In a notable development, Canada has been conducting Express Entry draws with increased frequency. Over the course of two weeks, six rounds of invitations have been issued, bringing the total number of candidates invited through Express Entry to 9,800.
A significant milestone was reached when the IRCC organized its first-ever French category-based Express Entry draw. This particular draw focused on inviting candidates with strong French-speaking abilities. A total of 2,300 candidates were invited, and they were required to have a minimum CRS score of 439, the lowest score observed in 2023.
Another recent draw targeted candidates with work experience in healthcare professions. This draw, which took place on July 6, invited 1,500 candidates. It was anticipated following the announcement of the first-ever Express Entry invitations for 500 healthcare professionals on June 27.
On July 5, a draw specifically for candidates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions was conducted. A total of 500 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 486 were invited, marking the first time such a draw has been held.
Strong French-speaking abilities are the only category-based selection criteria that does not use work experience as the key attribute for the six new selection categories, CIC news cited
Canada’s immigration minister has a mandate to promote the French language outside of Quebec. In a release announcing the draw for French-speaking Express Entry candidates IRCC said by prioritizing the invitation of French-speaking newcomers, Canada aims to support economic growth through Francophone immigration outside Quebec while recognizing how it enriches and strengthens these communities.
Canada's immigration minister, Sean Fraser, announced new categories for category-based selection on May 31. These categories were introduced following a law passed last June, granting the minister the authority to invite economic immigration candidates based on specific attributes instead of their overall CRS score. The categories for 2023 include healthcare, STEM professions, trades, transport, agriculture and agri-food, and strong French-language proficiency. These categories will be subject to annual review and may be modified in 2024.
