If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada, learning French — and proving it through an official exam like TEF Canada, TEF Québec (TEFaQ), or TCF Canada — can completely change your chances.
In recent years, Canada has made French proficiency a priority factor in immigration selection, especially within Express Entry and Francophone immigration streams.

🇨🇦 How French Boosts Your Express Entry Profile

Express Entry is Canada’s main system for selecting skilled immigrants. Applicants are ranked using a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) that awards points for age, education, experience, and language ability.
👉 Learn about Express Entry – Government of Canada

In 2023, French language ability officially became one of the category-based selection criteria under Express Entry. That means candidates with strong French test results are invited in special French-language draws, often with lower CRS cut-offs than regular rounds.

If you reach NCLC 7 or higher in all four French skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing), you can also earn up to 50 extra CRS points — a major advantage in the ranking system.
👉 IRCC: Francophone Immigration through Express Entry

🏫 Take Your Official French Exam in Montreal

To prove your French proficiency for immigration, you must take an exam officially recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
👉 Official IRCC list of accepted language tests

You can register directly at CSA Montreal – Official TEF/TEFaQ Exam Centre, the authorized testing site for both TEF Canada and TEF Québec (TEFaQ):

• Register for TEF Canada Exam – CSA Montreal
• Register for TEF Québec (TEFaQ) Exam – CSA Montreal

Each exam evaluates the four core skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Early preparation with structured coaching can dramatically improve your results — and your immigration prospects.

🌍 The Francophone Advantage: A Growing Opportunity

Canada is actively encouraging Francophone immigration outside Québec. The government’s strategy aims to increase the number of French-speaking permanent residents across all provinces.
👉 IRCC Report: French-Speaking Immigrant Admissions Targets

In 2023, nearly 19,600 new permanent residents identified French as their first official language outside Québec — a record that highlights how valuable bilingual newcomers are to Canada.
👉 Government of Canada Francophone Immigration Overview

By proving your French skills through TEF or TCF exams, you not only raise your CRS score but also qualify for dedicated Francophone draws and programs — giving you a competitive advantage that English-only candidates often lack.

⏰ Why You Should Start Preparing Now

• Government priorities are clear – Francophone immigration is expanding outside Québec.
• Results remain valid for two years – early testing keeps you ready for future draws.
• Bilingual candidates stand out – French-speaking applicants remain a smaller group, which increases your selection chances.

🎯 How to Take Action

1. Choose the right exam: TEF Canada or TCF Canada for federal programs, TEFaQ for Québec.
2. Aim for NCLC 7: Achieve this benchmark to unlock full CRS bonus points.
3. Train in all four skills: Listening and speaking often carry the most weight.
4. Update your Express Entry profile: Upload your results as soon as available.
5. Think beyond immigration: French fluency helps you live, work, and thrive in bilingual Canada.