Navigating the Express Entry Process: Why French is Your Secret Weapon
PrepMyFrench Team
7 min read
The Canadian Express Entry system is highly competitive. With Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off scores frequently hovering above 500 points, many candidates find themselves stuck in the pool, hoping for a miracle draw. If you are struggling to increase your score because you cannot change your age, and maxing out your IELTS score isn't enough, there is a proven solution. The core idea is simple: French is the ultimate CRS score booster. Achieving a CLB 7 in French (via the TEF or TCF Canada exams) can grant you up to 50 additional bonus points, catapulting you past the competition. Furthermore, Canada regularly holds "French-language proficiency" targeted draws, which have significantly lower CRS cut-offs. In this article, we will break down exactly how French impacts your Express Entry profile and provide a strategic roadmap to achieve that life-changing CLB 7.
The Express Entry Point System: A Quick Refresher
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) evaluates candidates based on human capital factors:
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Navigating the Express Entry Process: Why French is Your Secret Weapon
Age
Education
Work Experience
Language Proficiency (English and French)
Many candidates max out their English scores (IELTS/CELPIP) and still fall short of the cut-off. At this point, the options to increase your score are limited. You can gain more work experience (takes years), get a higher degree (expensive and takes years), or secure a valid job offer (extremely difficult from outside Canada).
This is where French becomes your secret weapon. Learning French to an intermediate level (CLB 7) is entirely within your control and can be achieved in a matter of months with dedicated study.
How French Boosts Your CRS Score
There are two primary ways that French language proficiency adds points to your Express Entry profile.
1. Direct Points for a Second Language (Up to 24 points)
If you declare English as your first official language, you can claim points for French as your second official language.
You earn points for each of the four skills (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking).
Achieving a CLB 7 or higher in all four skills will give you the maximum points available for a second language (up to 24 points depending on your marital status).
2. The Massive "Bilingual Bonus" (Up to 50 points)
This is where the real magic happens. In recent years, the Canadian government has aggressively pushed to increase Francophone immigration outside of Quebec. To incentivize this, they introduced a massive bonus for bilingual candidates.
To get this bonus, you must:
Score CLB 7 or higher on all four sections of the TEF or TCF Canada.
Score CLB 5 or higher on all four sections of your English test (IELTS/CELPIP).
If you meet these criteria, you receive 50 bonus CRS points. (If you score CLB 7 in French and CLB 4 or lower in English, you still receive a 25-point bonus).
Imagine this scenario: You are sitting at a CRS score of 460. The cut-offs are consistently at 510. You feel hopeless. You study French, pass the TEF at CLB 7, and instantly gain 50 bonus points plus up to 24 points for the second language. Your score jumps to an incredible 534!
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The Ultimate Advantage: Targeted Category-Based Draws
Even if you don't reach the absolute maximum score, French offers another, perhaps even more powerful, advantage.
IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) now conducts Category-Based Selection draws. These draws invite candidates who possess specific skills or attributes that Canada needs. One of the major categories is "French-language proficiency."
To be eligible for a French-targeted draw, you only need to score a CLB 7 or higher in all four language abilities on the TEF or TCF Canada.
Why is this so important?
Because the CRS cut-off score for French-targeted draws is usually significantly lower than general draws. We have seen French-targeted draws with cut-offs in the low 400s or even the 300s! If you have a CLB 7 in French, you essentially bypass the hyper-competitive general pool and enter a much smaller, highly prioritized VIP lane.
The Roadmap to CLB 7
You might be thinking, "This sounds great, but I don't speak a word of French." It is true that reaching an advanced-intermediate level (CLB 7) takes work, but it is highly achievable.
1. Understand the Exam (TEF vs. TCF)
Your first step is choosing the right exam. Both the TEF Canada and TCF Canada are accepted by IRCC. They test the same skills but have different formats.
TEF Canada: Known for its negative marking in the reading and listening sections (though this has recently changed in some formats, always verify the latest rules) and a very structured speaking section.
TCF Canada: Pure multiple-choice for reading and listening (no negative marking) and a slightly more conversational speaking section.
2. Start with the Basics
If you are a total beginner, don't rush into exam prep right away. Build a foundation in grammar and vocabulary. Use apps like Duolingo for the first month to get a feel for the language, but quickly transition to structured learning.
3. Transition to Exam-Specific Preparation
Once you reach an A2/B1 level, you must stop general French learning and focus exclusively on the exam format. The TEF and TCF are highly standardized tests; you can learn the "tricks" of the test.
Understand the exact structure of the Expression Orale (Speaking) and Expression Écrite (Writing) sections.
Memorize templates and advanced transition words.
4. Practice Under Exam Conditions
This is where most candidates fail. They study French, but they don't study how to take the test. You must practice under strict time limits.
This is where PrepMyFrench becomes invaluable. Our platform offers AI-powered simulators that replicate the exact conditions of the TEF and TCF. You can practice speaking and writing tasks and receive instant, AI-generated evaluations and corrections.
5. Get Professional Guidance
Self-study can only take you so far, especially with speaking and writing. If you are serious about getting your PR, investing in a structured course is the fastest route. Our Live Classes connect you with expert tutors who know exactly what the examiners are looking for and will correct the specific mistakes keeping you from CLB 7.
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Aiming for CLB 7+?
Join 15,000+ candidates efficiently preparing with our AI-powered simulator.
The Canadian immigration landscape is challenging, but learning French is the most reliable, controllable strategy to guarantee your success. It is not just about learning a new language; it is about investing in your future in Canada. A few months of dedicated study can add 50+ points to your profile and open the door to French-targeted draws. Start your journey today, utilize the right tools and simulators, and take control of your Express Entry destiny!
