How To Get 50 Points In French In Express Entry

Express Entry is one of the most accessible pathways to immigrate to Canada, and the rising demand has made it one of the most popular immigration programs.

Express Entry is a points-based immigration system that evaluates candidates based on several factors such as education, age, work experience, and language proficiency. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is used to calculate these points, and candidates with the highest scores are selected from the Express Entry pool.

The Express Entry system operates under three main streams:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): Designed for highly skilled individuals, granting permanent residency based on key factors like education, work experience, and language proficiency.
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): Tailored for skilled tradespeople with relevant work experience in their field.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For individuals who have gained skilled work experience within Canada.

French Language Proficiency

Are you in the process of submitting a profile for Express Entry? Do you speak French? Even if you plan to settle in a province other than Quebec, your French language skills could still give you a significant advantage if you’re wondering how to keep reading!

Canada’s immigration system values bilingualism and candidates who can demonstrate proficiency in French may be eligible for up to 50 additional points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This boost can be critical in securing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Whether you’re a French speaker or considering improving your language skills, understanding how to leverage French in your Express Entry profile can bring you one step closer to your Canadian dream!

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Certain provinces, such as Quebec, have dedicated immigration streams that prioritize candidates with French language proficiency. This can increase your chances of receiving a provincial nomination, which significantly boosts your CRS score.
• Broader Job Prospects: French language skills open doors to a wider range of job opportunities, particularly in Quebec, New Brunswick, and within federal government positions. Being bilingual can give you a competitive edge in Canada’s job market.

French Language Proficiency Draws Of 2024

In 2024, there have been eight French language proficiency draws through Canada’s Express Entry system, offering a total of over 20,000 invitations. These draws are specifically aimed at French-speaking candidates and feature lower CRS cut-off scores compared to general draws, making them more accessible for bilingual applicants.

For example, the CRS cut-offs in French draws ranged from 336 to 446, significantly lower than the typical scores required in general draws. This reflects Canada’s commitment to encouraging bilingualism and attracting French-speaking immigrants, even outside Quebec, through a more inclusive points-based system.

French Language Tests for Canadian PR

TEF Canada and TCF Canada are standardized French language proficiency tests recognized by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for immigration purposes. TEF stands for Test d’Évaluation de Français, while TCF stands for Test de Connaissance du Français.

Both tests evaluate a candidate’s reading, writing, listening, and speaking French abilities, helping to assess their proficiency level for programs like Express Entry or provincial nomination processes. These tests are crucial for individuals looking to demonstrate their French language skills when applying for immigration to Canada.

1. TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français):
   • Oral Comprehension: 40 minutes (40 questions)
   • Written Comprehension: 60 minutes (40 questions)
   • Oral Expression: 15 minutes (2 spoken topics)
   • Written Expression: 60 minutes (2 written topics)
2. TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français):
   • Listening Comprehension: 35 minutes (39 questions)
   • Reading Comprehension: 60 minutes (39 questions)
   • Written Skills: 60 minutes (3 exercises)
   • Verbal Skills: 12 minutes (3 spoken exercises)

CLB/NCLC levels up to CLB 9

Required TEF Level According To Your Program

The required TEF Canada levels depend on the program you’re applying for and the specifics of your project. Below are the required levels for some key immigration programs:

Federal Skilled Worker Program:

• If French is your first official language, you must achieve at least NCLC level 7 in all four sections of the test.
• If English is your second official language, you need at least CLB level 5 in all four sections.

Federal Skilled Trades Program:

• Minimum levels for Speaking and Listening (French or English as the first official language): NCLC 5 / CLB 5.
• Minimum levels for Reading and Writing: NCLC 4 / CLB 4.

Canadian Experience Class Program: The language level required varies depending on your job classification under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC):

• For NOC 0 or A positions: CLB 7.
• For NOC B positions: CLB 5

Combine French with Other Factors

French proficiency can earn you up to 50 additional CRS points, but it becomes even more powerful when combined with other elements. Here’s how

• Age: Younger applicants (typically under 30) receive more points in the CRS. If you’re a French speaker in this age range, your language skills will complement the high score you already receive for age.
• Education: Higher levels of education, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree, can significantly increase your CRS score. Applicants with advanced degrees and French language proficiency are highly attractive to Canadian immigration authorities.
• Job Offers: If you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, this can add up to 200 points to your CRS score, depending on the position. Combined with French language skills, this creates a robust profile.
• Spousal Points: If your spouse also has French language skills or other qualifying factors like education and work experience, their contributions can further enhance your CRS score.