French-language proficiency category-based draws are among the most impactful changes to Express Entry since the system launched. Introduced in May 2023, these draws specifically invite candidates from the Express Entry pool who demonstrate French-language proficiency at CLB 7 or higher, regardless of their NOC code or occupational category. The policy goal is deliberate: Canada has committed to increasing francophone immigration outside Quebec to 8.5% of all new permanent residents by 2026, supporting official language minority communities across the country.

The strategic significance for applicants is considerable. French-language proficiency draws have consistently cleared at CRS thresholds dramatically lower than all-program draws — sometimes 100 to 150 points below general cut-offs. This means a candidate who might otherwise wait years for a sufficiently high CRS score in a general draw could receive an ITA through a French draw at a score of 335–375. For any Express Entry candidate with a meaningful level of French proficiency, obtaining an official TEF Canada or TCF Canada score and entering it in their profile is a low-cost, high-return strategy.

Eligibility Requirements

• Active Express Entry profile eligible under CEC, FSW, or FST
• Must demonstrate French-language proficiency at CLB 7 or higher on TEF or TCF
• Specifically for francophone candidates intending to live outside Quebec
• Category draws typically have significantly lower CRS cut-offs
• English language requirement still applies based on stream
• Encourages francophone immigration to strengthen official language communities

Who Qualifies for French-Language Category Draws

To qualify for a French-language proficiency category draw, a candidate must satisfy two conditions simultaneously: (1) they must have an active Express Entry profile that is eligible under at least one of the three underlying federal programs — the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST); and (2) their Express Entry profile must show a French-language test result at CLB 7 or higher in all four abilities (reading, writing, speaking, listening).

The requirement for French at CLB 7 applies uniformly, regardless of the candidate’s occupation, English test score, or whether they intend to settle in a primarily anglophone province. There is no requirement to live in Quebec — in fact, the French category draws are specifically designed to encourage francophone immigrants to settle outside Quebec, in communities across Ontario, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and other provinces.

English language requirements still apply based on the underlying stream. FSW candidates still need minimum CLB 7 English, and CEC candidates need CLB 7 or CLB 5 depending on TEER level. Holding both a French test at CLB 7+ and an English test at the required minimum also unlocks additional CRS points for bilingualism, further boosting a candidate’s competitive score.

Which French Tests Are Accepted

IRCC accepts two approved French-language tests for Express Entry purposes: TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français pour le Canada) and TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada). Both are administered by designated testing centres globally. The minimum required score varies by exam:

CLB Level	TEF Canada — Speaking	TEF Canada — Listening	TEF Canada — Reading	TEF Canada — Writing
CLB 7	369–392	249–279	207–232	310–348
CLB 9	416–450	298–360	263–299	393–450

TCF Canada uses a different scale (0–699 per section); candidates should consult IRCC’s official CLB conversion table for TCF. Scores must be less than two years old at the time of submitting the PR application. Test centres are available worldwide; candidates outside Canada can book TEF Canada at Alliance Française locations or authorised test centres in their home country.

CRS Points for Bilingualism

Entering both a qualifying English result and a French result at CLB 7 or higher unlocks additional CRS points for bilingualism. IRCC awards up to 50 additional CRS points for candidates with strong proficiency in both official languages. The exact points depend on the combination of CLB scores:

• French CLB 7–8 with English CLB 4–5: up to 25 additional points
• French CLB 9+ with English CLB 5+: up to 50 additional points

For a candidate sitting at a CRS score of 490 in a competitive draw environment where all-program draws clear around 520–540, earning 25–50 additional bilingualism points can be decisive. Bilingualism points are in addition to the primary language score points, which themselves reflect the English or French result independently. Use our CRS Calculator to model how adding French test results at various CLB levels changes your total CRS score.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Assess your French level — Determine your approximate CLB level in each ability. Many candidates overestimate their writing level; a practice test can help calibrate expectations before booking the official exam.
2. Book TEF Canada or TCF Canada — Register at an authorised test centre in your country. Allow 4–6 weeks from test date to results.
3. Enter French results in your Express Entry profile — Once results are received, update your profile. The system will automatically recalculate your CRS score with bilingualism points and flag your profile as eligible for French category draws.
4. Confirm eligibility under the underlying stream — Ensure FSW, CEC, or FST eligibility is met. French scores alone do not create an Express Entry profile; they enhance one that already exists.
5. Monitor draw announcements — IRCC notifies successful candidates by email when a draw is held. French category draws have occurred several times per year since 2023.
6. Submit PR application within 60 days of ITA — Compile all standard documents plus the TEF/TCF results.

