How to Learn French for Canada PR and Boost Your CRS Score
Canada Is a Bilingual Country
Canada is bilingual with a diverse culture.
Canada's official languages are English and French.
French is spoken in Quebec and many parts of Ontario, New Brunswick, and other provinces.
If you want to immigrate to Canada, learning French can help you a lot.
French Can Boost Your CRS Score in Canadian Immigration
IRCC has been emphasizing French language proficiency in Express Entry draws for Canadian Permanent Residence and gives extra points in Express Entry to people who speak both official languages.
In 2025, there have been three French-language proficiency draws for Canadian PR, with the lowest score required for Canada PR dropping to 379 on March 21, 2025, when 7,500 candidates were invited.
This shows that knowing French can improve your PR eligibility with a much lower CRS score.
This trend indicates a continued focus from Canadian authorities on French speaking candidates, likely extending for at least another three years.
Learning French has become a strategic option for applicants with English language as their first language aiming to gain Canadian permanent residency for academic and professional purposes . General French language skills can enhance your scores in the Express Entry Pool and open doors to additional immigration pathways.
Why Learn French for Immigration?
French can help you:
- Get more points in Express Entry
- Be selected in French-language category draws
- Qualify for Francophone work permits
- Be more competitive in the job market
- Integrate better into Canadian society
Bonus CRS Points for French Speakers for Canadian Permanent Residency
The EE Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) awards additional points for bilingual candidates.
Specifically, you can earn up to 50 bonus points if you achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7 or higher in French, which is considered a high level of French alongside a CLB 5 or higher in English.
Moreover, taking a second official language test can significantly boost your CRS score, potentially adding up to 65 points if you have strong English skills and moderate French proficiency.
That can make a big difference in your CRS ranking.
French Language Draws Have Lower Cutoffs in Express Entry
Beyond the extra points, French language skills can make you eligible for category-based draws with lower CRS thresholds.
For instance, in 2025, the lowest CRS score for a general Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw was 547, while a French language proficiency draw had a minimum score as low as 379 .
So if your CRS score is low, French can help you qualify in a different way.
French Skills Help You Get a Job
Additionally, spoken French language abilities enhances your competitiveness in the Canadian job market and provides more job opportunities, as many government and private sector employers value bilingualism, especially in roles involving public interaction or national operations, where general French knowledge and language skills are in high demand for effective communication.
Many jobs in Canada prefer bilingual workers in both official languages, especially in:
- Government
- Healthcare
- Education
- Customer service
- Tourism
Even basic French can open more job opportunities.
French Helps in Day-to-Day Life in Canadian Societ
In some parts of Canada, like Montreal or Ottawa, you’ll see signs in French and English.
If you speak some French, you can:
- Talk to more people
- Read local news and signs
- Feel more confident in your community
CLB 7 in French Is Challenging
To get CLB 7 in French, you must score well in:
- Listening
- Speaking
- Reading
- Writing
This is not easy, especially if you’ve never studied French before.
But even a lower level, like CLB 5, is helpful and gives you access to other programs.
Learn French for a Work Permit
Applicants with a CLB 5 or higher in listening comprehension and speaking are eligible for the Francophone Mobility work permit.
With this permit:
- Employers don’t need an LMIA
- It’s faster and easier to get hired
- You can work outside Quebec
This program allows Canadian employers outside Quebec to hire French-speaking workers without obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
This means it costs the employer less to hire you and they don't have to advertise the job to Canadian residents before they can hire you. Francophone Mobility work permits can be issued for up to three years and are renewable, provided the applicant maintains valid French language test results.
Gaining Canadian work experience through this permit can significantly bolster your Express Entry profile, as Canadian experience is a valuable factor in CRS calculations.
Francophone Mobility Work Permit Basics
The permit can be valid for up to 3 years.
It can be renewed as long as your French test results are still valid.
This is a great way to gain Canadian work experience, which also gives you more CRS points later.
How Long Does It Take to Learn?
Based on our observations:
- It typically takes a dedicated individual about two years to achieve CLB 7 in French
- This is while working full-time and studying part-time in an English-speaking environment
- Written French is often the hardest skill to improve
But every person is different. With more time and effort, you can reach your goal faster.
