In the sixth French language proficiency draw of 2026 held under the Canada Express Entry system, IRCC sent 4,500 invitations to candidates for permanent residency. The minimum CRS cutoff score for the draw was 409, and the candidates had to create an Express Entry candidate profile before 10:20 p.m UTC on April 29, 2026.
As per CIC News report, there have been 6 French language proficiency draws held so far in 2026, and 30,500 ITAs have been issued. French language proficiency category draws have issued the second highest number of ITAs, following the Canadian Experience Class, which issued 37,250 ITAs. The draws and invitations indicate how French-speaking applicants continue to be prioritized in Canadian immigration.
French-language category-based draws are among the highest-volume targeted Express Entry Draw 2026, alongside Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws.
For Canadian immigration, all French language tests are not valid; IRCC only accepts the following:
Important Note: While submitting your Express Entry profile and Canadian Permanent Residency application the French language tests results of the candidate must be less than 2 years old, and the results for all four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) must be submitted.
For candidates to qualify under the French language category draws, they must score NCLC 7 or higher in each of the four abilities that is listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
NCLC 7 is approximately equivalent to CEFR B2 (Upper Intermediate Level). A candidate with this NCLC 7 level of proficiency will be able to converse well, express their opinions, understand workplace discussions, and read newspapers and documents.
TEF Canada
TCF Canada
Scoring System: - TEF Canada and TCF Canada have different scoring systems. IRCC converts the results of the tests into the NCLC (Canadian Language Benchmark for French) levels for immigration purposes. To be eligible candidates have to achieve the required NCLC level in all four abilities.
Additional CRS Points
Candidates with French language skills get up to 50 extra CRS points.
Qualify for French-Language Draws
Candidates may qualify for the category-based draws of French language proficiency. These draws often have a small number of eligible candidates and also lower CRS cutoff scores than the general draws, increasing the chance of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Advantages
Several Canadian provinces seek candidates who are French-speaking and the provinces may have targeted PNP streams or additional consideration for such candidates.
Job Opportunities Improve
French language proficiency is valued in workplaces, particularly in bilingual workplaces. Hence, it increases the job prospects of candidates, especially in regions like New Brunswick, Ontario, and Manitoba.
Settlement Benefits
Having French proficiency helps the candidate to integrate easily into Francophone communities, and it also gives access to a wider range of services and social networks.
The continuous French language proficiency draws, and the large number of invitations shows how French language proficiency can be more than an additional skill; it can be a strong immigration strategy. Investing in French language preparation can help Indian applicants gain a strong advantage in the future Canada Express Entry draws. Candidates can undertake a structured plan by learning French and achieving NCLC 7 level to become eligible for French language draws and gain additional CRS points.
ImmiLaw Global, immigration lawyers and consultants, can offer a strategic direction for Express Entry, optimization of CRS scores, and also planning the French language pathway. We will support you all throughout the immigration process from profile assessment to Canadian Permanent Residency application submission and follow up.
Read to know: Step-by-Step Guide for Veterinarians Applying for Canadian PR
IRCC accepts the French language tests TEF Canada and TCF Canada.
Candidates with strong French proficiency may earn up to 50 additional CRS points.
You can attend TEF Canada or TCF Canada any number of times, but for each attempt you will have to register and pay the registration fees.
Once you achieve NCLC 7 in French, you can update the score in your Express Entry profile, and thus you may become eligible for the French-language category-based draws and also earn additional CRS points.
French is one of the official languages of Canada and therefore helps the candidates in their education, employment, networking, and advancement of careers and helps them easily integrate into the community.
As a beginner, it is best to focus on basic grammar, common vocabulary, pronunciation, and everyday communication.
To be eligible, you must have an active Express profile, meet the requirements set by IRCC for French language proficiency, and meet the eligibility criteria.
Several provinces give priority to French-speaking candidates, and the candidates get access to additional streams or receive priority consideration under specific programs.
65be04cbad701.webp)
CANADA 
+1 (647) 767-0672
INDIA