Canada’s Fourth Express Entry Draw in July Invites 3,200 French Professionals

Canada continues to open its doors to skilled immigrants, aiming for an enlarged labour force and a richer multicultural tapestry. In the last one of this month’s four Express Entry draws 3,200 French-speaking professionals have been invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada. This draw showcases Canada’s desire to attract Francophone talent and promote bilingualism.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry represents Canada’s principal program that controls requests for permanent residency under three federal economic immigration programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

It was developed to make it easier and faster for skilled workers who have the potential to contribute to Canada’s economy to immigrate to the country.

How Does It Work?

Applicants have to put together a profile online, and this is the parameter upon which they are ranked in terms of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), such as age, education, work experience, and language skills. From time to time, draws are conducted by the government, inviting candidates who have scored highest for permanent residency applications.

The July Draw: A Focus on French Professionals

In the fourth Express Entry draw of July 2024, Canada invited 3,200 French-speaking applicants. This draw is part of a wider initiative aimed at attracting French-speaking immigrants to Francophone minority communities outside Quebec in particular.

Key Statistics of the Latest Draw in 2024

Importance of French-speaking immigrants

The bilingual status of Canada is backed by French-speaking professionals. To do this, Canada invites Francophone immigrants to:

• Increase the diversity of languages in its workforce.

• Support Francophone minority communities.

• Address the labour shortages in different sectors, especially regions with high demand for bilingual workers.

Benefits for French-speaking immigrants

Let us look at some of the benefits for French - Speaking Immigrants :

Job Opportunities

French-speaking professionals have an array of careers to choose from in Canada, including technology, healthcare, education, and more. The labour market in this country appreciates bilingualism, thereby putting French speakers in high demand.

Settlement Assistance

The Canadian government has put in place a variety of resources to facilitate settlement and integration among French-speaking newcomers. These include language training programs, job search assistance, and community support organizations. Besides, many provinces have specific initiatives meant to assist Francophone immigrants.

Quality of Life

Canada is renowned for its high quality of life, with excellent healthcare, education, and social services. French-speaking immigrants can enjoy a welcoming and supportive environment, whether they choose to live in bustling cities or peaceful rural areas.

How to Apply for Express Entry?

Let us look at some of the important factors when applying for express entry:

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Express Entry System, one must qualify under any of the federal economic immigration programs. The key requirements are as follows:

• Education: Recognized degree, diploma or certificate.

• Work Experience: Skilled work experience in a job listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) list.

• Language Proficiency: There shall be a recognized language test to show proficiency in either French or English.

Steps to Apply

1. Creation of an Online Profile: Users must create their profiles on the Express Entry Portal providing information about their skills, work experience, language proficiency and education.

2. ECA for Foreign Education Credentials: All foreign education credentials need to have Canadian equivalency checked through an assessment process called Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

3. Take a Language Test: Candidates should take a language test approved by the organization and include its results in their profile.

4. CRS Score Received: Based on the data given, candidates receive a CRS score and get placed into the Express Entry pool.

5. Invitation Received – Highest Ranked Candidate at Certain Point in Time Invited for PR: Periodically, the highest ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent resident status in Canada.

6. Application Submission with Requirements within 60 Days from ITA Date: Successful individuals must submit complete applications, including all documents and fees, within 60 days from the invitation date.

The Comprehensive Ranking System

The Comprehensive ranking system is a point-based approach that is used in evaluating and scoring candidates. It gives scores on the following:

• Core Human Capital Factors: Age, education, work experience and language proficiency.

• Spouse or Common-Law Partner Factors: The education, language proficiency and work experience of the spouse or common-law partner.

• Skill Transferability Factors: These are a combination of education, work experience and language proficiency.

• Additional Factors: Provincial nomination, job offers Canadian education as well as siblings in Canada.

The Way Forward: Creating a Bilingual Workforce

1. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

In addition to the federal Express Entry system, many provinces and territories have Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that align with their specific economic needs. Such programs usually focus on French-speaking applicants and provide them with more access points for permanent residency.

Supporting Francophone Communities

Canada’s focus on attracting French-speaking immigrants aligns with its broader goals of supporting Francophone communities and promoting bilingualism. By fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, Canada can address regional labour market needs and enhance cultural cohesion.

Conclusion

As Canada continues to navigate its immigration strategies, the emphasis on French-speaking professionals is likely to remain a key component. Future draws and initiatives will further solidify Canada’s commitment to a bilingual and multicultural society. To know more about these draws and Canadian immigration in detail, TerraTern can help you move to Canada in a record time!