Discover how learning French can help you achieve your Canadian immigration objectives
Canada consistently focuses on attracting French-speaking immigrants to strengthen its bilingual identity. While Quebec remains the largest Francophone hub, provinces like Ontario and New Brunswick also have key French demographics.
French-Speaking Areas in Canada
- Quebec — Largest Francophone hub
- New Brunswick — Officially bilingual province
- Ontario — Key French-speaking communities
- Other provinces & territories — Smaller Francophone communities
In the Canadian Express Entry system, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English and/or French, Canada's two official languages. Candidates opting for French as second language have additional immigration advantages:
- Scores of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 7 or higher in French exams will get you additional 50 CRS points in express entry system, the maximum benefit of French as a second language can stretch up to 74 CRS points
- French Proficiency draw cutoffs are significantly lower than All Program (General) draws (see the graph below)
- Consequently, French-speaking candidates, even with intermediate level (B2) French proficiency, have a tremendously higher chance of receiving invitations to apply for permanent residence than just English speakers
Earn Up to 74 Extra CRS Points with French + Become Eligible for French Stream Draws
- Under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for Express Entry, applicants can earn up to 74 extra points for French as a second language
- If you can demonstrate minimum CLB7 (B2) level proficiency via French exams, you earn 62 extra CRS points plus you become eligible for special category French Proficieny Draws under Express Entry System