TEF Test: Enhance CRS for Canada PR & track French Draw cutoff

Today, we’ll discuss an important topic: how to get Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) through the French language pathway. If you are a Francophone or speak both English and French, and you can score high enough in the Express Entry system, you can secure your PR from outside Canada. Yes, you can achieve direct PR from abroad if you meet the criteria through your French language skills.

 

While learning French can be challenging, it offers a significant advantage when applying for Canadian PR. It may not be the most popular route, but if you can master the language, it could be an excellent way to immigrate to Canada without spending a lot of money. Let’s explore the two main pathways to Canadian PR.

1.1 Two Pathways to Canadian PR

1.1.1 Express Entry for High-Scoring Candidates

If you’re among the top 1% to 5% of applicants, you can reach Canada with little or no financial investment. This is possible through the Express Entry system. By scoring well on language proficiency tests, especially in French, you can significantly increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR. French-speaking candidates are highly sought after in Canada, making it an excellent pathway for those fluent in both French and English.

1.1.2 Study Visa Pathway

Another option is to apply for a study visa. This route requires financial investment, but it provides a clear path to PR once you’re in Canada. After completing your studies, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), gain Canadian work experience, and then apply for PR through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This pathway allows you to leverage Canadian education and work experience to enhance your PR application.

1.1.2.1  Why LMIA is No Longer a Viable Option

In the past, candidates often used Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to obtain work permits or PR. However, due to fraud concerns, the Canadian government has restricted LMIA approvals. Moving forward, new LMIA will only be issued for critical sectors with high demand, and it will be subject to stricter regulations. Therefore, LMIA will no longer be a reliable option for obtaining a work permit or PR.

1.1.2.2 The French Advantage for PR

If you are proficient in French, there’s an additional opportunity. The Canadian government conducts specific Express Entry draws aimed at Francophones, those who speak both French and English. By joining this program, you can gain an edge in the Express Entry pool and secure PR more efficiently.

This pathway, although less known, is a great opportunity for Francophones, especially since Canada has a strong demand for bilingual candidates who can integrate easily into both English and French-speaking communities.

So, these are the two primary ways to obtain Canadian PR: one is if you are in a high-demand profession like healthcare or skilled trades, or if you speak French (along with English), you can apply for PR with minimal financial investment second is through Study Visa Pathway.

In this blog, we will specifically discuss how you can get your Canadian PR through your French language skills. If you’re considering using French as a pathway to Permanent Residency, you may be wondering how to go about it and how much time it will take to complete the French language test. We will cover all these details and more.

1.2 How You Can Get Canadian PR Through French Language Skills in 2025-2026

Canada is actively welcoming more immigrants in 2025-2026, especially those who are proficient in French. If you have excellent English skills and have scored highly on your IELTS GT (General Training) exam (for example, 8,7,7,7), you might still find it difficult to meet the current Express Entry cutoff, which has been over 500 points in the last year. Even if you have a master’s degree, reaching the cutoff score for Express Entry can be nearly impossible if your CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score is too low. So, what can you do in this situation?

The answer is simple: learn French.

1.2.1  Why Should You Learn French?

If you already have a strong English language proficiency, but you’re not able to reach the Express Entry cutoff, learning French could be the key to securing your Canadian PR. Even if you’re not fluent in French, you can still benefit from improving your French language skills specifically for the TEF Canada (Test d’Évaluation de Français) exam.

1.2.2 Preparing for the TEF Canada Exam

To increase your chances of success, you can prepare specifically for the TEF Canada test. You don’t need to be fluent in French to succeed; you just need to focus on achieving a B2 level. In about 8 to 10 months, you can prepare for the test and be ready to achieve the B2 level, which is the benchmark score needed to be considered a Francophone for Canadian immigration. Even if you don’t learn every aspect of the French language, you can still score well enough in the test to qualify.

1.2.3 What Does It Mean to Be a Francophone?

Once you achieve the B2 level in French, you can be classified as a Francophone. This will significantly increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian PR. The Canadian government is especially keen to welcome Francophone immigrants in the upcoming years, as this helps strengthen the country’s bilingual workforce and diverse communities.

