Bravo, IRCC – truly!
If there were ever a masterclass in politics and optics, this week’s Express Entry draw would be it.
IRCC surprised us again, this time with a Francophone-targeted Express Entry draw, issuing a massive 6,000 invitations with a remarkably low cutoff score of 416.
There’s no clear in-Canada focus, no attention to sectors like healthcare, trades, or education, and certainly no consideration for those who have been working and contributing within Canada for years. Instead, the emphasis appears almost singular- French speakers only.
Let’s be clear – I have nothing against Francophone immigration. Canada’s bilingual identity is an essential part of its fabric. What’s concerning is the lack of balance between categories, especially when more than 30,000 French-speaking candidates have already been invited this year – out of a 41,000 annual target. The math, quite frankly, doesn’t add up.
If this strategy is more about political wins than policy consistency, then bravo indeed – mission accomplished.
For everyone still debating whether learning French is worth it – the answer came loud and clear: a score of 416 just earned thousands of people an invitation. It pays off.
To those who achieved it – congratulations! Your hard work and discipline have paid dividends.
But for the rest, one question remains: will immigration planning ever return to true balance, or are we now governed by the politics of perception?
