Canada’s Express Entry system now includes category-based selection draws that specifically target French-speaking candidates — and if you are a Filipino immigrant or prospective immigrant, this could be one of the most accessible pathways to Canadian permanent residency available today. In February 2026 alone, IRCC issued 8,500 invitations in a single French language proficiency draw with a minimum CRS score of just 400 points — far below the 520+ typically required in general draws.
This comprehensive guide explains exactly how the French language proficiency Express Entry category works, what requirements you need to meet, how to prepare for the TEF Canada or TCF Canada tests, and why Filipino applicants should seriously consider learning French as a strategic immigration advantage.
What Is the French Language Proficiency Category in Express Entry?
The French language proficiency category is one of several priority categories under Canada’s Express Entry system. Introduced as part of category-based selection in 2023, it allows Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to conduct targeted draws that invite Express Entry candidates with strong French language skills — even if their overall Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is lower than what general draws require.
Unlike occupation-based categories (such as healthcare or trades), French language proficiency is the only language-based category in Express Entry. This reflects Canada’s commitment to strengthening Francophone communities outside Quebec and preserving its bilingual national identity.
For 2025 and 2026, IRCC has confirmed that French language proficiency remains a designated priority category, meaning dedicated draws will continue throughout the year.
French Category Express Entry Requirements
To qualify for a French category draw in Express Entry, you must meet two sets of requirements:
1. French Language Requirement
You must achieve a minimum score of NCLC 7 (Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens) in all four language skills:
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
NCLC 7 is roughly equivalent to a B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) — an upper-intermediate proficiency level. You do not need to be a native French speaker. Many successful candidates learn French specifically for immigration purposes.
2. Express Entry Program Eligibility
You must also be eligible for at least one of the three Express Entry programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) — For skilled workers with foreign work experience
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) — For qualified tradespersons
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) — For those with Canadian work experience
You must have an active Express Entry profile in the pool with valid French language test results at the time a draw is conducted.
Accepted French Language Tests: TEF Canada and TCF Canada
IRCC accepts only two French language tests for Express Entry:
TEF Canada (Test d’evaluation de francais pour le Canada)
Administered by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI Paris Ile-de-France). The TEF Canada tests all four skills in a single sitting. Results are scored on a scale of 0 to 699 for each skill.
TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du francais pour le Canada)
Administered by France Education International. The TCF Canada uses a scoring scale of 0 to 699 for listening and reading, and 0 to 20 for speaking and writing.
Minimum Scores for NCLC 7
The following table shows the minimum scores you need on each test to achieve NCLC 7 in all four skills:
| Skill | TEF Canada (NCLC 7) | TCF Canada (NCLC 7) |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 207 – 232 | 453 – 498 |
| Writing | 310 – 348 | 10 – 11 (out of 20) |
| Listening | 249 – 279 | 458 – 502 |
| Speaking | 310 – 348 | 10 – 11 (out of 20) |
Important: Your test results must be less than two years old at the time you submit your Express Entry profile and when you apply for permanent residency. Plan your test timing accordingly.
Testing centres are available across Canada, including in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, and Edmonton. Slots fill up quickly — book your test at least 2 to 3 months in advance.
CRS Points Boost for French Language Proficiency
One of the biggest advantages of French proficiency in Express Entry is the significant CRS points boost you can earn. The bonus points depend on whether you also have English proficiency:
| Scenario | CRS Bonus Points |
|---|---|
| NCLC 7+ in all four French skills AND CLB 5+ in all four English skills | +50 points |
| NCLC 7+ in all four French skills AND CLB 4 or lower in English (or no English test) | +25 points |
This is a major advantage for Filipino applicants. Most Filipinos already have strong English skills (the Philippines ranks among the top English-speaking countries in Asia). If you achieve NCLC 7 in French and CLB 5 or higher in English, you earn the full 50 bonus CRS points — a substantial boost that can make the difference between receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) or remaining in the pool.
French Language Proficiency Draw History and CRS Scores
Since category-based draws began, the French language proficiency category has consistently featured some of the lowest CRS cutoff scores in the Express Entry system. Here is a summary of recent draw activity:
| Draw Date | Invitations (ITAs) | Minimum CRS Score |
|---|---|---|
| February 6, 2026 | 8,500 | 400 |
| December 17, 2025 | 6,000 | 399 |
| October 29, 2025 | 6,000 | ~420 |
| August 2025 | 5,500 | 481 |
| March 21, 2025 | 7,500 | 379 |
| March 6, 2025 | 4,500 | 410 |
Key takeaway: French language proficiency draws typically require CRS scores of 379 to 481, compared to 520 to 550+ for general and Canadian Experience Class draws. In 2025 alone, IRCC issued over 30,000 invitations through French-language draws across 8 rounds — representing a massive expansion from previous years.