1.2.4 How French Can Help You Get Canadian PR in the Next Two Years

In the coming two years, Canada is expected to invite more than 30,000 applicants specifically through the French category. While Express Entry draws for French speakers are already underway, there may be even more options for obtaining Canadian PR through French in the future. Right now, Express Entry is a key pathway, but Canada’s commitment to increasing its Francophone immigration means there are more opportunities coming for French-speaking applicants.

1.2.4.1  Quebec: A Special Opportunity for French Speakers

One particular province, Quebec, has historically had a separate immigration system. While Quebec doesn’t invite as many people as other provinces, French speakers have a much higher chance of getting their PR in this province. Quebec is known for welcoming Francophone immigrants quickly and providing invitations for those who meet the requirements. If you are proficient in French, your chances of receiving an invitation for Quebec’s immigration program significantly increase.

1.2.4.2 More Pathways for French Speakers in the Future

In addition to Express Entry, more immigration pathways are being developed specifically for Francophones. The Canadian government is placing increased importance on French language skills to support bilingualism across the country. This means that, if you are proficient in French (at a B2 level or higher), you may have multiple options to secure your Canadian PR in the next few years.

With ongoing developments and growing demand for Francophone immigrants, this is a great time to invest in learning French. In just 1-2 years, you could be well on your way to securing your PR through the French category.

1.2.5 How Learning French Can Help You Get Canadian PR Faster

When I started my PhD in Quebec, I began learning French alongside my studies. I quickly realized that learning a new language can take a significant amount of time. Typically, it takes about two years to learn a new language fluently. However, if your goal is not to become completely fluent but simply to pass a language test, such as the TEF Canada (Test d’Évaluation de Français), you can achieve this in a much shorter time. With focused preparation, it is possible to clear the test in just 8 to 10 months.

1.2.5.1 Learning French for the Test vs. Learning the Language Completely

Learning a language for everyday use and learning it specifically for a test are two very different things. For example, consider the PTE test (Pearson Test of English). Many people who aren’t fluent in English can still score well on the PTE test. Even though their overall English skills may not be strong, they can score 60, 65, 70, or even 73 in the test, because the PTE test evaluates specific language skills that can be learned in a focused manner.

Similarly, when preparing for the TEF Canada test, you don’t need to learn the entire language. Instead, you can concentrate on the aspects of the French language that are tested. This means you don’t need to master every nuance of grammar, vocabulary, or the full range of language skills. If you dedicate yourself to preparing for the test specifically, you can be well-prepared within a year.

1.2.5.2 Preparing for TEF Canada and Getting Canadian PR

From my experience, if you prepare directly for the TEF Canada test, you can achieve your B2-level French proficiency within 8 to 10 months. This will enable you to apply for Canadian PR through the Express Entry system or the Francophone-specific draws. At Globexa Immigration, we offer specialized training for the TEF Canada test, and we can help you prepare effectively and efficiently.

If you’re already in Canada and struggling to get your PR through PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) or other means, learning French can also be a great option. If you’re in Ontario, British Columbia, or any other province, but you don’t want to move to a Francophone region, French can still help you. With B2-level French, you may be eligible for various immigration pathways, including Express Entry or Francophone draws.

1.2.5.3 French as an Option for PR from Outside Canada

Even if you’re outside Canada, learning French can help you get your Canadian PR. In the next few years, the Canadian government is expected to prioritize Francophone immigration, especially for those who demonstrate French proficiency. By learning French and achieving the required B2 level, you can increase your chances of being invited to apply for PR, even if you’re living outside Canada.

1.2.5.4 Other Options to Get Canadian PR

If you’re willing to spend money and want a more straightforward pathway, applying for a study visa is another great option. Once you’re in Canada, you can complete your studies, and then apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). If your spouse is with you, they can apply for an open work permit and accompany you throughout your studies. After completing your education in Canada, both the student and the spouse can apply for PR, either through the PNP or Express Entry system.

