French: The Game-Changer That Can Open Doors in Your Canadian Immigration Journey

When we talk about immigrating to Canada, the first thing that comes to mind for most people is: I need to speak English. And indeed, English is essential for many immigration processes, especially for those seeking opportunities outside the province of Quebec. But what many don’t know — or end up overlooking — is that French can be a true asset in your immigration journey.

French is gaining prominence in immigration programs

The Canadian government has made it increasingly clear that it wants to attract candidates who are proficient in French. And the numbers speak for themselves.

In March 2025 alone, the federal immigration system (Express Entry) held two specific draws for the "French Language Proficiency" category. The first invited 7,000 candidates, and the second — held just a few days later — invited another 4,500 candidates. That’s a total of 11,500 people selected simply for having strong French skills.

This selection category is part of Canada’s strategy to strengthen bilingualism and support Francophone communities outside of Quebec. At the same time, it represents a major opportunity for those looking to increase their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

You don’t have to be fluent to make a difference

A common question we hear from clients is: “Do I have to be fluent in French to benefit from this?”

The answer is: not necessarily.

Of course, the higher your score on an official French language test (like TEF Canada or TCF Canada), the more points you’ll earn in the Express Entry ranking system. But even with an intermediate level, you can already gain valuable points and, more importantly, qualify for specific categories like “French Language Proficiency,” which are becoming more frequent.

Additionally, in some provincial programs (such as OINP – Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program), having French knowledge can be the factor that sets you apart from other candidates with similar profiles.

French opens more than doors in Express Entry

Beyond enhancing your technical profile, French can also help with integration in the job market and community life. Some provinces — like New Brunswick, Manitoba, and parts of Ontario — have a strong Francophone presence, and employers in these regions value candidates who can communicate in both of Canada’s official languages.

In other words, learning French isn’t just about getting more points — it’s a smart long-term strategy.

If you’re planning your immigration, or if you already have an active Express Entry profile and feel your score isn’t quite high enough, this may be the perfect time to consider French as a real advantage.