Canada PR with Low CRS Required: Canada Visa Updates 2024
In this article, we’ll talk about the recent IRCC invitations to 3,200 candidates in the Express Entry draw for French language proficiency. Pay attention and read the article to the end to get all the information.
IRCC Invites 3,200 Candidates
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued invitations to apply (ITAs) in the fourth Express Entry draw this month. The department issued 3,200 ITAs in a category-based selection draw for candidates with French language proficiency. These candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 420 to be considered.
Today’s draw closely follows three draws from last week, which occurred between July 2nd and July 5th. The draw on July 2nd invited 920 candidates in a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) only draw, where candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 739. The other two draws were category-based selection draws. The first of these occurred on July 4th, issuing 1,800 ITAs to candidates in trade occupations, and the second on July 5th, inviting 3,750 candidates in healthcare occupations.
Altogether, this month has been busy for Express Entry draws. IRCC typically holds draws every second week, averaging between two and four draws every month. April was the last month to feature four draws, while February was the busiest month of the year so far, with six draws.
French proficiency draws are expected to account for 30% of the ITAs issued in category-based selection draws this year. To date, IRCC has issued 15,600 ITAs to eligible candidates in this category.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is IRCC’s application management system for three main economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. It was launched in 2015 to select immigration candidates with the best chance of integrating into Canada’s workforce and economy.
Each Express Entry program has different eligibility criteria, but all candidates are evaluated using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS assigns numeric scores to candidates based on factors like age, language ability, education, work experience, and occupation. These scores are combined to form an overall CRS score. The higher the score, the more likely a candidate is to receive an ITA from IRCC in an upcoming Express Entry draw.
What is Category-Based Selection?
Category-based selection draws were introduced in 2023 as a way for IRCC to target candidates who can fill urgent workforce gaps. The six categories were chosen following consultations with relevant stakeholders and provincial and territorial governments. The current categories are:
- Healthcare occupations
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professions
- Trade occupations, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
- Transport occupations
- Agriculture and Agri-food occupations
- French language proficiency
These categories will remain in place until 2025, at which point they may change to better suit labor market demands. In all categories except French proficiency, eligible candidates require at least six months of relevant work experience in an occupation that falls under an eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) code. French-speaking candidates need French language test results with a minimum score of seven in reading, writing, speaking, and listening on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC).
Summary of Recent Express Entry Draws
- July 2nd Draw: Invited 920 candidates in a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) only draw with a minimum CRS score of 739.
- July 4th Draw: Issued 1,800 ITAs to candidates in trade occupations.
- July 5th Draw: Invited 3,750 candidates in healthcare occupations.
- July 10th Draw: Issued 3,200 ITAs to candidates with French language proficiency, requiring a minimum CRS score of 420.
Benefits of Express Entry
Express Entry is designed to streamline the immigration process for skilled workers who are most likely to succeed in Canada. The system is efficient, with most applications processed within six months. It also provides a clear and transparent way for candidates to assess their chances of receiving an ITA based on their CRS score.
Key Features
- Fast Processing: Most applications are processed within six months.
- Transparency: Candidates can see their CRS score and understand their chances of being invited.
- Flexibility: Candidates can improve their CRS score by gaining additional qualifications or work experience.
How to Improve Your CRS Score
To increase your chances of receiving an ITA, you can take steps to improve your CRS score. Some strategies include:
- Improving Language Skills: Higher scores in language tests can significantly boost your CRS score.
- Gaining Work Experience: More work experience, especially in skilled occupations, can increase your score.
- Further Education: Additional educational qualifications can also boost your CRS score.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Receiving a nomination from a province can add 600 points to your CRS score, almost guaranteeing an ITA.
Conclusion
Canada’s Express Entry system is a highly efficient and transparent way for skilled workers to immigrate. By understanding the system and taking steps to improve your CRS score, you can increase your chances of receiving an ITA. Stay updated with the latest draws and consider targeting specific categories to meet the labor market needs of Canada.
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