Canadian Permanent Residency
Francophone Express Entry
Canada is committed to increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec. If you speak French, you have a unique advantage through category-based Express Entry draws.
Immigrate to Canada as a French Speaker
Why Choose the Francophone Express Entry Category?
Canada is committed to increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec. If you speak French, you have a unique advantage through category-based Express Entry draws. These draws prioritize French-speaking candidates, often with lower CRS cut-offs compared to general draws.
What Is the Francophone Express Entry Category?
The Francophone category is part of Canada’s Express Entry system, which manages applications for permanent residence under:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
Through this category, French-speaking candidates receive priority invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Francophone category, you must:
- Score NCLC 7 or higher in all four French language skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking).
- Meet the eligibility criteria for one of the Express Entry programs (FSW, CEC, or FST).
- Intend to live outside Quebec.
Tip: English is not mandatory, but strong English scores can boost your CRS points.
Benefits of Applying as a French Speaker
- Lower CRS Cut-Offs: Recent draws for French speakers have been as low as 379 points.
- More Invitations: In 2024, over 50% of category-based ITAs were issued to French-speaking candidates.
- Faster Pathway to PR: Category-based draws happen regularly, increasing your chances of selection.