Express Entry Draw 314: French-Speaking Candidates Invited on September 13

Key Takeaways for Express Entry Candidates

• Type of draw: French Category-Based Draw
• Invites issued: 1,000
• CRS score: 446
• Tie-breaking rule: August 28, 2024 at 17:07:19 UTC
• Prediction for the next draw: Provincial Nominee Draw on September 23
• Learn more about the changes proposed for the 2025 Express Entry categories.
• Learn more about what we expect to see in Express Entry in the next six months.

Watch this reel for a quick breakdown:

Our Analysis of This Week’s Express Entry Draw

Today’s French draw was the smallest French draw in 2024 — as well as the highest CRS for a French draw this year. The draw rounds out the total number of French draw invitations to 25.22% of the invitations sent so far in 2024 — at 20,400 invitations. Though, bear in mind that French speaking candidates may be invited in PNP, CEC and general draws too, so the total number of French speakers invited in 2024 is likely to be higher.

Earlier this week, IRCC continued its trend of holding a PNP draw every 2 weeks. Although it looks like we should possibly expect Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws on Mondays rather than Tuesdays. The draw earlier this week was the second Monday draw in a row, with both draws being PNP draws. 

Interestingly, we haven’t seen a Canadian Experience Class draw this week. It’s possible that processing issues led to the lack of CEC draw and that we may see a larger draw later this month for CEC, but we will need to wait and see.

Summary of This Year’s Express Entry Draws

• January 2024: 3,280 invitations
• February 2024: 16,110 invitations
• March 2024: 7,305 invitations
• April 2024: 9,275 invitations
• May 2024: 5,985 invitations
• June 2024: 1,499 invitations
• July 2024: 25,125 invitations
• August 2024: 10,384 invitations
• September 2024 (to date): 1911 invitations.

In terms of the types of draws, here’s what we’ve seen:

• French language proficiency: 19,400 invitations (24.29% of total)
• Healthcare occupations: 7,250 invitations (9.08% of total)
• STEM occupations: 4,500 invitations (5.63% of total)
• Trade occupations: 1,800 invitations (2.25% of total)
• Transport occupations: 975 invitations (1.22% of total)
• Agriculture and Agri-Food: 150 invitations (0.19% of total)
• General (PNP and CEC): 45,799 invitations (57.34% of total)

So What Should You Do if You Are Waiting for an ITA as an FSW?

Things are looking a little bleak for FSW applicants, but that is not to say that you are out of options. You can:

• Target a category-based draw. FSW applicants are still being accepted under category-based draws, and those who qualify for these draws often enjoy a lower CRS cut-off.
• Focus on your CRS score if you have Canadian work experience. We offer a great resource on the steps you should take to increase your CRS.
• If you’re not eligible for a category-based draw, learning French may be your best bet. In 2023, 92% of French-proficiency category-based draws went to FSW applicants. With a commitment to increase the number of French-speaking immigrants to 8% of all immigrants by 2026, learning French now could be your best bet to get an ITA as an FSW applicant.

For more information:

• Learn more about the latest Express Entry draws.
• Learn more about the state of the Express Entry pool.
• Learn when to expect the next Express Entry draw.

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