How French Proficiency Is Reshaping Express Entry in 2026

Canada is making it clear: French-speaking immigrants are a top priority, especially outside Quebec.

Over the past few years, the Government of Canada has significantly expanded Francophone-focused immigration pathways to strengthen Francophone and Acadian minority communities, address labour shortages, and restore the demographic weight of French-speaking populations across the country.

A Clear Signal: February 6, 2026 Express Entry Draw

This commitment was clearly reflected in the French-Language Proficiency Express Entry draw held on February 6, 2026:

• Invitations issued: 8,500
• Minimum CRS score: 400
• Category: French-Language Proficiency 
• Tie-breaking rule: February 3, 2026

The combination of a large number of invitations and a low CRS cut-off confirms that French proficiency is now one of the most powerful advantages in Canada’s immigration system.

This draw directly aligns with Canada’s broader objective of reaching 12% French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec by 2029, supported by new federal and provincial measures announced earlier this year.

Why Canada Is Prioritizing Francophone Immigration

To strengthen Francophone communities living outside Quebec, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has launched several targeted initiatives aimed at increasing the number of French-speaking newcomers.

For many candidates, speaking French has become a fast track to permanent residence (PR) thanks to:

• Language-based immigration targets
• Dedicated Francophone pilot programs
• A specific French-language proficiency category in Express Entry
• Bonus CRS points for French ability
  

These measures allow qualified French-speaking and bilingual candidates to access PR even with CRS scores that would not be competitive in general draws.

Who Is Eligible for the French-Language Proficiency Category?

To qualify under the French-Language Proficiency category in Express Entry, candidates must meet the following requirements:

You must:

• Submit valid French-language test results
  
• Achieve at least NCLC level 7 in all four language abilities:
  
  
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Listening
  • Speaking
    

Language levels are assessed using the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC).

IRCC-Approved French Language Tests

Only the following tests are accepted by IRCC:

• TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français)
• TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français)

Additional CRS Points for French Proficiency

Even outside the French-language category, strong French skills can significantly boost a candidate’s profile.

Express Entry candidates can receive up to 50 additional CRS points, even if French is their second language.

CRS Bonus Breakdown

25 additional CRS points if you:

• Score NCLC 7 or higher in all French skills, and
  
• Score CLB 4 or lower in English, or did not take an English test
  
  

50 additional CRS points if you:

• Score NCLC 7 or higher in all French skills, and
• Score CLB 5 or higher in all English skills
  
  

These additional points alone can be the difference between waiting indefinitely and receiving an invitation to apply.

What This Means for Candidates

Canada is no longer testing Francophone immigration it is actively prioritizing it for:

• Temporary foreign workers
• International graduates
• Candidates with CRS scores in the 380–450 range
• Applicants struggling to compete in general draws
  
  

French proficiency now represents one of the most reliable and strategic pathways to permanent residence outside Quebec.

Final Takeaway

Large-scale French-language Express Entry draws, low CRS thresholds, and expanding Francophone-focused programs all point to one conclusion:

👉 If you speak French or are willing to learn it, your chances of becoming a permanent resident of Canada are stronger than ever.