Express Entry French Language Proficiency: A Pathway for French-speaking Applicants

What Is the Express Entry French Language Proficiency Category?

French language proficiency is a specific category within the Category-based rounds of the Express Entry system. It aims to promote Francophone immigration outside of Quebec. In these draws, applicants who demonstrate strong French language skills are prioritized, even if their overall Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is lower than that of other candidates.

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 the Express Entry French Language Proficiency Category

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.

Get Ready for the Next French Draw: Prepare for Your ITA

While waiting in the pool, make sure you prepare for receiving your Invitation to Apply (ITA). We have written two articles: one about what to expect and how long you could wait in the pool, and a second one on how to be prepared in case you receive an ITA, which includes a full list of necessary documents. Don’t wait for that moment; these steps could take a lot of time, and you may run out of time!

Advantages of Demonstrating French Language Proficiency in Canada

Here are some reasons why some profiles with higher proficiency in French can give you an advantage to increase your score and increase the possibilities of receiving an ITA:

• Express Entry points reward French language skills with up to 56 additional CRS points
• Additionally, 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. 
• 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 the 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.

Express Entry French Language Specific Draws FAQ

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 the 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.