If you are aiming for Canadian immigration through Express Entry, you probably already know how much weight is given to language scores. English has always been the default focus for most candidates, but what many overlook is the massive CRS boost that French can give when combined with English. This is what is called the bilingual advantage, and it can make the difference between waiting endlessly in the pool and receiving an ITA (Invitation to Apply) much faster.
Why French is the Game-Changer in CRS
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been openly encouraging French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec. To meet Canada’s long-term goal of increasing French-speaking communities, the government rewards candidates who show proficiency in both French and English.
Here’s how this plays out in CRS:
- French as a first official language: If you score NCLC 7 or higher in French and CLB 4 or lower in English, you can already earn 25 bonus points.
- French with strong English: If you score NCLC 7 or higher in French and CLB 5 or higher in English, you earn 50 bonus points on top of your normal language points.
- Beyond this, French can push you into provincial nomination streams (PNPs) specifically designed for French-speaking candidates. That’s an automatic 600-point boost if you get nominated.
In short: even moderate French, when paired with decent English, has an outsized impact on CRS.
How Bilingual Candidates Outrank Monolingual Ones
Imagine two candidates:
- Candidate A: IELTS 8777, high work experience, good age profile. CRS = ~465.
- Candidate B: IELTS 8777 + TEF Canada with NCLC 7. CRS = ~515.
That 50-point gap is huge in today’s competitive pool where cut-offs hover in the 490s. Candidate B doesn’t just get an edge, they jump ahead of thousands of profiles.
This is why you’ll often hear success stories of people who cleared the CRS cut-off only after adding French.
Why English Alone Is No Longer Enough
With Express Entry draws getting tougher, English-only candidates often feel “stuck.” They might hit the IELTS target but still fall short on CRS. French is the fastest way to:
- Unlock additional CRS points without needing higher degrees or extra work years.
- Access Francophone-targeted draws where cut-offs are lower.
- Improve chances for PNP streams that prioritize bilinguals.
Simply put, French makes your profile future-proof.
How Much French Do You Really Need?
Here’s the good news: you don’t need to be “perfectly fluent” or reach C1/C2. For CRS boosts, B2+ level in French (NCLC 7) is the sweet spot. With the right preparation and focused practice, many candidates can achieve this within 10 to 12 months.
That’s why smart candidates now treat French as an investment, not an extra.
The Bigger Picture: Career and Life in Canada
Beyond points, being bilingual in English and French opens doors in Canada in terms of:
- Jobs: Federal and provincial jobs, especially in government, healthcare, and education, often prefer bilingual candidates.
- Integration: Easier access to communities, networking, and opportunities in French-speaking provinces like Ontario, Manitoba, and New Brunswick.
- Children’s education: French is widely taught in Canadian schools, so being bilingual helps your family adapt faster.
So the bilingual advantage isn’t just about immigration, it’s about long-term success in Canada.
And finally,
If you are serious about Express Entry Canada, don’t ignore French. It is no longer a “bonus,” it’s a key strategy to maximize CRS, secure an ITA, and future-proof your career in Canada.
At LingoRelic Language Academy, we specialize in helping candidates just like you crack TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Our bilingual training programs are designed for busy professionals who need results quickly.
Ready to use the bilingual advantage for your Express Entry journey? WhatsApp us at +91-9056131830 to join our next French learning batch.
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