So, whether you’re inside or outside Canada, learning French can be a valuable pathway to Canadian PR. It’s an excellent option for those who want to immigrate without spending a lot of money.

1.2.5.5 How French Language Can Help You Get Canadian PR Faster

Let’s take a look at the Express Entry draws and see how French language proficiency can help you get your Canadian PR quickly.

1.2.6  French-Specific Express Entry Draws

Here are the details of some recent Express Entry French draws in Year 2024:

Date	Draw Type	Number of ITAs	Minimum CRS
December 3	French language proficiency	800	466
November 15	French language proficiency	800	478
October 10	French language proficiency	1,000	444
September 13	French language proficiency	1,000	446
August 15	French language proficiency	2,000	394
July 18	French language proficiency	1,800	400
July 8	French language proficiency	3,200	420
April 24	French language proficiency	1,400	410
March 26	French language proficiency	1,500	388
February 29	French language proficiency	2,500	336
February 1	French language proficiency	7,000	365

• In the latest draw on December 3, 800 invitations were issued with a minimum CRS score of 466.
  
  
• This is a slight decrease from the previous draw on November 15, which had a minimum CRS score of 478.
  
  
• Prior to that, a draw on October 10 saw 1,000 ITAs with a lower cut-off score of 444.
  
  
• The September 13 draw had a cut-off score of 446, followed by a draw on August 15 with a significant drop to 394.
  
  
• The cut-off score has fluctuated over time, with earlier draws in 2024 showing scores as low as 336.

As you can see, there are regular French-specific draws, with cut-off scores ranging from 394 to 478. On average, the cut-off score tends to be around 450. If you score around 450 in Express Entry, you’ll likely receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), especially if you add points for French language proficiency.

 

1.2.6.1 How French Can Boost Your CRS Score

When you add French language skills at the B2 level, you earn 62 points in your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. If your score is around 450, 460, or even 425, adding these 62 points can push your CRS score above the cut-off threshold, making it easier to receive an invitation for Canadian PR.

1.2.6.2 The Advantage of French Draws

With regular French-language draws taking place, your chances of getting invited for PR increase significantly. While the cut-off may rise in the future, if you act quickly and prepare for the TEF Canada test, you can still meet the cut-off for French-language draws and secure your invitation for PR, even from outside Canada.

1.2.7 Minimal Investment for Maximum Return

One of the best parts of applying through French language is the low cost involved. If you spend between $2,000 and $3,000 on learning French and another $2,000 to $3,000 in other expenses, you can complete the entire process for as little as $7,000 to $8,000. This is a highly affordable way to obtain Canadian PR, especially when compared to other pathways that may cost more.

By preparing quickly and effectively for the French language test, you can potentially get your PR with very little financial investment.

1.3 How to Calculate Your CRS Score for Canadian PR

Calculating your CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score is a crucial step when applying for Canadian PR through Express Entry. There are many websites that provide CRS calculators, but it’s recommended to use the official CRS calculator from the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) website.

1.3.1 Steps to Use the CRS Calculator

• Select Your Marital Status

First, choose whether you’re single or married. This is important, as your marital status impacts the total points you receive in the CRS score. If you’re married, the CRS calculator will ask for additional information regarding your spouse, such as their language test score, education, and work experience. You can experiment with different combinations in the calculator to see how your score changes.

• Add Your Age

Your age plays a significant role in your CRS score. For example, if you’re 31 now but plan to complete your French language proficiency tests in the next year (when you’ll be 32), you can add that year to the calculation. It’s crucial to anticipate your future progress when calculating your CRS score.

• Enter Your Education Level

Your level of education is another critical component of your CRS score. You’ll need to evaluate your foreign credentials to ensure they are equivalent to Canadian educational standards. For this, you must complete an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). WES (World Education Services) is the most recognized agency for this process. For instance, if you have a Bachelor’s degree from India, Pakistan, Nepal, or another country, the ECA will verify whether your degree is equivalent to a Canadian Bachelor’s degree.

