Canada to welcome more French-speaking skilled immigrants with new changes to Express Entry

Canada to welcome more French-speaking skilled immigrants with new changes to Express Entry

 March 31, 2017—Moncton, NB – Canadians are building a world-leading innovation economy. One way to do this is by making improvements to Express Entry—Canada’s flagship skilled-worker immigration application management system.

Programs managed through the Express Entry system attract high-skilled foreign workers and former international students who want to live in Canada permanently and whose in-demand skills are needed by employers across the country to help build businesses and grow the economy.

“Increasing Francophone immigration and growing Francophone communities across Canada remains a priority for the Government of Canada. Canada’s greatest strength is its skilled, hard-working, creative, and diverse workforce. I am pleased that with my announcement today, Canada will welcome more French speakers and others with skills and experience that will help our economy and communities grow,” the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.

Starting on June 6, 2017, additional points will be awarded to candidates who have strong French language skills. These additional points represent an important change that will contribute to the growth, vitality and prosperity of Francophone minority communities across Canada.

“With these changes to Express Entry, I am pleased that Canada will welcome many more high-skilled Francophone immigrants. They will help grow Francophone minority communities across Canada and strengthen the economy as they build their new lives here,” explained the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

Other changes to the Express Entry system planned for June include points for candidates with siblings in Canada and voluntary registration with Job Bank.

Since the launch of Express Entry in January 2015, Canada has welcomed over 43,000 economic immigrants through the Express Entry system. Express Entry attracts highly skilled immigrants, with many having studied in fields related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics—skills that are linked to innovation, prosperity and growth.

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