French-Language Proficiency

Under the Express Entry category-based selection, candidates with strong French language skills may receive priority invitations to apply for Canada permanent residence (PR). This category was introduced to support the growth of Francophone communities outside Quebec and attract skilled French-speaking professionals to Canada.
To qualify for the French-language proficiency category under Express Entry, candidates must meet specific language requirements as well as the eligibility criteria for the draw.

To be considered under this category, you must:

• Demonstrate strong French language proficiency by achieving a minimum score of 7 in all four language abilities—reading, writing, listening, and speaking—on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) scale.
• Be eligible for one of the Express Entry immigration programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades Program.
• Candidates must maintain a valid Express Entry profile and meet the eligibility criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the respective category-based draw.

The exact selection criteria may vary for each Express Entry category-based draw, and the Government of Canada publishes detailed instructions for every round of invitations. Candidates who meet the language requirement and other conditions may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canada PR through Express Entry.