Complete Your ECA Before Proceeding

It’s important to complete your ECA before proceeding with your Express Entry profile. If you’re serious about applying for Canadian PR, this step is essential. The ECA costs around $300 CAD, so only do this if you’re ready to proceed with your application. Avoid wasting money if you’re not ready to take the next steps yet.

Avoid Common Misconceptions

 

Many consultants may claim that you’ll receive an invitation for PR through PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) or LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment). However, this is no longer the case. Even with a CLB 9 (IELTS scores of 8,7,7,7), a Master’s degree, and 3+ years of experience, there’s no guarantee that you’ll receive an ITA (Invitation to Apply) through Express Entry.

In 2019, I personally had all the required qualifications but didn’t receive an invitation. Considering current trends, it’s even more unlikely today. LMIA points for Express Entry are essentially closed, and PNP invitations from outside Canada are significantly limited.

Why PNP and LMIA Aren’t Viable for Applicants Outside Canada

If you’re outside Canada and expect to receive a PNP invitation or rely on LMIA for additional points, it’s unlikely to happen. To qualify for PNP, you typically need a job offer and Canadian work experience. Canadian education and work experience are highly valued, and candidates who have gained these within Canada are given priority.

In short, Express Entry candidates from outside Canada who don’t have Canadian education or Canadian work experience are not the first preference. There are already enough candidates within Canada vying for those spots, making it less likely that those outside Canada will receive invitations. Moreover, LMIA-based Express Entry points are no longer valid, and there’s a strong indication that this route will be officially closed in the near future.

The most effective pathway to Canadian PR involves hard work and investing in language proficiency (like achieving French proficiency).

ECA and the Role of WES, IQAS, and CES

ECA is essential if you want to determine whether your foreign degree is equivalent to a Canadian credential. There are several agencies that provide ECA services, including WES, IQAS, and CES. Once you complete your ECA, you will receive an equivalency report. For instance, if you have a Master’s degree, it will typically be considered equivalent to a Canadian Master’s degree. However, in some cases, your degree might be recognized as two separate qualifications. For example, if you have an MBA, WES might consider it as both a post-graduate diploma and a Master’s degree.

If you completed your MBA at a lower-ranked university, such as a non-NACC A-grade university, it is advisable to consider IQAS for your ECA, as they might provide a more favourable assessment. On the other hand, if you hold a technical degree, such as an MTech or MSc, WES is the better option because they process technical degrees more quickly. WES typically provides results much faster, while IQAS can take up to six months or more.

For this particular profile, let’s assume you have a Master’s degree. Depending on the study you’ve completed, it could be considered equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree. If you have completed a Canadian degree, you will be able to answer “Yes” to the relevant question. If not, simply answer “No.”

• Language Proficiency

To improve your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR, you need to provide proof of your official language proficiency. The most commonly accepted language tests are IELTS, PTE, and CELPIP. IELTS is widely used for Canadian immigration, but PTE and CELPIP are also great alternatives. Both PTE and CELPIP are computer-based tests and might be easier compared to IELTS.

Let’s assume you’ve taken the IELTS General test and scored 8, 7, 7, 7 in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, respectively. This would give you a CLB 9 (Canadian Language Benchmark) score, which is considered a benchmark score for Canadian immigration.

If you score lower than CLB 9, your CRS score will decrease, but for now, we are proceeding with the assumption of a CLB 9, which is typically enough to increase your score to above 450.

1. Work Experience

Your work experience in Canada will also contribute to your CRS score. If you’ve worked in Canada for one, two, or three years, you can include that in your Express Entry profile. However, if you are applying from outside Canada, you will need to include your international work experience.

For example, if you have three or more years of work experience, it will be counted as skilled work experience, even if you were also studying full-time during that period. If you worked as a teacher while pursuing your Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), for example, this will count as skilled experience.

When submitting your PR application, you must be prepared to provide documentation related to your studies and work experience. Be sure to include evidence like income tax returns, Form 16, and bank statements. Visa officers may request these documents during the PR process, so it’s important to keep everything organized.

• Canadian Experience and Education

If you have any Canadian education or work experience, it will add valuable points to your CRS score. A Canadian degree or work experience significantly boosts your score.

