IRCC Conducts Second Express Entry Draw of the Week
IRCC Conducts Second Express Entry Draw of the Week: 300 ITAs Issued for French Language Proficiency
In a move signaling Canada’s commitment to linguistic diversity, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its second Express Entry draw of the week on October 25. This draw focused on candidates with proficiency in the French language, issuing 300 Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
Details of the draw:
- Total ITAs issued: 300
- Type of draw: French language proficiency (2023-1)
- Date and time of round: October 25, 2023 at 15:48:39 AM UTC
- CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 486
- Tie-breaking rule: September 30, 2023 at 04:22:17 AM UTC
If more than one candidate has the lowest score, the cut-off is based on the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles.
To be considered, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 486. The draw follows closely on the heels of the October 24 draw, a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-only draw, which invited 1,548 candidates with a minimum CRS of 776.
Notably, the minimum CRS score for PNP draws tends to be higher due to the additional 600 points automatically granted to candidates nominated by a province.
Express Entry draws have been frequent and varied since June 2023, with categories ranging from all-program draws to those specific to occupations like agriculture, transport, healthcare, and STEM.
The most recent draw, in the French language proficiency category, adds to the diverse selection of candidates invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
Express Entry Candidates: Important Changes to Medical Examination Requirements
Starting October 1, 2023, significant changes have been implemented in the Express Entry application process. Candidates are no longer required to undergo an upfront immigrant medical examination (IME) before submitting their permanent resident application to IRCC.
Although a medical examination remains a requirement, candidates can now submit a blank document in the upload field of the Express Entry profile builder. Detailed instructions regarding the medical exam will be sent by IRCC at a later stage.
It’s worth noting that candidates who have already completed an IME as part of a different IRCC application or are currently residing in Canada are exempt from undergoing a second IME.
Understanding Express Entry: A Snapshot
Express Entry is a comprehensive application management system overseeing the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Candidates are evaluated using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which considers factors such as age, language ability, work experience, occupation, and education.
Each attribute is assigned a score, and the cumulative total can reach a maximum of 1200. Typically, candidates with scores ranging between 350-550 (sometimes higher, depending on the draw-type) are successful in receiving ITAs to apply for permanent resident status.
These changes in the Express Entry process reflect Canada’s commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible immigration system, welcoming individuals with diverse skills and backgrounds to contribute to the country’s growth and prosperity.
List of Provincial Nominee Program
- Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
- Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
- Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP)
- Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
- Quebec Skilled Workers Program (QSWP)
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
