If you are dreaming of moving to Canada through Express Entry, you have probably noticed something significant happening lately: more and more draws are specifically targeting French speakers. This is not a coincidence. Canada is actively recruiting bilingual and French-speaking professionals as part of its immigration strategy. But what does this mean for you, and how should you respond?
Express Entry draws work like this: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invites candidates who meet specific criteria to apply for Canadian permanent residence. Traditionally, most draws were open to all candidates regardless of language skills. However, recent years have seen targeted draws for French speakers, where only people with strong French abilities are eligible to apply.
These French-language draws are IRCC's way of addressing a real problem: Canada has a growing need for French speakers, especially in Quebec and other provinces. The federal government has made official bilingualism (English and French) a priority, and recruitment is one of the most direct ways to achieve that goal.
There are several reasons why Canada is prioritizing French speakers in Express Entry:
If you are a Bangladeshi student or professional in Canada or abroad, here is what you need to know: French skills can be your competitive advantage in Express Entry.
In a regular Express Entry draw, your score depends on factors like age, education, work experience, and language ability. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) awards points for English proficiency, but bonus points are also available for French. In a French-language draw, having strong French skills can dramatically improve your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence.
Even if you are not currently eligible for a French-language draw, starting your French learning journey now positions you for success in future draws. The earlier you begin, the better your score will be when you eventually apply.
IRCC accepts two main French language tests: TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Both are recognized international exams that measure your ability to read, write, listen, and speak French.
TEF Canada stands for Test d'Evaluation de Francais and is designed specifically for Canadian immigration. It has four components: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Many candidates find TEF Canada to be straightforward and well-aligned with immigration requirements.
TCF Canada is another widely accepted option. It measures similar skills and is also recognized by IRCC for Express Entry applications. Both tests are valid for two years, so timing your test strategically is important.
In addition to federal Express Entry, Quebec has its own immigration stream through the Quebec Regular Program, which requires French proficiency measured by NCLC 7 (National Occupational Classification Level 7) or higher. If Quebec is your target province, understanding NCLC 7 requirements is essential.
This depends on the specific draw and IRCC's criteria at that moment. However, to be competitive in a French-language draw, you generally want to score between 400 and 500 CRS points overall, with strong French language results contributing significantly to that total.
The higher your TEF Canada or TCF Canada scores, the more CRS points you earn. If you are targeting a French-language draw specifically, aiming for intermediate to advanced French proficiency (roughly equivalent to B2 level on the Common European Framework) is a realistic goal.
Start now. Do not wait until you are ready to submit your Express Entry profile. Here are practical steps:
French-language Express Entry draws represent a real opportunity for Bangladeshi professionals. Canada wants French speakers, and the government is actively inviting them to apply for permanent residence. By investing in your French skills now, you are not just preparing for one or two upcoming draws, you are building a genuine competitive advantage that will serve you throughout your career in Canada.
The question is not whether French-language draws are worth your attention, it is how quickly you can improve your French to take full advantage of them. If you are serious about Canada PR through Express Entry, making French a priority is one of the smartest decisions you can make.
Ready to take your French to the next level? DeshiTalksFrench offers targeted preparation for TEF Canada, TCF Canada, and NCLC 7 that is designed for learners like you. Start your free assessment today and see where you stand on your journey to Express Entry success.