Best Ways to Learn French
There are many ways to learn French for Canada immigration.
Here are some of the most popular:
1. Phone Apps
Use apps like:
These apps help you learn vocabulary and basic grammar. Some even let you talk to real French speakers.
2. Read French Books
- Start with simple books or children's books.
- As you improve, read newspapers or novels in French.
This helps with vocabulary and reading comprehension.
3. Take French online courses
Many websites offer online French classes, such as:
You can study at your own pace, often for free or at low cost.
Online courses also don't typically require a study permit to attend, whether you are inside or outside of Canada.
4. Listen to French Radio and Music
Listening improves your listening comprehension and pronunciation.
Try French music on Spotify, or radio stations like:
5. Watch French TV Shows and Movies
Use subtitles in your language first, then switch to French subtitles.
This helps you hear how French is spoken naturally.
6. Talk to French-Speaking Friends
Speak with French-speaking friends to practice oral expression and oral comprehension as much as possible.
Join French conversation groups online or in your city.
Speaking regularly helps with fluency, confidence and oral comprehension.
7. Write in French
Start by writing notes, journal entries, or simple emails in French to improve your written skills and written comprehension.
This builds your written skills by improving your written expression and grammar.
8. Join Language Exchange Programs
Websites like Tandem, Speaky, or Conversation Exchange connect you with native French speakers who want to learn your language.
It’s free and helps both people learn.
9. Attend French Classes In Person
If available, join a local French class at a school, college, or community centre.
Having a teacher can give you structure and feedback.
Note that if you are attending in-person courses in Canada, you may need a study permit to do so. Consult with our team if you are unsure whether a study permit is needed.
10. Live in a French-Speaking Country
For those who are serious about improving French in order to immigrate to Canada, spending time in a French speaking environment can help you learn much faster than studying alone. Nothing helps more than immersion.
If you're eligible for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, consider participating in an IEC work permit in a French-speaking country. Countries like France, Belgium, and Luxembourg may have agreements with your country of origin, allowing young adults to gain international work experience. Immersing yourself in a French-speaking environment can accelerate your language acquisition by forcing you in to consistent practice, making it easier to achieve the desired CLB levels for Canada PR.
11. Use French Daily
Label things in your home in French.
Try thinking in French or making grocery lists in French.
Small habits build strong language skills.
12. Study with a Tutor
A tutor can focus on your weak points and help you prepare for the French tests.
You can find tutors online or through language schools.
Demonstrating French Proficiency - French Exam for Canada PR
To prove your French for immigration, you must take:
- TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français), or
- TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français)
TEF Canada test d’évaluation de français and TCF Canada test de connaissance assess your abilities in:
- Listening
- Speaking
- Reading
- Writing
Your scores are then converted to the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) levels, which correspond to the CLB levels.
Register Early for the Test
Test spots fill up fast.
Check with official test centres in your area and plan ahead.
Results usually take a few weeks.
Don’t Forget to Study for the Test
Even if your French is good, prepare carefully.
Understand the test format and practice with sample questions.
A good score makes a big difference in your PR chances.
Improve English Instead of French for Canadian PR
French can make it easier for you to gain Permanent Residency in Canada through the Express Entry system, but it's definitely not easy to learn a new language.
Sometimes it makes more sense to focus on improving your English scores instead of starting French from zero.
Scoring CLB 9 or higher in all four English skills can significantly increase your points, particularly in the language and skill transferability sections of the CRS, thus significantly enhance your chance to receive an invitation.
For native speakers of English, this may be a more practical way to gain points.
Choose What Works Best for You
You don’t have to do both French and English.
Think about your time, budget, and learning style.
Choose the path that gives you the most benefit for your situation.
Next Steps
Navigating the complexities of Canadian PR application and Canadian citizenship can be challenging. To determine the most effective strategy tailored to the unique circumstances of your PR journey, we recommend that you schedule an immigration consultation with our firm. Our experienced team can provide personalized guidance to help you achieve your Canadian immigration goals.
Mastering the Canada PR & CRS Points System: A Complete Guide to Increasing Your Express Entry Score
