Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the issuance of 1,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) in the latest Express Entry draw, focused on candidates with French language proficiency. To qualify, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 444.

This draw marked the third of the week, following an earlier draw that invited 1,613 Express Entry candidates nominated through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), requiring a minimum score of 743. Additionally, on October 9, 500 candidates from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) were invited, with a minimum score of 539.

The IRCC has been adjusting its approach to category-based selection draws, focusing primarily on French-speaking candidates since a July draw for healthcare occupations. In contrast, the CEC draws have gained momentum, with 21,800 ITAs issued to CEC candidates since July. This shift aligns with IRCC’s goal to increase domestic draws and manage the number of temporary residents in Canada, ultimately meeting its annual permanent resident targets.

Express Entry, launched in 2015, serves as a management system for economic immigration, allowing the IRCC to select candidates based on their skills and potential to address urgent labor market needs. With ongoing adjustments to selection criteria and strategies, the landscape of Canadian immigration continues to evolve.