IRCC issues 800 ITAs for French-speakers in December
On December 3, 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its first Express Entry draw of the month targeting francophone applicants and issued them 800 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. This lottery is part of Canada's Francophone immigration strategy, which seeks to attract more French speakers outside the province of Quebec.
In this article of our blog, I give details of the draw and projections for fast-track entry to Canada in the next rounds. I invite you to read this topic to the end to benefit from the information and recommendations for a successful application. Let's get started.
Sweepstakes details
In this draw, candidates needed a minimum score of 466 on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to be considered; a slightly lower figure than in previous draws, reflecting a decrease in the score for the competition within the French-speaking candidate pool. See official list.
Importance of French proficiency
Competency in French has become a key factor in the immigration strategy for Canada. The IRCC has increased invitations to permanent residency for French speakers with a view to increasing the proportion of French-speaking immigrants in the country; this approach not only helps diversify the immigrant population, but also supports the growth of French-speaking communities outside Quebec.
How many admissions are on the horizon for the next rounds of Express Entry? Let's see below!
Express Entry trends and expectations in 2025
With an allocation of 29,235 French-speaking admissions outside of Quebec (overall) projected for the next 2025, under the 2025-2027 Immigration Tier Plan, this first December draw aligns with an upward trend in Express Entry invitations seen in previous months, where Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates have seen consistent draws. Therefore, what is on the horizon is a marked continuity focused on those candidates with specific language skills and work experience in key sectors.
The first French-language draw in December 2024 marks a significant step in Canada's efforts to attract French-speaking immigrants, as it is a commitment made to meet immigration objectives and support the country's economic and demographic growth with the consequent benefit of permanent residency for qualified foreign nationals.
And what can you do to receive an invitation to permanent residency through Canada's Express Entry system? Read our recommendations below!
Immiland Canada's Express Entry Recommendations
Immiland's certified team has prepared these five key recommendations to improve your Express Entry profile and increase your chances of receiving an ITA:
- Research and understand the requirements:
- Be sure to read the detailed instructions on the IRCC website. Knowing the specific requirements of federal economic programs, such as Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Federal Skilled Trade (FST), is a must in this process.
- Optimize your CRS score:
- Work on improving your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This includes improving your language skills in English and/or French, obtaining a valid job offer and accumulating relevant work experience.
- Have accurate and complete documentation:
- Make sure all your documents are current and accurate. This includes school transcripts, language tests and employment reference letters. Accurate documentation is key to avoid delays or rejections.
- Consider certified professional help:
- If you are unsure of the procedure or your answers when filling out the form, consider seeking certified professional help. ICAC-regulated lawyers can guide you and ensure that your immigration profile is competitive. Immiland has a team of regulated consultants and Canadian lawyers who can handle your case. If you wish, you can schedule your appointment with an Immiland consultant.
- Stay informed and up to date:
- Immigration regulations may change, so it is important to stay informed about the latest updates and changes to Express Entry requirements.
- We always recommend seeking information from official government websites and from companies recognized and certified by the ICAC.
I hope this article helps clarify your Express Entry questions and improve your chances of success in gaining permanent residency in Canada. Thank you for reading us and stay tuned for the next Express Entry sweepstakes!
For more information on immigration procedures, please visit our website: https://www.immilandcanada.com/migracion/inicio and learn about the complete services we offer to new immigrants and foreigners in Canada.
See you in the next blog!
With love,
Immiland
Note: This article does not constitute legal advice or legal opinion from an attorney. Rather, it is provided solely to inform readers about certain aspects related to the details of the law in legal matters.