Express Entry Draw 258 | 3,800 Invited in French Language Draw
The latest Canadian Express Entry draw was just held. Express Entry draw 258 saw a CRS score of 375 and invited 3,800 eligible for category-based selection for French-language proficiency.
Express Entry Draw 258
Date of Draw: July 12, 2023
Number of Invitations Issued: 3,800
Minimum CRS: 375
Program Specified: French language proficiency (2023-1)
Tie-breaking rule: June 15, 2023 at 23:49:05
Do you qualify for Express Entry?Lowest CRS Score Since 2021
Express Entry draw 258 issued 3,800 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) of 375. 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.
Today’s draw is also the 6th draw of July, a record number for so early in the month. It is also the second French category-based draw of the month. The last draw for French language proficiency took place on Friday and saw a CRS score of 439. Which compared to today’s draw, was 64 points higher.
Category-based draws have recently seen comparatively lower CRS cut-off scores compared to the most recent couple of all-program draws. For example, todays cut-off score was 130 points lower than yesterdays all-program draw. This gives applicants who qualify for French-language proficiency category-based draws, or other category-based draws, a greater chance of being selected than in an all-program draw.
Last week, Express Entry held 4 separate draws, the highest number of draws to take place in a single week. One was from a surprise all-program draw. The other 3 were category specific draws for STEM occupations, healthcare occupations and French speakers. These draws each saw a lower CRS cut-off score compared to today’s draw. The lowest cut-off was July 7ths draw which invited 2,300 candidates with French proficiency, and had a cut off score of just 439.
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 invites 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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