Express Entry Round of Invitations (August 2, 2023): 800 Invitations Issued for French Language Proficient Candidates

In the latest round of invitations under the Express Entry system, held on August 2, 2023, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration issued 800 invitations to eligible foreign nationals with proficiency in the French language. This special category, French-language proficiency (2023-1), aims to support economic growth through Francophone immigration outside of Quebec. Let’s take a closer look at the details of this round and what it means for potential immigrants to Canada.

Round Details:

The round of invitations, also known as Express Entry Draw #260, took place on August 2, 2023, at 13:50:04 UTC. To be eligible for an invitation, candidates needed to have a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 435 or above. The tie-breaking rule applied in this round was based on the date and time candidates submitted their Express Entry profiles, with the cut-off set at July 31, 2023, at 09:57:30 UTC.

French Language Proficiency Category:

The French-language proficiency (2023-1) category was established for the ranking period and aims to attract skilled foreign nationals proficient in the French language to support Canada’s economic growth. To be eligible for this category, candidates must have undergone a language test approved under subsection 74(3) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. The test results must be less than two years old from the date the category was established. Candidates are required to have achieved a level 7 or higher in all language skill areas, as per the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens benchmarks.

Invitations and Ranking:

Eligible foreign nationals who are not members of the class referred to in paragraph 2(d) of the Express Entry Instructions can become members of the French-language proficiency category if they meet the language proficiency requirements. The eligible candidates are then ranked based on group ranking, and the top 800 candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence.

Economic Goal:

The Minister’s economic goal in establishing the French-language proficiency category is to promote economic growth through Francophone immigration outside of Quebec. This initiative aims to attract skilled workers who can contribute to the Canadian economy while also enriching the country’s linguistic and cultural diversity.

The latest Express Entry draw on August 2, 2023, reflects Canada’s commitment to welcoming skilled immigrants with proficiency in the French language. The establishment of the French-language proficiency (2023-1) category demonstrates the country’s efforts to support economic growth through Francophone immigration. Prospective candidates who received invitations to apply for permanent residence have a valuable opportunity to make a positive impact on Canada’s workforce and society. As the immigration landscape continues to evolve, applicants are encouraged to stay updated with the latest news and changes in the Express Entry system.