The February 2026 draw (8,500 ITAs) was the largest French-language draw in Express Entry history, signalling that IRCC is accelerating its Francophone immigration targets.
How Category-Based Draws Work
Here is how the French language proficiency category-based selection process works:
- IRCC designates priority categories — Each year, the Minister of Immigration designates categories for Express Entry draws. French language proficiency has been a designated category since 2023.
- You create an Express Entry profile — Submit your profile to the Express Entry pool with your French language test results (TEF Canada or TCF Canada) showing NCLC 7 or higher.
- Your profile is automatically flagged — If your French test results meet the NCLC 7 threshold, your profile is automatically eligible for French category draws. No separate application is needed.
- IRCC conducts a category-based draw — When IRCC runs a French-language draw, it selects the highest-ranking candidates (by CRS score) who meet the French requirement.
- You receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) — If your CRS score meets or exceeds the draw cutoff, you receive an ITA for permanent residency.
- You submit your PR application — You have 60 days from receiving your ITA to submit a complete application for permanent residency.
You remain eligible for both general Express Entry draws and French category draws simultaneously. Having French proficiency does not exclude you from other draw types — it gives you an additional pathway.
Step-by-Step: How to Qualify for the French Category
- Assess your French level. If you are starting from zero, budget 6 to 12 months of dedicated study to reach NCLC 7 (B2 level). Many candidates achieve this within 8 to 10 months with consistent effort.
- Register for the TEF Canada or TCF Canada. Book your test early — testing centres in Toronto and other major cities often have waitlists of 2 to 3 months. The TEF Canada costs approximately $400 to $450, while TCF Canada costs vary by location.
- Take an English language test. Also complete the IELTS General Training or CELPIP General to maximize your CRS score. Achieving CLB 5+ in English alongside NCLC 7+ in French earns you 50 bonus CRS points.
- Gather your Express Entry documents. Prepare your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), work experience letters, police certificates, and other supporting documents.
- Create your Express Entry profile. Submit your profile online through the IRCC portal, including both your French and English test results.
- Wait for a French category draw. Keep your profile active and your test results valid. IRCC has been conducting multiple French-language draws per year.
- Respond to your ITA within 60 days. Once you receive an invitation, submit your complete PR application with all supporting documents.
Why Filipino Immigrants Should Consider French Proficiency
As a firm that serves the Filipino-Canadian community, we see firsthand how French proficiency can transform immigration outcomes for Filipino applicants. Here is why this matters:
Lower CRS Cutoffs Mean Greater Access
Many Filipino applicants have strong work experience and education but struggle to reach the 520+ CRS scores required in general draws. French category draws with cutoffs as low as 379 CRS open the door for candidates who would otherwise remain in the pool indefinitely.
Filipinos Already Have Strong English Skills
The Philippines is one of the largest English-speaking countries in the world. Most Filipino applicants easily achieve CLB 5+ in English, which means learning French to NCLC 7 automatically earns the maximum 50 CRS bonus points. This bilingual advantage is significant.
Filipinos Excel at Language Learning
Filipinos are well-known for their multilingual abilities — most speak at least two languages (Filipino and English), and many speak a third regional language. This strong foundation in language learning makes picking up French more achievable than many candidates expect.
Career Advantages After Immigration
Bilingual (English-French) professionals in Canada earn an average of 10 to 25 percent more than their unilingual counterparts. French proficiency opens doors to federal government positions, healthcare roles in bilingual communities, and management positions that require both official languages.
Growing Filipino Communities in Francophone Areas
Provinces such as Manitoba (with its bilingual city of Winnipeg), New Brunswick (Canada’s only officially bilingual province), and Ontario (with significant Francophone communities in Ottawa and Northern Ontario) all have growing Filipino populations and strong demand for bilingual workers.
Resources for Learning French in Canada
If you are in Canada, several free and subsidized programs can help you learn French:
Government-Funded Programs
- CLIC (Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada) — Free French language classes funded by IRCC for permanent residents and protected persons. Available in person and online through CLIC en ligne.
- Ontario Adult French as a Second Language — Ontario school boards offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced French classes. Visit a language assessment centre near you to get started.
- Centre Franco (Toronto) — Offers French language training with locations in Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, Scarborough, and North York.
- College Boreal (Mississauga) — Provides French language training and settlement services funded by the Government of Canada.
