As of June 6, 2017 French speakers and applicant with a sibling in Canada will receive more points under the Express Entry Ranking system (CRS). The CRS will continue to be used in order to rank and select candidates in the pool, and it is expected that IRCC will continue to carry out draws from the pool until June 6, as well as after that date.
The June 6 Changes
French language skills
In order to enter the Express Entry pool, eligible candidates must first prove proficiency in English or French by taking a standardized language test recognized by IRCC. Of the 1,200 points available in total under the CRS, 136 points may be awarded for a candidate’s first language, with a further 24 available for ability in a second language.
This will remain the case as of June 6. However, IRCC is changing the CRS to award additional points to candidates with French language skills, with more additional points to be awarded to French speakers who also prove their English skills.
• A total of 15 additional points will be awarded to candidates who prove adequate intermediate (equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark 7) or better French ability, and English ability of CLB 4 or lower.
• A total of 30 additional points will be awarded to French speaking candidates who prove adequate intermediate or better French ability, and who also prove English ability of CLB 5 or better.
Candidates must take the Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF)in order to receive points.
Currently, there are other ways in which candidates may benefit from their French ability. For example, the province of Ontario operates an Express Entry program for French speaking candidates who have a CLB of 7 in French and a CLB of 6 in English.
Siblings in Canada
• As of June 6, candidates with a sibling in Canada who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of at least 18 years of age may be awarded 15 additional CRS points. These points may also be awarded if the candidate’s spouse or common-law partner has a sibling in Canada.
Canada Job Bank
• On June 6, Job Bank registration will become voluntary for all candidates. Candidates who do not have a job in Canada lined up and would like to start their job search will nevertheless be able to register for Job Bank, and this option is expected to continue to be available free of charge. Employers may use the Job Bank, as well as their own recruitment procedures, to search for and hire skilled workers.
