In 2024, French-speaking applicants have received 54% of all Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued through these targeted category draws, and 23% of all ITAs issued across all draw types.

And we expect 2025 to be no different wit the overall French-speaking Permanent Resident Admissions outside Quebec targets are set to increase over the next three years, starting at 8.5% for 2025 and increasing to 10% in 2027.

This article will provide you with everything you need to know about French language proficiency draws under Canada’s Express Entry system.

Recent French Language Proficiency Express Entry Draws

Here is a full list of all the French Language Proficiency draws since the category was first introduced.

What Is A French Language Proficiency Category-Based Express Entry Draw?

IRCC conducts three different types of Express Entry draws:

1. General rounds: These invite top-ranked applicants who are eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (FST), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Express Entry programs.
2. Program-specific rounds: These focus on applicants based on the specific program they are eligible for, such as FSW, CEC, FST, or a provincial nominee program. Notably, this is how IRCC often targets applicants who are already in Canada.
3. Category-based rounds: These target applicants in the pool with work experience in specific occupations or French language proficiency.

French language proficiency is a category of the Category-based rounds of the Express Entry system aimed at encouraging Francophone immigration outside Quebec. These draws prioritize applicants who demonstrate strong French language skills, even if their overall Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is lower than other applicants.

Eligibility For French Language Proficiency Category Draws

To qualify for French language proficiency draws, applicants  must meet specific requirements, including:

• An active Express Entry profile under one of these three programs:
  • • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
    • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
    • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

• Meet the minimum requirements for the round, including the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off and tiebreaker rules.
• Have approved French-language test results that show a minimum score of 7 in all 4 language abilities (speaking, reading, writing, and listening) on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC).

How to Apply for French Language Proficiency Express Entry Draws

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility for Express Entry

To be eligible for French language proficiency draws, you must first qualify for Express Entry. There are three immigration programs under Express Entry, each with specific criteria:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)

Step 2: Complete a French Language Test

You must take an approved French language test to demonstrate your proficiency. Accepted tests include the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) or the Test de connaissance du français (TCF).

Achieving at least Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 in all four abilities—reading, writing, speaking, and listening—is required to qualify for French-specific Express Entry draws.

Step 3: Enter Your Profile Into the Express Entry Pool

If eligible, create an Express Entry profile to join the pool of applicants.. Your profile will include your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which determines your ranking in the pool.

Applicants with strong French proficiency receive additional CRS points:

• 25 points for French proficiency with basic English ability
• 56 points for bilingual proficiency in both French and English.

These bonus points can significantly boost your competitiveness and make you eligible for selection in French Language Proficiency Draws

Step 4: Monitor for French Language Proficiency Draws

Express Entry conducts category-based draws specifically targeting French speakers. If your profile meets the criteria for these draws, you’ll be flagged as eligible.

Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Your CRS score and eligibility for the draw will determine whether you receive an ITA. French language draws typically have a lower CRS cut-off than general draws, increasing your chances of selection.

Step 6: Submit Your Permanent Residence Application

Once invited, submit a complete application for permanent residence. Make sure to include all required documentation, including proof of French language proficiency.

Advantages of Demonstrating French Language Proficiency for Express Entry Applicants.

In addition to Express Entry points rewarding French language skills with up to 56 additional CRS points, applicants who demonstrate at least NCLC level 7, are eligible to receive an ITA in a French Language Proficiency which generally has a lower CRS cut-off compared to general, PNP and even CEC draws. 

In addition to the CRS boost and the prospect of a lower CRS requirement, learning French can also open up career opportunities for you inside and outside of Canada.

Most employers hiring applicants with proven French language skills are exempt from the requirements to provide a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) a document which is often a stumbling block to securing employment as a foreign national. With French language, you make it easier for employers to hire you. 

You can learn more about the Francophone Mobility Program here. 

Why French Language Proficiency Draws Are Important

Canada has set high goals for bringing in more French-speaking immigrants. By 2025, the government aims for 8.5% of newcomers outside Quebec to be French-speaking, increasing to 10% by 2027. Initiatives focused on French language skills (like French Language Proficiency Draws) are key to meeting these goals and helping build Canada’s bilingual identity.

If you speak French, now is the perfect time to prepare your Express Entry profile to boost your chances in this growing immigration category. If you don’t speak French yet, this could be a great opportunity to start learning. Speaking French can improve your chances of being selected for immigration and open doors to jobs in Canada’s bilingual workforce and Francophone communities.

How Many ITA’s Will Be Issued Under The French Language Proficiency Draws In 2025?

Under Canada’s Federal Economic Priorities of the 2025 immigration levels plan, 41,700 spots will be available in category-based selection draws in 2025. While the categories targeted in these draws have not officially changed, the 2025 immigration levels plan highlights three priority categories:

• Health care occupations
• Trade occupations
• French-language proficiency

Based on trends observed in 2024, we can expect over 26,000 of these spots to go to French-language applicants.

Canada’s plan to bring in more French-speaking immigrants shows its commitment to being inclusive and celebrating cultural diversity. By 2027, the goal is for 10% of all newcomers to be French-speaking, highlighting the importance of bilingualism.

Programs that focus on French language skills will play a big role, giving applicants a great chance to become permanent residents while adding to Canada’s diverse culture.

If you’re French-speaking, bilingual, or interested in learning the language, now is a great time to explore these opportunities. By improving your language skills and planning ahead, you can take advantage of these programs and start a new life in one of the most welcoming countries in the world.

Express Entry French Language Specific Draws FAQ

Answers to some frequently asked questions about French Language draws. 

Does it matter if I list English or French language results first? 

No, so long as you provide sufficient French language results, it does not matter the order in which they are stated in your Express Entry profile.

When will I receive an ITA for a French language draw? 

This is up to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). 

Canada holds Express Entry draws regularly, which could be all-program draws, program-specific draws, or category-based draws like French language draws. 

Applicants who are able to demonstrate French language with competitive scores are likely to be invited within 12 months of entering the pool. If your CRS score is low, you might consider a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which can add 600 points to your CRS score and virtually guarantee an ITA. 

Stay updated on the latest Express Entry and PNP draws through our Canada PNP Live Tracker or by subscribing to our newsletter. 

Will French Language Express Entry draws stop? 

This depends on IRCC’s policies, but the Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027 suggested that french language draws will continue through to at least November 2025. That being said, the document is a plan – not a promise – and IRCC’s processing priorities can change at any time.  

How often will IRCC hold French Language draws? 

There is no set schedule for French Language draws however we think we will see one French Language draw a month 

Staying in the pool ensures you’re eligible whenever a draw occurs. You can sign up for our Express Entry newsletter via your free account to receive information about draws as they happen.  

My spouse qualifies for a French Language draw. Can my profile receive the ITA? 

No. To receive an ITA in a French language-specific draw, the principal applicant must meet the eligibility criteria. If your spouse qualifies, they should create their own Express Entry profile and list themselves as the principal applicant.