The most recent Canadian Express Entry draw 266 was conducted on September 27, 2023. This draw, specifically focused on French language proficiency (2023-1), issued 500 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 472. The tie-breaking rule for this draw was set on August 16, 2023.
- Express Entry Draw 266
- Date of Draw: September 27, 2023
- Number of Invitations Issued: 500
- Minimum CRS: 472
- Program Specified: French language proficiency (2023-1)
Table of Contents
- What is Express Entry Draw 266?
- Why Are French Language Skills Important in Canada?
- How Can I Apply for Express Entry Draw 266?
- Who Qualifies for the French Speaking Category?
- Will Express Entry Hold All-Program Draws?
What is Express Entry Draw 266?
Express Entry draw 266 marked the fourth draw this year specifically targeting candidates with French language proficiency. All candidates selected in this draw had indicated and met the minimum French language requirements in their Express Entry profiles. To qualify as proficient in French, candidates needed to attain a minimum score of 7 in all four language abilities on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens.
In comparison to previous category-specific draws for French language proficiency in 2023, this draw had the highest CRS cut-off score but issued the lowest number of invitations. Contrasting with the “No Program Specified” draw #265, which had a cut-off score of 504 and issued 3,000 invitations, this category-specific draw for French speakers had a lower CRS cut-off and a smaller number of invitations.
Since the inception of specific category draws on June 28, a total of nine category-based draws have occurred, including draws for STEM occupations, Healthcare occupations, Transport occupations, Trade occupations, and French speakers. Notably, the only missing category is Agriculture and agri-food occupations.
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Why Are French Language Skills Important in Canada?
The Canadian government’s emphasis on attracting French-speaking immigrants is evident in recent years. The goal is to have 4.4 percent of francophone immigrants settle outside Quebec by the end of 2023. This initiative is driven by the decline in French-speaking populations across Canada, with Statistics Canada reporting a decrease to 19.2 percent in 2021 from 20 percent in 2016.
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How Can I Apply for Express Entry Draw 266?
Express Entry is a point-based system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for Canadian permanent residency. The process involves submitting a profile, receiving an invitation to apply, and subsequently submitting a complete application for review by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Qualification for the French Speaking Category requires a minimum score of 7 in all four language abilities.
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Who Qualifies for the French Speaking Category?
To be eligible for the French Speaking Category, candidates must have French-language test results indicating a minimum score of 7 in all four language abilities on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens. Additionally, candidates must meet all requirements specified in the instructions for that round, available on the Canadian government’s website.
Will Express Entry Hold All-Program Draws?
Yes, Express Entry will conduct various types of draws throughout the year, including all-program draws, program-specific draws, and category-based draws. All-program draws encompass candidates eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Program-specific draws target candidates eligible for a specific Express Entry program, while category-based draws are established by the Minister of Immigration to meet specific economic goals across Canada.
