By: Karina Juma, Canadian Immigration & Refugee Lawyer, Heron Law Offices
On February 6, 2026, IRCC had its first French-Language Proficiency draw of the year under the Express Entry (“EE”) system, issuing 8,500 invitations to candidates with a Comprehensive Ranking System (“CRS”) score of 400.
EE candidates with French language skills have a comparative advantage over other applicants, with other recent EE draws having much higher CRS score cut-offs:
- January 5, 2026: Provincial Nominee Program (CRS = 711)
- January 7, 2026: Canadian Experience Class (CRS = 511)
- January 20, 2026: Provincial Nominee Program (CRS = 746)
- January 21, 2026: Canadian Experience Class (CRS = 509)
- February 3, 2026: Provincial Nominee Program (CRS = 749)
- February 6, 2026: French-Language Proficiency (CRS = 400)
I’m an EE candidate: what does this draw mean for me?
Candidates with a French level of 7 or higher in reading, writing, listening, and speaking and an English level of 5 or higher on all four language skills can get up to 50 additional CRS points, while candidates with a French level of 7 or higher on all four language skills and an English level of 4 or lower in the four skills can get up to 25 additional CRS points.
This means that knowing French can boost your score and increase your chances at receiving an invitation to apply (“ITA”) for permanent residence.
I was invited to apply under this draw: what does this draw mean for me?
Congratulations! You have 60 days from receiving your ITA to submit a complete application for permanent residence. Ensure that your language test results are still valid when you submit your permanent residence application, or it risks being refused.
If you’re interested in entering the Express Entry pool or in applying for permanent residence and have questions about how French language skills can benefit you, contact Heron Law Offices for a consultation tailored to your needs.
