French-Language proficiency 2026-Version 2
2026
Number of Draws per Year
10
Total Invitations
50,500
Average CRS
401.00
Average Draw Size
5,050
Estimate your score
Check your eligibility and estimate your points with our calculators.
About the French-Language Proficiency Category
The French-Language Proficiency category under Express Entry is dedicated to French-speaking candidates who want to immigrate to Canada. Canada actively recruits Francophone immigrants to support its linguistic duality, and this category offers a dedicated stream with its own draws separate from general Express Entry draws.
Candidates in this category benefit from lower CRS cutoffs compared to general draws and receive additional CRS points for French language proficiency (up to 50 points for strong French skills, or 25 points for intermediate French combined with strong English).
Eligibility Requirements
- Must have French-language test results showing a minimum score of NCLC 7 in all 4 language abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking).
- Accepted tests: TEF Canada and TCF Canada.
- Must meet all requirements in the instructions for the specific draw round.
- No specific work experience requirement for this category (but you still need CRS points to receive an ITA).
Advantages of the French category:
- Dedicated draws with lower CRS cutoffs than general draws.
- Up to 50 additional CRS points for French proficiency.
- Additional 25 CRS points if you also have strong English (CLB 5+).
- French-language abilities help with integration and job prospects in Francophone communities.
How to Apply
- Take an approved French language test (TEF Canada or TCF Canada).
- Create an Express Entry profile on the IRCC website.
- Enter your French test results in your profile.
- Receive your CRS score (French proficiency gives significant bonus points).
- Wait for a French-language category draw and receive an ITA if your score meets the cutoff.