Express Entry
Canada’s First Category-Based Draw of 2024 Issues 7,000 French Language Speakers
Canada’s Express Entry system marked a significant shift on February 1, 2024, with the first category-based draw of 2024 issuing a total of 7,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for PR. This targeted express entry draw #282, focused on candidates boasting a level 7 proficiency in French, with the lowest CRS score cutoff of 365.
Key Highlights of First Category-Based Draw:
- Draw Category: Level 7 in French
- Invitations Issued: 7,000
- CRS Score of Lowest-ranked Candidate Invited: 365
- Date and Time: February 1, 2024, at 16:36:01 UTC
- Tie-breaking Rule: September 8, 2023, at 09:47:27 UTC
The latest express entry draws #282 specifically targeted language proficiency. The significance lies not just in the remarkable number of ITAs issued but also in the strategic approach taken to enhance French-speaking immigration in 2024.
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Why French Language Skills Matter in Express Entry Draws?
Recent years have witnessed Canada’s focused efforts to attract French-speaking immigrants, especially to communities outside Quebec. Declining French-speaking populations across the country prompted the government to set ambitious targets for francophone immigrants settling outside Quebec in the coming years.
According to Statistics Canada, the percentage of Canadians predominantly speaking French at home dipped to 19.2% in 2021 from 20% in 2016. To counteract this trend, Canada committed $137.2 million over five years through the Official Languages Action Plan 2023-2028 to support Francophone immigration.
On September 12, 2023, the Federation of Francophone and Acadian Communities in Canada advocated for an ambitious target, proposing a goal of 12% in 2024, with a minimum threshold of 10%, and aiming for 20% by 2036.
Eligibility for the French-Speaking Category
Candidates aspiring to qualify for this category must:
- Have French-language test results with a minimum score of 7 in all 4 language abilities on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens.
- Meet all requirements specified in the instructions for that particular round.
A Look at Express Entry Pool in 2024
As of the latest update, the composition of the Express Entry pool is as follows:
CRS Score Range Number of Candidates 601-1200 534 501-600 7,926 451-500 60,120 491-500 6,787 481-490 9,668
Note: The table includes CRS score ranges up to 0-300 with 5,401 candidates within this range. The total number of candidates in the pool is 215,726 as of January 30, 2024.
Express Entry #282 – Secure Canada PR with Historic French-Speaking Immigration Draw in 2024
In summary, Express Entry draw #282 is more than just numbers; it’s a promise of Canada’s dedication to fostering a diverse nation through strategic immigration draws.
The first category-based draw of 2024 not only signifies a shift in strategy but also reaffirms Canada’s commitment to language diversity. The historic draw sets the stage for increased Francophone immigration, aligning with the country’s goals of inclusivity.
As we navigate through the changing picture of Canada’s immigration policies, staying informed about targeted draws in 2024 becomes pivotal. For the latest updates and insights into Canada’s immigration journey, continue to explore Canada Immigration News.
