Why French Proficiency Is Your Golden Ticket to Canada in 2024-25 — And Beyond

If you’re learning French for the TEF or TCF, let’s just say: you’ve chosen the perfect time. French language proficiency has never been more valuable in Canada’s immigration landscape than it is today — and the trend is only growing stronger for 2024, 2025, and beyond.

The Rise of French-Speaking Draws

Canada has been actively boosting its Francophone immigration targets outside Quebec. In fact, over the past 2 years, we’ve seen dedicated Express Entry draws specifically for French-speaking candidates.

• In 2023, these category-based draws began selecting applicants with strong French proficiency — sometimes even with lower CRS scores than other streams.
• This policy isn’t slowing down. For 2024 and 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has already confirmed that French proficiency will continue to be a priority selection factor. 

So, if you’ve been preparing for TEF or TCF Canada, you are directly aligning yourself with what Canada wants.

French-Language Proficiency Express Entry Draws 

Trend for 2025

Draw number	Date	ITAs Issued	Minimum CRS
341	Mar 21, 2025	7,500	379
339	Mar 6, 2025	4,500	410
337	Feb 19, 2025	6,500	428

Trend for 2024

Draw number	Date	ITAs Issued	Minimum CRS
329	Dec 3, 2024	800	466
324	Nov 15, 2024	800	478
318	Oct 10, 2024	1,000	444
314	Sep 13, 2024	1,000	446
310	Aug 15, 2024	2,000	394
305	Jul 18, 2024	1,800	400
302	Jul 8, 2024	3,200	420
295	Apr 24, 2024	1,400	410
291	Mar 26, 2024	1,500	338
287	Feb 29, 2024	2,500	336
282	Feb 1, 2024	7,000	365

These draws highlight Canada’s commitment to attracting French-speaking immigrants. The consistent frequency and substantial number of ITAs issued in these category-based draws highlight the advantages for candidates with strong French language proficiency.

Political Winds in Favour of French

With Canada’s recent elections, Mark Carney voiced even more support for Francophone immigration to support both the economy and Canada’s bilingual identity. His comments echo a wider political consensus: Francophone immigration is not just about culture, but also about sustaining economic growth.

Hence, investing time and effort into reaching CLB 7 or CLB 9 in French is worth it. Not only does it open pathways for permanent residency (PR) under Express Entry, but it also future-proofs your profile as more provinces launch Francophone-friendly programs.

What Does This Mean for You as a French Learner?

1. More Opportunities, Less Competition
   French-speaker draws often have lower cut-offs, giving you an advantage even if your overall CRS isn’t sky-high. It’s a chance to shine with your language score.
2. Bonus Points in Express Entry
   Hitting NCLC 7 (CLB 7) or higher in all four skills can fetch you up to 50 additional points in Express Entry — sometimes the deciding factor between receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) or waiting longer.
3. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) Are Catching On
   Provinces like Ontario, New Brunswick, and Manitoba are actively courting French-speaking candidates through their streams. This trend will likely grow as Canada doubles down on meeting its Francophone immigration goals.

Future Trends: Why Now Is the Time to Act

Looking at Canada’s 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan, the target is to welcome 4.4% Francophones outside Quebec. 

But… industry watchers suggest that political momentum (and election promises) could push this figure even higher. Meaning…. we can expect more tailored draws, incentives, and programs in the coming years.

In Conclusion
Canada’s message is clear: French speakers are in demand, and proficiency in the language can significantly boost your PR journey. With a leader like Mark Carney advocating for even stronger Francophone immigration policies, the value of your TEF or TCF preparation continues to rise.

So, keep going with your French — every new word and every practice session is bringing you closer to unlocking Canada’s doors. ✨