Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 1,800 invitations to apply for permanent residency to those with French language proficiency.
CRS score patterns in July 2024 for Express Entry draws
- For the most recent Express Entry draw, the lowest CRS score of an invited candidate was 400 out of 1,200 points.
- The lowest CRS score of an invited candidate in the July 8 draw for French language proficiency was 420 out of 1,200 points.
- In the French language proficiency-based round on April 24, 2024, the lowest CRS score for an invitation to apply was 410 out of 1,200 points.
What is a French proficiency draw?
The IRCC invites several classes of applicants to apply for permanent residency through its Express Entry draw system. The French proficiency category is based on an applicant\s ability to meet the language requirements outlined by IRCC.
How to meet language requirements set by IRCC?
For applicants to programs managed by Express Entry, the IRCC has set specific guidelines regarding language proficiency.
Language ability means:
- The applicant takes a language test recognised by IRCC and meet the score expectations in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Approved language tests include:
- CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
- TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français
- IELTS: International English Language Testing System
- TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français
- PTE Core: Pearson Test of English
What is the minimum language requirement for French speakers?
Express entry draws based on Fresh-language prodfincincy will use the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) to measure language level, The requirement is different for each program.
For the Federal Skilled Worker Program:
- The requirement is NCLC 7.
For the Federal Skilled Trades Program:
- The requirements are NCLC 5 in Speaking and Listening and NCLC 4 in Reading and Writing .
For Canadian Experience Class:
- Those with TEER 0 or 1 work experience require NCLC 7.
- Those with TEER 2 or 3 work experience require NCLC 5.
Understanding the CRS score
The Express Entry program is sometimes misunderstood to be a random system driven by factors beyond an individual’s control.
The Express Entry scheme governs three programs, and the IRCC is transparent about what your CRS score will be based on. Although Express Entry applications are a rigorous process, you can find comfort in the fact that they are calculated objectively.
Applicants can find a useful tool on the IRCC website to calculate their CRS score by clicking this link.
How the CRS score is calculated
The CRS score assessment criteria is constantly changing. The most updated version of the criteria can always be found under the Ministerial Instructions respecting the Express Entry system, and the latest update was made in April 2023.
As a candidate, it can be helpful to know the statistics of the CRS scores while preparing an immigration package. CRS scores are an objective indicator of the likelihood to be considered in a program associated with Express Entry. As they are objective, an applicant does not have to worry about bias, the predisposition of the immigration officer handling the file, and other related concerns.
Express Entry draws
IRCC makes categorically-based decisions for these rounds. Some such categories include:
- Healthcare occupations
- Trade occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
- French language proficiency
For more Express Entry draw updates, read our blog series on Sawubona Canada’s website.