Express Entry – French-speaking Category
The Express Entry French-speaking category is one of Canada’s dedicated immigration options for skilled francophone professionals who wish to live and work outside Quebec. It allows strong French speakers to be selected through targeted draws that often have lower CRS cut-off scores than general rounds. This category supports Canada’s national goal of increasing francophone immigration in minority-language regions.
Many applicants who are currently residing in Quebec but are unable to obtain permanent residence through Quebec’s immigration programs are choosing to relocate to other provinces to take advantage of the opportunity. Others from France, Africa, Haiti and other francophone communities are able to qualify for permanent residence and build a life in Canada.
Overview
This category is part of the Express Entry system’s category-based selection rounds. It is designed for applicants who demonstrate strong proficiency in French and who qualify under one of the three main Express Entry programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class.
French-speaking candidates may receive Invitations to Apply even when their CRS score is lower than that required in general draws. This makes it one of the most effective pathways to permanent residence for francophone applicants.
Eligibility
To be considered under this category, candidates must:
- Meet the eligibility requirements for at least one of the Express Entry programs. We can help you assess your eligibility!
- Have strong French-language proficiency, typically NCLC level 7 or higher in all four skills (to meet NCLC 7 on the TEF Canada, applicants must score at least 249 in listening, 310 in speaking, 207 in reading, and 310 in writing).
- Submit an active Express Entry profile and indicate French as a primary or strong language.
- Intend to live outside the province of Quebec.
Applicants who also speak English at a moderate or high level can receive additional CRS points. Those who score NCLC 7 or higher in French and CLB 5 or higher in English may gain up to 50 extra CRS points.
Recent Draws
Recent draws under the French-speaking category have consistently shown lower CRS thresholds than general rounds. For example:
- In March 2025, Canada issued 7,500 invitations with a cut-off score around 379.
- Another draw that month issued 4,500 invitations with a cut-off near 410.
- Later in August and September 2025, additional rounds invited thousands of French-speaking candidates with CRS scores in the 440 to 480 range, still lower than most general draws that lately have exceeded 500 and much higher.
These results demonstrate the strong advantage French-speaking applicants hold under category-based selection.
Benefits of Applying as a French Speaker
French-speaking candidates gain several advantages through Express Entry, including:
- Access to special draws with lower CRS cut-offs
- Extra CRS points for bilingualism
- Increased likelihood of being invited to apply
- Recognition of Canada’s goal to strengthen francophone communities outside Quebec
Summary
The French-speaking category under Express Entry is a strategic and practical pathway for francophone professionals who wish to settle in Canada outside Quebec. With lower CRS thresholds, additional language points, and frequent draws, it remains one of the most effective options for achieving permanent residence as a French-speaking skilled worker. At Elliott Immigration, we can perfect your profile and guide through the entire process to obtain permanent residence in Canada.