Recent insights obtained from an Access to Information Request (ATIP), courtesy of Carry Immigration, suggest a significant shift in the dynamics of Express Entry draws in 2024. According to this data, French language proficiency will emerge as a dominant factor in category-based selection draws.

Throughout the course of 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) are projected to allocate a substantial 78.5% of all Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to Express Entry candidates via category-based selection draws, with the remaining 21.5% distributed in general draws.

Notably, candidates possessing French proficiency are set to claim a considerable portion, receiving 30% of the ITAs, followed by STEM occupations at 25% and healthcare at 15%.

The breakdown of ITAs by category is as follows:

• French proficiency: 30%
• Healthcare occupations: 15%
• STEM occupations: 25%
• Trade occupations: 5%
• Transport occupations: 3%
• Agriculture and agri-food occupations: 0.5%

Category-based selection draws were introduced in May 2023 as a strategic move by IRCC to target Express Entry candidates with sought-after attributes like work experience and language proficiency.

The emphasis on French proficiency stems from its recognition as a crucial asset. A 2021 Labour Market Information Council report highlighted the challenge faced by Canadian employers in finding qualified bilingual workers, while statistics from Statistics Canada underline the pivotal role of language proficiency in immigrants’ integration into the Canadian labor force.

IRCC’s focus on French proficiency also aligns with its commitment to providing equitable access to public services in both official languages.

Despite initial projections suggesting a smaller percentage of candidates being invited based on French proficiency, the reality has exceeded expectations, with French proficiency draws consistently inviting the highest number of candidates.

However, support for this category remains mixed, with stakeholders expressing varied opinions on its economic impact and relevance outside of Francophone communities.

Looking ahead, IRCC has outlined a schedule for Express Entry draws in 2024, aiming to provide predictability to provinces, territories, and applicants. The frequency and size of draws will be influenced by factors such as pool vitality, Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, and PT behavior.

In conclusion, the landscape of Express Entry draws in 2024 reflects a strategic shift towards prioritizing French proficiency, reflecting both economic and social imperatives within Canada’s immigration policy.