As of June 6th, 2017 the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is making changes in the express entry system. French speakers and candidates with a sibling in Canada receive additional points under the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and is making the registration in the Canada Job Bank voluntary.

These changes reflect the government of Canada’s efforts to improve the Express Entry system in order to invite more candidates with skills and experience that will help the Canadian economy grow.

Siblings in Canada
Also as of June 6th, 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 points. Points will also be awarded if the candidate’s spouse or common-law partner has a sibling in Canada.

French Language Skills
To be accepted in the Express Entry pool, eligible candidates must first prove proficiency in English or French by taking a standardized language test recognized by IRCC:

For English
CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
IELTS: International English Language Testing System
For French
TEF: Test d’évaluation de français

From the total of points available under the Express Entry system, 136 points may be awarded for a candidate’s first language and 24 for the ability in a second language. The system is making adjustments to provide additional points to candidates with French language skills, with more additional points to be awarded to French speakers who also prove their English skills.

Registration in the Canada Job Bank
Since Express Entry was launched, it was mandatory for candidates without qualifying job offer or a provincial nomination to register with the Job Bank before they become eligible for selection.
However, as of June 6th 2017 the registration will become voluntary for all candidates. If you do not have a job in Canada lined up and would like to start your job search you will still be able to register for Job Bank, and this option is expected to continue to be available free of charge. On the other hand, employers can use the Job Bank, as well as their own recruitment procedures, to search for and hire skilled workers.