Online Resources and Test Preparation
- TV5Monde — Free French learning resources with Canadian content
- Alliance Francaise — French courses available in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, and other major cities (paid, but high quality)
- Duolingo and Busuu — Good for building a foundation, but not sufficient on their own for NCLC 7
- PrepMyFuture — Dedicated TEF Canada and TCF Canada practice tests and preparation materials
Tip: For the best results, combine a structured course (such as CLIC or Alliance Francaise) with daily self-study and regular practice with native speakers. Most candidates who commit to consistent study can reach NCLC 7 within 6 to 12 months.
Canada’s Francophone Immigration Targets
The Canadian government has set ambitious and steadily increasing targets for Francophone immigration outside Quebec:
- 2025 target: 8.5% of permanent resident admissions outside Quebec to be French-speaking (achieved — actual result was approximately 8.9%)
- 2026 target: 9% of admissions outside Quebec
- 2027 target: 10% of admissions outside Quebec — approximately 31,500 French-speaking newcomers
In January 2026, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab confirmed that Canada has exceeded its Francophone immigration target for the fourth consecutive year. This ongoing commitment means French category draws in Express Entry will likely continue and expand for the foreseeable future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum CRS score for a French language proficiency Express Entry draw?
CRS cutoffs for French category draws have ranged from 379 to 481 in 2025-2026. The most recent draw (February 2026) had a cutoff of 400. These scores are significantly lower than general Express Entry draws, which typically require 520 to 550+ points.
Do I need to speak French fluently to qualify?
No. You do not need to be fluent or a native French speaker. You need to demonstrate NCLC 7 proficiency (approximately B2/upper-intermediate level) in all four skills through an approved test. Many successful candidates learned French specifically for immigration.
Which French test is easier — TEF Canada or TCF Canada?
Neither test is officially easier than the other, but candidates report different experiences. The TEF Canada tends to be more widely available in Canada and has a more standardized format. The TCF Canada may feel more conversational in the speaking section. We recommend taking practice tests for both and choosing the one that better suits your strengths.
Can I submit both French and English test results in my Express Entry profile?
Yes, and you should. Submitting both French (TEF/TCF) and English (IELTS/CELPIP) results maximizes your CRS score. If you achieve NCLC 7+ in French and CLB 5+ in English, you earn 50 additional CRS points. Choose your strongest language as your first official language for maximum points.
How long are French test results valid for Express Entry?
Your TEF Canada or TCF Canada results must be less than two years old when you create your Express Entry profile and when you submit your PR application. Plan accordingly — if your results expire while you are waiting for a draw, you will need to retake the test.
Do I need to settle in a French-speaking province?
No. Qualifying for a French category draw does not require you to settle in a French-speaking area. You can live and work anywhere in Canada (outside Quebec, which has its own immigration system). However, bilingual cities such as Ottawa, Moncton, and Winnipeg may offer additional career advantages for French speakers.
How often does IRCC conduct French language proficiency draws?
In 2025, IRCC conducted 8 French-language draws, issuing over 30,000 invitations. The frequency and size of draws have been increasing each year. In 2026, the first draw (February 6) issued 8,500 ITAs — the largest single French-language draw in history.
Can I qualify for both French category draws and general draws?
Yes. Your Express Entry profile is automatically considered for all draws you are eligible for — including general draws, Canadian Experience Class draws, and French category draws. French proficiency gives you additional chances without limiting your eligibility for other draw types.
How JCA Law Office Can Help
At JCA Law Office Professional Corporation, we specialize in helping Filipino immigrants navigate the Canadian immigration system. Our team understands the unique challenges and opportunities that Filipino applicants face — including how to leverage French language proficiency for Express Entry success.
We can assist you with:
- Express Entry profile assessment — Evaluate your eligibility and CRS score potential
- French category strategy — Determine whether learning French is a viable pathway for your immigration goals
- Document preparation — Ensure your application is complete and error-free
- CRS score optimization — Identify opportunities to maximize your points, including language test preparation strategies
- Full application support — Guide you from profile creation through ITA response and PR application
Whether you are already in Canada or applying from the Philippines, our bilingual Filipino-Canadian legal team is ready to help you explore every available pathway to permanent residency.
Related Guides
- The Canadian Express Entry Program — All You Need to Know
- Filipino Immigrant Guide to Canada — From Visa to PR (2026)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Your Pathway to PR
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Under Express Entry
- JCA Law Office Immigration Services
Last updated: February 2026. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently — always verify current requirements with IRCC or consult a licensed immigration professional. Sources: IRCC — Express Entry for French-speaking skilled workers, IRCC — Language test results.
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