How the Latest Express Entry Draw Highlights the Power of French for Your CRS Score

A Snapshot of the September 2026 Express Entry Draw

On September 28, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released a draw that invited 733 candidates who held a provincial nomination to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system. To be eligible for this draw, candidates needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 725.1

Provincial nomination is a powerful pathway because it adds a fixed 600 points to a candidate’s CRS total, often guaranteeing an invitation. However, for applicants without a nomination, every additional point matters, and that’s where French language proficiency can make a decisive difference.

Why French Still Matters in Express Entry

IRCC awards up to 30 CRS points for strong French language ability (CLB 7 or higher) when paired with English proficiency, and up to 20 points for French alone. These points are added on top of the base language score and can be the tipping factor that moves a profile from just below the cutoff to well above it.

• French‑only proficiency (CLB 7+) can add up to 20 points.
• Strong bilingual ability (English + French, both CLB 7+) can add up to 30 points.
• These points are awarded regardless of the applicant’s province of residence.

In the context of the recent 733‑nominee draw, a candidate with a base CRS score of 695 who also demonstrates high French proficiency could surpass the 725 threshold without needing a provincial nomination.

Preparing for the French Language Tests (TEF/TCF)

The two recognized French assessments for immigration are the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) and the Test de connaissance du français (TCF). Both exams evaluate listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and the results are reported in CLB levels. Aim for CLB 7 or higher to claim the maximum CRS bonus.

Key preparation tips:

• Focus on real‑world conversation topics – immigration interviews often simulate daily life scenarios.
• Practice timed reading passages to build the speed needed for the TEF/TCF reading component.
• Record yourself speaking on familiar subjects and compare to native speaker models.

French‑Focused Provincial Streams

While the current draw highlighted provincial nominees, several provinces continue to run French‑language streams within their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). For example, Alberta’s recent selection of 380 workers (Sept. 10‑23) and Newfoundland & Labrador’s invitation of 41 workers (Sept. 25) did not specifically mention French, but applicants with strong French skills remain competitive for future French‑targeted streams.

Staying informed about provincial announcements can uncover niche opportunities where French proficiency is a decisive advantage.

Action Plan for French‑Speaking Candidates

1. Take a diagnostic TEF or TCF test to gauge your current CLB level.
2. Enroll in a focused preparation course that targets the four language skills.
3. Update your Express Entry profile with accurate French test results as soon as they are available.
4. Monitor IRCC draws for any French‑specific invitations or lower CRS cutoffs where your French points could be decisive.

By turning French language ability into a strategic asset, you can improve your CRS ranking, increase your chances of receiving an invitation, and ultimately secure Canadian permanent residence.

Source: Canada invites 733 provincial nominees to apply for permanent residence