Boost Express Entry & PNP Chances with French Skills

How Learning French Can Boost Your Canadian PR Application Through Express Entry

• French skills can significantly improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in Express Entry.
• Achieving NCLC Level 7 may qualify you for category-based draws with lower CRS cut-offs.
• French proficiency is an asset for several Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams, including Ontario and Manitoba.
• You can start from scratch and reach NCLC 4 through daily practice, media immersion, and smart study strategies.
• IRCC accepts two language tests: TEF Canada and TCF Canada, each with four language components.
• Understanding the NCLC scale helps you set clear goals to meet immigration requirements.

Thinking about moving to Canada? If so, brushing up on your French might just give your immigration plans the extra boost they need. Whether you’re applying through Express Entry or looking at a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), knowing French can open the door to more opportunities—and even lower your required Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

Let’s explore how adding French to your skill set could make a big difference in your Canadian permanent residence (PR) application, and how you can go from zero French to a basic but fluent level (NCLC 4) with a little dedication and the right tools.

Why French Skills Matter for Canadian Immigration

Most newcomers know that English is critical for Canadian immigration, but French plays a big role too—especially if you already speak English well. Canada is officially bilingual, and applicants with French language skills can earn more CRS points in the Express Entry system.

Here’s how those bonus points break down:

Bonus: If you reach NCLC level 7 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, you could be eligible for category-based Express Entry draws that specifically favour French-speaking applicants. These draws often have lower CRS cut-offs compared to general or CEC-specific draws—ranging from 379 to 481 in recent rounds.

French proficiency can also help you stand out in certain PNP streams designed to attract francophone immigrants. For instance, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and Manitoba PNP offer pathways tailored to French speakers. Achieve NCLC 5 or higher, and you might even qualify for the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot.

How to Reach NCLC 4: Tips for Beginners

Now that you know why French is a game-changer for immigration, let’s talk about how to get started. Reaching NCLC 4—considered “fluent basic”—is an achievable goal, even if you’re starting from scratch. Here are some battle-tested methods to help you get there.

1. Master the Basics of Pronunciation

French pronunciation can be tricky at first. To build a solid foundation:

• Use apps like Forvo and YouTube videos from native Canadian French speakers.
• Focus on vowel combinations, nasal sounds, and silent letters.
• Learn the five French accent marks (é, è, â, ç, ë) and how they affect pronunciation and meaning.

2. Immerse Yourself in French Media

Listening and watching French content helps you learn naturally. Try:

• Podcasts and French-language YouTube channels
• TV shows or movies with French audio and English/French subtitles
• Slowing down audio to catch pronunciation and vocabulary

3. Start Speaking Right Away

Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Start saying basic phrases out loud from day one. Record yourself and listen back. Practice daily greetings, common questions, and personal statements like “Je m’appelle…” or “J’habite à…”

4. Find a Language Buddy

Learning with someone else—especially another beginner—can make things more enjoyable. You can:

• Practice basic conversations
• Teach each other new words
• Hold each other accountable

5. Create a Daily Routine

Consistency matters more than intensity. Even 15–30 minutes a day can lead to major progress. Try “habit stacking” by linking study time to existing routines (e.g. flashcards with your morning coffee).

6. Journal Your Mistakes

Keep a notebook where you write down language errors, corrections, and quick explanations. Reviewing this regularly helps spot patterns and reinforce learning.

7. Practice with Groups or Go on a Retreat

Join a local French language meetup or online practice circle. If you’re feeling ambitious, consider a full French immersion retreat in a francophone region of Canada like Quebec or New Brunswick. These experiences can fast-track your fluency in just weeks.

What to Expect from the French Language Test

To prove your French skills for immigration, you’ll need to complete a test recognized by IRCC. There are two options:

• TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français
• TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français

Both tests assess your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. They’re typically computer-based, except for the speaking section, which is done in person with an examiner.

Expect the exam to take just under 3 hours. Your performance on each section will be converted into an NCLC level. To qualify for most immigration pathways, you’ll need at least NCLC 4 in each skill area.

Understanding NCLC Levels 1 to 4

Here’s a quick overview of what each NCLC level represents at the basic proficiency stage:

Reaching NCLC 4 means you can read, write, speak, and listen in French at a basic but functional level. That’s more than enough to unlock CRS bonus points, qualify for French-speaking immigration streams, and make a solid case for your Express Entry profile.

Your Next Steps

Learning French may feel like a big undertaking, but it’s one of the most powerful ways to strengthen your Canadian immigration application—especially if you’re eyeing Express Entry or PNP pathways. With the right tools, daily habits, and a bit of patience, building your French skills is absolutely doable.

Ready to see how your French skills could boost your CRS score?

Check Your Express Entry Eligibility Now