Canadian PR Dreams? Why French Could Be Your Fastest Ticket

If you’re serious about getting Canadian permanent residency (PR), you’ve probably already looked into the Express Entry system. Most people focus on English test scores (IELTS or CELPIP), education, and work experience. But here’s the lesser-known secret: French could be your fastest ticket to Canada.

Why French Matters for Canadian Immigration

Canada is officially bilingual (English and French), and the government is actively encouraging more French-speaking immigrants—especially outside Quebec. To make this happen, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) awards extra points for French language proficiency under Express Entry.

That means if you can prove you’re bilingual—even at an intermediate level—you could jump ahead of thousands of other applicants.

The Extra Points You Get

• Up to 50 CRS points if you score NCLC 7 (CLB 7) or higher in French and CLB 5 or higher in English.
• Up to 25 CRS points if you score NCLC 7 in French but your English is below CLB 5.

Those points can be the difference between waiting endlessly in the pool and finally receiving your Invitation to Apply (ITA).

TEF Canada: The Key Exam

To claim these points, you’ll need to take an official French test: TEF Canada (Test d’Évaluation de Français). It evaluates four skills:

• Compréhension écrite (reading)
• Compréhension orale (listening)
• Expression écrite (writing)
• Expression orale (speaking)

Your results are then mapped to Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB).

But What If You’re Not Fluent?

Here’s the good news: you don’t need to be perfectly fluent. With the right strategy, you can reach intermediate scores (B1–B2), which already unlock bonus points. Many people who were stuck in the pool for years finally got their ITA after improving their French.

Think of French not as a burden, but as a shortcut. Instead of adding another degree or waiting for Canadian work experience, you could focus on language—something entirely within your control.

Beyond Immigration: A Career Boost

French isn’t just about points. Being bilingual in Canada makes you stand out in the job market. From government roles to customer service, NGOs, and corporate positions, French opens doors. Employers love candidates who can switch seamlessly between English and French.

Final Word

If you’re dreaming of Canadian PR and feel stuck, consider this: French might be the missing key. By investing in French learning and preparing for TEF Canada, you’re not only increasing your immigration chances but also preparing yourself for a stronger career in Canada.

So, are you ready to let French be your fastest ticket to Canada?