Government Fees and Processing Time

French category draw applicants pay the same fees as all Express Entry streams: $1,525 for the principal applicant (including the $575 Right of Permanent Residence Fee), $1,525 for a spouse or common-law partner, and $260 per dependent child. Biometrics are $85 per person or $170 for a family group.

Processing time after submitting a complete application is approximately 6 months per IRCC’s service standard, consistent with other Express Entry applications. Candidates who submit complete, well-documented applications with all forms, reference letters, and clearances in order typically experience fewer processing delays.

Settlement in Francophone Communities Outside Quebec

The French-language category draw is explicitly designed to strengthen francophone communities outside Quebec. Candidates who receive an ITA through a French draw are not legally required to settle in a specific province, but the program’s intent — and the community networks available — align with francophone minority communities in cities such as Ottawa, Sudbury, Moncton, Winnipeg, Kelowna’s Okanagan francophone community, and Halifax.

French-speaking immigrants who choose to settle in these communities benefit from established francophone services, French-language education for children, and community organisations that provide settlement support. Several provinces also have active French-speaking streams in their PNPs for candidates who want to pair a provincial nomination with their federal Express Entry French strategy, providing both the 600-point CRS boost and community ties.

VGIS can advise on which provinces and communities are actively seeking francophone immigrants and coordinate the federal Express Entry French category strategy with provincial nomination opportunities where applicable.

How VGIS Helps

The French-language draw strategy requires accurate test preparation guidance, correct profile setup to capture bilingualism points, and coordination with provincial pathways where a dual federal-provincial approach is optimal. VGIS, led by Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308, provides a bilingual immigration consultation service for francophone candidates, assessing their combined French-English CRS strategy and advising on TEF Canada preparation resources and provincial francophone streams.

Book a paid consultation to receive a personalised analysis of how French-language qualification can transform your Express Entry competitive position.

Fees & Costs

Fee Component	Amount (CAD)
Government Fee	$1,525 principal applicant (incl. RPRF); $1,525 spouse; $260 per dependent child
Biometrics	$85 individual / $170 family

Fees current as of 2026. IRCC may update fees periodically — confirm on the official source link below before paying.

Key Documents Required

• TEF Canada or TCF Canada results at CLB 7+
• Active Express Entry profile
• Employment reference letters
• Educational Credential Assessment (if applicable)
• Police clearances
• Medical examination

Frequently Asked Questions

I speak French but not fluently — is it worth taking the TEF Canada test?

It depends on your level. If you can reasonably achieve CLB 7 in all four TEF Canada abilities, the answer is almost certainly yes — the strategic benefit in terms of eligibility for lower-CRS-threshold draws and added bilingualism points is substantial. CLB 7 is an intermediate-upper level, roughly equivalent to B2 on the Common European Framework. Candidates who achieve CLB 5 or 6 in French but not CLB 7 in all abilities do not qualify for French category draws, but may still gain some CRS bilingualism points. A practice test or preparation course before booking the official exam can help calibrate expectations.

Do I have to live in Quebec if I receive an ITA through a French-language draw?

No. French-language proficiency draws are specifically designed to encourage francophone immigration outside Quebec. Quebec has its own immigration system (Quebec Skilled Worker, Quebec Investor, etc.) and manages its own selection process. Federal Express Entry category draws, including French draws, are for candidates intending to live in any province or territory except Quebec — or who are open to either.

What is the minimum CRS score that has cleared in a French-language draw?

French-language category draws in 2023–2024 cleared at CRS scores ranging from approximately 336 to 469, depending on the number of candidates invited and the size of the draw. These cut-offs are significantly lower than general all-program draws and reflect IRCC’s commitment to inviting francophone candidates at lower score thresholds to meet its francophone immigration target. Cut-offs vary by draw; monitoring IRCC’s draw history provides the most current data.

Can I use both a TEF Canada score and an IELTS score in my Express Entry profile?

Yes. Express Entry allows you to enter results for both official languages — a French test (TEF Canada or TCF Canada) and an English test (IELTS, CELPIP). Entering both is how bilingualism CRS points are calculated. The system uses the higher of your two language results as your primary language score for CRS purposes, and the other as your second language score. You will earn maximum CRS points by having strong scores in both.

How long does a TEF Canada result remain valid?

TEF Canada and TCF Canada results are valid for two years from the test date. They must not have expired at the time you submit your PR application following an ITA — not just at the time you create your Express Entry profile. If your test results expire while you are in the pool, you must retest and update your profile. Plan your test timing accordingly, particularly if you expect to wait in the pool for 12 months or more.

Official Government Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/submit-profile/rounds-invitations/category-based-selection.html

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Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration laws and IRCC policies change frequently. For advice specific to your case, please book a paid consultation with our licensed RCIC-IRB. VG Immigration Services Inc. — Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308.