According to Maple News, learning French has become an increasingly valuable asset for foreign nationals looking to secure Canadian permanent residence (PR), especially through the federal Express Entry system.
French language proficiency can significantly improve a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which determines eligibility for receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence. In fact, candidates can earn up to 74 additional CRS points for French skills alone—24 points under core human capital factors and up to 50 extra points if they demonstrate strong French ability alongside English proficiency.
Canada officially evaluates language skills using two systems: the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English, and the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) for French. Achieving an NCLC level 7 or higher in all four language competencies (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) can open doors to category-based selection draws dedicated to French-speaking Express Entry applicants.
These French-focused immigration draws often feature significantly lower CRS cut-offs than general draws. For example, in 2025, French-language draws have had cut-off scores ranging from 379 to 481, compared to 518–547 for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws. This means French-speaking candidates may qualify even with a lower overall CRS score.
Beyond Express Entry, French proficiency can also increase eligibility for several Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams where provinces actively seek bilingual or French-speaking immigrants to support their linguistic diversity and address local labour market needs.
To start learning French effectively, experts recommend focusing on daily practice, using language-learning apps, joining conversation groups, or enrolling in local courses tailored for newcomers. Consistency is key—targeting at least 30 minutes of study per day can help build vocabulary and confidence over time.
Understanding government-tested measures such as the TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français) or TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français) is essential, as these are the only accepted exams for proving French proficiency for immigration purposes.
In summary, investing in beginner French not only expands communication skills but also offers a distinct and measurable advantage in the Canadian immigration process. As bilingualism continues to be a national priority, French-speaking newcomers are especially well-positioned for success in Canada’s competitive immigration landscape.