should include supporting documents such as reference letters, additional identity documents, police clearance certificates, and results of a medical examination.
Interested in learning more about your options to enter the Express Entry pool? Complete our free online assessment form today!
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