What is Express Entry for French Language Proficiency?

Express Entry is one of several pathways to permanent residence in Canada for skilled workers. It is used to select eligible candidates based on a range of criteria, such as age, experience and language skills. It is a faster programme than many other immigration pathways, with applications typically being processed within 6 months.

First of all, candidates should check their eligibility in order to qualify for one of the following programmes:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

You must then create a profile. The information you enter will determine your CRS score.

Each round of the Express Entry will extend invitations to applicants who have achieved a certain score or higher. There are normally several rounds per month. There are also different types of round, ranging from general rounds, to programme-specific rounds, to category-based rounds, depending on the purpose of the round. Category-based rounds include a variety of different category types, including Transport Occupations, Healthcare and Social Services and French proficiency.

You can find out details about the latest round, including how many invitations were extended, here.

Category-based draws were introduced in 2023, including the dedicated draw for French language proficiency. It prioritises candidates who possess strong French language skills, even if their CRS score does not meet the usual threshold for general rounds.

To be eligible for the French proficiency round, you must score at least NCLC 7 (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens), roughly equivalent to B2 of the CEFR, in all four of the assessment skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. To demonstrate your skill, you must take an approved language test, such as TEF Canada or TCF Canada. You do not need to be a native speaker, so long as you achieve the right score.

Bilingualism is a highly desirable trait in Canada, and language skills are one of the only criteria in the application process which you can actively work to improve. The federal government has recently sought to prioritise French speakers when it comes to immigration, setting a target of 12% francophone immigration outside Quebec by 2029.

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