Express Entry Draw 270 | 300 Invited in French Language Category

The latest Canadian Express Entry draw was just held. Express Entry draw 270 saw the Lowest CRS score of 486 and invited 300 candidates eligible for category-based selection for French-language proficiency.

Express Entry Draw 270

Date of Draw: October 25, 2023

Number of Invitations Issued: 300

Minimum CRS: 486

Program Specified: French language proficiency (2023-1)

Tie-breaking rule: September 30, 2023 at 04:22:17 AM UTC

Fifth Draw for French Speakers in 2023

Express Entry draw #270 issued 300 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) of 486. This draw was category-specific, targeting candidates with French language proficiency. This means that all candidates selected in today’s draw had indicated and met the minimum French language requirements in their Express Entry profiles.

In comparison to all the previous category-specific draws for French language proficiency that have taken place this year, this one had the highest CRS cut-off score but the lowest number of invitations, inviting only 300 candidates.

Furthermore, when we compare today’s Express Entry draw for “French language proficiency” with those from the past, we observe two significant trends. Firstly, the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required for an invitation is progressively increasing. Secondly, the number of invitations issued has been progressively decreasing.

In practical terms, individuals with high scores in the Express Entry Pool have lower scores in their French language tests. Therefore, if your goal is to qualify within this Express Entry category, it is essential not only to excel in your French language test, but also to enhance your scores in other evaluation criteria.

Why Are French Language Skills Important in Canada?

In recent years, the Canadian government has been stepping up its efforts to attract French-speaking immigrants to communities across Canada. To encourage continued francophone immigration growth, the government has set a target of 4.4 percent of francophone immigrants settling outside Quebec by the end of 2023.

The push for increased francophone immigration is largely due to declining French-speaking populations across Canada. According to Statistics Canada, the percentage of Canadians who speak predominantly French at home fell to 19.2 percent in 2021 from 20 percent in 2016. In fact, the proportion of French speakers has declined in nearly all areas of Canada, including Quebec.

How Can I Apply for Express Entry?

Express Entry is a system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for Canadian permanent residency. Express Entry uses a point-based system, the CRS, to rank candidates’ profiles.

Applying to Express Entry is a two-step procedure. The first step is to submit your profile with the required documents. Required documents usually consist of language test results, educational credentials, and passport or travel documentation.

After you submit a profile and receive an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence, you can submit your complete application for the IRCC to review. Your complete application should include supporting documents such as reference letters, additional identity documents, police clearance certificates, and results of a medical examination.

Who Qualifies for this French Speaking Category?

According to the IRCC, to qualify for this category you must:

• have French-language test results that show a minimum score of 7 in all 4 language abilities on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens
• meet all of the requirements in the instructions for that round

All requirements for each category can be viewed on the Canadian government’s website. 

Will Express Entry Still Hold All-Program Draws?

Express Entry will hold different types of draws throughout the year, not just category-based draws. There will be three types of rounds:

1. General round of invitations (all-program draws): General rounds of invitations invite the top-ranking candidates in the Express Entry pool who are eligible for 1 of the 3 Express Entry Programs. The 3 programs include the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
2. Program-specific rounds of invitations: Program-specific rounds invite the top-ranking candidates who are eligible for a specific Express Entry program. For example, the IRCC often has draws specifically for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), where only candidates who are eligible for a PNP are invited.
3. Category-based rounds of invitations: The Minister of Immigration will establish specific categories to meet specific economic goals across Canada. Once the categories are established, the top-ranking candidates in the pool who are eligible for this category will receive an invitation.

Previous Express Entry – French language proficiency Draws

• Express Entry Draw 266 | 500 Invited 
• Express Entry Draw 260 | 800 Invited 
• Express Entry Draw 258 | 3,800 Invited 
• IRCC Announces First Francophone Express Entry Round

Discover if your French language skills meet the criteria for Express Entry’s French Speaking Category.  Take the first step towards Canadian permanent residency!