IRCC invites Express Entry candidates in first French-language draw of December
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have issued more invitations to apply (ITAs) in another Express Entry draw.
The department issued 800 invitations to apply (ITAs) in a category-based selection for candidates with French-language proficiency.
Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 466 to be considered.
November saw six Express Entry draws, and the issuance of 5,507 ITAs for permanent residence (PR).
Similar to previous months, candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and PNP candidates have seen consistent draws for their streams. This is a trend that is likely to continue with the establishment of the new “In-Canada” focus category, which is set to specifically target candidates from the CEC, and “other regional programs”, with the possible inclusion of candidates in the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) as well.
Cumulatively this category (under Canada’s newest Immigration Levels Plan) has been allocated 82,980 PR admissions—more than 40% of all planned admissions next year.
Candidates with strong French language proficiency are also likely to see an increase in ITA issuances in 2025, as the allocation of PR admissions for French speakers outside of Quebec increases to 29,235 admissions next year. ITAs for this category are also set to increase in 2026 and 2027 per IRCC’s Francophone immigration strategy.
Summary of Express Entry draws in December 2024
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Minimum CRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 3 | French language proficiency | 800 | 466 |
| December 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 676 | 705 |
