Key Points
- Canada has increased points for bilingual and French-speaking Express Entry applicants
- French-speaking applicants may now receive 25 points
- Bilingual applicants may now earn 50 points
- The changes intend to attract more French-speaking applicants to provinces beyond Quebec
- The changes apply to all four programs in the Express Entry system
- Points are automatically applied to qualifying applicants with Express Entry accounts
Overview
The Canadian government will award additional points for bilingual and French-speaking applicants who are applying through the Express Entry system. Points are given to qualified applicants who had active Express Entry accounts as of October 20, 2020.
Background
Canada's Express Entry system prioritizes four skilled migration programs, including Federal Skilled Trades, Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and the Provincial Nominee Program. All four programs use a points-based system that considers multiple factors including education, skills, age, work experience, and job offer. Candidates who receive a certain number of points based on the program's qualification criteria may apply for permanent residency.
The Canadian government began a points-based system for French-speaking Express Entry applicants in 2017. The system is designed to attract more French-speaking skilled workers to other provinces outside of Quebec. Canada aims to have 4.4% French-speaking immigrant admissions outside of Quebec by 2023.
What are the Changes?
French-speaking applicants will now receive 25 points through the Express Entry system. Previously, they received 15 points. Bilingual Express Entry applicants will receive 50 points instead of the previous 30 points.
What Should Employers and Applicants Know?
The Canadian government began issuing additional Express Entry points on October 20, 2020. Applicants whose Express Entry profiles were active on October 20, 2020 or later will automatically receive the additional points.
Originally published 11 November 2020
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