French Express Entry: Your French Could Be Your Fastest Route to Canadian PR
Canada’s French-language category invites Express Entry candidates with strong French, whatever their occupation, and its rounds are among the largest and most frequent category draws. You need French at NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilities and eligibility for an Express Entry program. See every recent cut-off in our Express Entry draw tracker.
since 1991
What is the Express Entry French category?
The French-language proficiency category is a set of targeted Express Entry draws for candidates with strong French, whatever their occupation. IRCC uses it to grow francophone communities outside Quebec, and French rounds have been among the largest category draws since the category launched in 2023.
You still create a normal Express Entry profile under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class or the Federal Skilled Trades Program. In French rounds you compete only with other strong French speakers, so the cut-off is often far lower than in general draws.
What happens if you wait to apply?
Your TEF or TCF results are valid for 2 years, and every French round you miss is one you cannot get back. IRCC publishes no draw schedule, so rounds can arrive with little warning.
Why French speakers use this category
- Lower cut-offs: French rounds often invite far below general and CEC draws
- Any occupation: there is no occupation list to match
- Bonus points: strong French adds up to 50 extra CRS points
- Large, frequent rounds: French draws are among the biggest category rounds
- No job offer required to receive an invitation
- Family included: bring your spouse and children
- A warm welcome: francophone communities across Canada, outside Quebec
Is the French category right for you?
An honest answer before you spend money on tests and fees.
A good fit if you have
- French at NCLC 7 or higher in reading, writing, listening and speaking, or you are close
- At least 1 year of skilled work for FSW or CEC, or 2 years for FST
- A plan to live in Canada outside Quebec
- Your degree or diploma assessed with an ECA, if you studied outside Canada
- Any occupation (there is no occupation list)
Consider another route if
- Your French is below NCLC 7 in any one of the four abilities
- You plan to settle in Quebec, which runs its own selection programs
- You do not yet qualify for any Express Entry program
More French study, Quebec’s own programs or the Francophone Mobility work permit may be a better first step.
French category eligibility requirements
You must qualify for one Express Entry program and meet the French language rule. Here is what IRCC checks.
Language proficiency
French at NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilities on TEF Canada or TCF Canada. English is optional, but CLB 5 or higher in English unlocks the full 50 French bonus points.
Education
Foreign degrees and diplomas need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from WES, ICES, IQAS or CES for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Canadian credentials do not need one.
Work experience
The French category has no occupation list, but you still need the work experience for an Express Entry program: at least 1 year of skilled work for FSW or CEC, or 2 years of trade experience for FST.
Proof of funds
Federal Skilled Worker candidates must show settlement funds, from $15,263 CAD for one person. You are exempt if you are invited under the Canadian Experience Class or hold a valid job offer.
Admissibility
A medical exam with an IRCC panel physician for you and your dependants, and police certificates from every country you have lived in for 6+ months since age 18.
Not sure your occupation qualifies?
Answer 7 questions for an assessment based on IRCC’s recent draw data.
What the French category requires
French in all four abilities
NCLC 7 or higher in reading, writing, listening and speaking on TEF Canada or TCF Canada. One weak ability blocks the category.
Any occupation
There is no occupation list. You need an Express Entry profile that qualifies for FSW, CEC or FST.
Extra CRS points
Strong French earns up to 50 additional CRS points on top of your language points, and it counts in every Express Entry round, not just French draws.
Who uses the French category
Any occupation qualifies, so we see every kind of profile. What they share is strong French in all four abilities.
How to apply through the French category, step by step
Six stages from checking your NOC code to landing in Canada.
Confirm your French level and program
We check whether your French can reach NCLC 7 in all four abilities and which Express Entry program you qualify for, before you pay for tests.
Take TEF Canada or TCF Canada
Book your French test, and an English test if you have English, then start your ECA. Aim for NCLC 7 in every ability.
Create your profile and enter the pool
We review your profile line by line. You are then eligible for French, CEC, PNP and general rounds, and the first one you qualify for invites you.
Receive an Invitation to Apply
Our team manages your 60-day countdown so no deadline is missed.
Submit your PR application
Reference letters that list your duties and hours, police certificates, a medical exam and government fees of $1,590 CAD per adult.
Land and settle outside Quebec
You receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and land in Canada, where francophone communities from New Brunswick to Manitoba are ready to welcome you.
CRS scores in French draws
French cut-offs move with every round and have often been among the lowest of any draw. Strong French also adds extra CRS points: 50 if you have CLB 5 or higher in English, or 25 otherwise. Check the latest scores in our Express Entry draw tracker. See how the CRS works and how to improve your CRS score.
CRS points at a glance (without spouse)
Ways to raise your score
Costs and timelines
Typical costs for a single applicant, confirmed during your consultation because IRCC fees change periodically.
Can you get Canadian PR this year?
Answer 7 questions and get a strategy-level Express Entry assessment based on IRCC’s recent draw data, including the new category-based draws.
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French Express Entry FAQs
What is the French-language category in Express Entry?
It is a set of targeted Express Entry draws for candidates with strong French, whatever their occupation. IRCC launched it in 2023 to grow francophone communities outside Quebec.
What French level do I need for the French category?
You need NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilities: reading, writing, listening and speaking. IRCC accepts TEF Canada and TCF Canada results.
Do I need a specific occupation for the French category?
No. There is no occupation list. You only need to qualify for an Express Entry program, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class.
How many extra CRS points does French give?
Strong French adds up to 50 extra CRS points. You get 50 with NCLC 7 in French and CLB 5 or higher in English, or 25 if your English is lower or untested.
Can I use the French category if I want to live in Quebec?
No. Express Entry is for people who plan to live outside Quebec. Quebec runs its own selection programs for skilled workers.
Do I need English as well as French?
No. French alone is enough for the category. Adding English at CLB 5 or higher raises your French bonus from 25 to 50 points.
What CRS score do I need for a French draw?
There is no fixed score. French cut-offs change every round and have often been among the lowest of any draw, so check the latest result in our Express Entry draw tracker.
How often are French draws held?
French rounds have been among the most frequent category draws, but IRCC publishes no schedule. Keep your profile active and your test results valid so you are ready for any round.
How long are TEF and TCF results valid?
Language test results are valid for 2 years from the test date. They must still be valid on the day you submit your permanent residence application.
Do I need a job offer for the French category?
No. A job offer is not required to receive an invitation. Most French-category candidates are invited without one.