• Spouse’s Information (if applicable)

If you’re married or in a common-law partnership, the CRS calculator will ask for your spouse’s language proficiency, education, and work experience. If your spouse has Canadian work experience, education, or high language test scores, it will increase your overall CRS score.

• Certificate of Qualification in Canada and LMIA

If you have completed a certificate program in Canada, you may get additional points for your Canadian qualification. However, most certificates issued for the purpose of gaining PR are often misused, and many have been rejected in the past. Now, Canada is more stringent, and they will reject your application if you try to use fake certificates to gain additional points.

Also, if you are applying through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) route, be aware that you will no longer be able to claim points for LMIA. The LMIA route will be removed in future draws, so it is no longer a valid way to gain points.

• PNP and RNIP Nominations

If you receive a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination from any province, you will be awarded 600 additional points. This means that if you are nominated by Alberta, for example, you will gain the PR of Alberta and can submit your Express Entry profile with the added 600 points.

The same applies to the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP). This program is now a permanent stream, and any nomination under RNIP will also give you 600 additional points, boosting your CRS score significantly. In most cases, your CRS score will exceed 500, often reaching scores of 700, 800, or even 900.

Receiving a nomination like this virtually guarantees your Canadian PR, as the separate PNP draws give priority to applicants with high CRS scores. However, if you do not have a PNP or RNIP nomination, your score will be lower, and you may need to explore other ways to increase your CRS score.

• Family Members in Canada

If you have a brother or sister in Canada who is a permanent resident or citizen, you will get an additional 15 points for your CRS score. However, in most cases, applicants do not have relatives living in Canada, so this category is often not applicable.

Calculating Your CRS Score

Now, let’s calculate your CRS score. If you are a single applicant, your CRS score could be as follows:

• Education: 135 points (Master’s Degree)
• Official Language Proficiency: 50 points (IELTS score of 8, 7, 7, 7)
• Work Experience: 50 points (Foreign skilled work experience of 3 years)
• Additional Factors: 600 points (for PNP nomination, if applicable)

This brings your score to 453 without the PNP nomination.

 

• Additional Points for French Proficiency

If you add French language proficiency with the TEF (Test d’évaluation de français), you can further increase your CRS score. For example, if you score at B2 level in French, it will give you additional points, bringing your score to 515.

1.3.2 How French Can Help You Get PR

If your CRS score is below the cutoff, learning French can significantly improve your chances. By scoring well on the TEF, you can boost your score and increase your chances of receiving an ITA. For those who are outside Canada, this is a valuable tool, as few people know both English and French.

In some cases, French-speaking candidates can have higher chances of getting PR through special draws for Francophones. Decreasing English Scores: If your English scores are slightly lower, for instance, 6.5 in some sections, your CRS score may decrease to around 433. While this score is not guaranteed to get you an ITA, applying under the Francophone stream might increase your chances. Age Consideration: If you’re under 30, the CRS score will improve. For example, if you’re 29, you can add 15 points for age. This can significantly increase your chances of receiving an ITA.

1.3.3 Improving Your CRS Score

• Boost your language test scores: Achieving higher IELTS or TEF results increases your score.
  
  
• Learn French: As a francophone, you’ll have more opportunities and increased chances of getting an ITA.
  
  
• Complete Canadian education: If you’re planning to study in Canada, a Canadian degree can help you gain more points.
  
  
• Work experience: More experience and Canadian work experience add valuable points.

By actively working on these factors, you can increase your CRS score and improve your chances of receiving an ITA for Canadian PR.

To maximize your CRS score and increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR), it’s crucial to focus on improving key factors like language proficiency, education, and work experience. If you’re applying from outside Canada, learning French can significantly boost your score and give you a competitive edge in the Express Entry system. At Globexa Immigration, we specialize in French language training to help you achieve the required proficiency level, as well as providing expert guidance on Express Entry, PNP, and RNIP applications. Contact us today to begin your path to Canadian PR and take the first step toward securing your future in Canada.