Speak French, Score Big: How French Can Fast-Track Your Express Entry Journey to Canada

If you're striving to improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for Express Entry, there's a powerful and often underused tool at your disposal: the French language.

Contrary to popular belief, French proficiency can significantly boost your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), even if you're not planning to live in Quebec. For many candidates, adding French to their Express Entry profile is a game-changing move that opens the door to permanent residency in Canada.

Why French Matters in Express Entry

Canada is actively promoting bilingualism across the country, not just in Quebec. As part of this effort, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced category-based draws that reward candidates with French language proficiency. Here's how it can benefit your profile:

• Up to 50 additional CRS points if you achieve NCLC 7 or higher in all four French language skills.

• Eligibility for targeted French-speaking draws, which often have lower CRS cut-off scores than general draws.

• Complementary to English skills: Candidates with CLB 5+ in English and NCLC 7+ in French are especially well-positioned.

These additional points can make a critical difference, especially for candidates whose CRS scores are otherwise below the general draw threshold.

Real Draw Data: A Competitive Advantage

Recent data from French-speaking Express Entry category draws show just how accessible this pathway can be:

Date	Invitations Issued	CRS Cut-Off
March 21, 2025	7,500	379
March 6, 2025	4,500	410
Feb 19, 2025	6,500	428
Dec 3, 2024	800	466
Nov 15, 2024	800	478
Oct 10, 2024	1,000	444
Sept 13, 2024	1,000	446
Aug 15, 2024	2,000	394
July 18, 2024	1,800	400
March 26, 2024	1,500	388
Feb 29, 2024	2,500	336

These scores highlight the very real potential for French-speaking candidates to receive invitations with CRS scores well below those typically required in general rounds of invitations.

Top Cities for French Speakers Outside Quebec

Being proficient in French does not restrict you to Quebec. In fact, many Canadian cities outside Quebec actively welcome Francophone newcomers:

• Ottawa, Ontario: Canada’s bilingual capital with ample government and cultural sector jobs.

• Moncton, New Brunswick: Affordable housing, strong Acadian heritage, and a welcoming community.

• Toronto, Ontario: Canada’s largest city with growing demand for bilingual professionals in law, tech, and finance.

• Vancouver, British Columbia: A growing Francophone community, high quality of life, and job opportunities in health, education, and technology.

• Edmonton & Calgary, Alberta: Lower cost of living with strong demand for bilingual professionals in trades and healthcare.

Quality of Life and Long-Term Benefits

French-speaking immigrants enjoy several benefits beyond CRS points:

• Access to free public healthcare

• French-language education for children across many provinces

• Increased employment opportunities in public and private sectors

• Greater chances of success in Francophone-focused PNP streams

Canada is committed to increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec through 2028. This commitment ensures continued opportunity for qualified applicants.

How to Prepare

To position yourself for success:

1. Take an approved French language test, such as TEF Canada or TCF Canada.

2. Target NCLC 7 or higher in all four competencies.

3. Ensure English scores of CLB 5 or above to unlock full CRS benefits.

4. Update your Express Entry profile to reflect your French proficiency.

5. Monitor IRCC’s category-based draws and apply promptly when eligible.

Final Thoughts

French proficiency is more than just a skill—it’s a strategic advantage in today’s immigration landscape. With lower cut-off scores, targeted draws, and growing community support, now is an ideal time to leverage your French for a better chance at Canadian permanent residency.

Need guidance? At Master Immigration Services, we specialize in helping French-speaking candidates maximize their Express Entry success. Contact us today to start building your pathway to Canada.