Written by Gabriela Estrada

When it comes to building an immigration profile for travel to Canada, many think that the ideal is to achieve an intermediate-advanced English (CLB 7). intermediate-advanced English (CLB 7), and do not give as much importance to French. Even if they speak it, they keep it at a pre-intermediate level (CLB 5), but what about the opposite? but what about the other way around? With the recent changes to Canada's Express Entry system, Express Entry, activating the French-speaking profile is a huge advantage to raise your score, increase your chances of being selected in a lottery and receive the coveted ITA (Invitation to Apply).

At Planeta Immiland, our English and French language school for immigration purposes, we know that mastering French is no longer just a requirement, but for more than a year now it has become the accelerator for any immigration process to Canada. So if you have not yet reached the French CLB 7, read this blog to the end and activate your French-speaking profile to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry. Let's get started!

What does French-speaking profile mean in Express Entry?

A candidate has a French-speaking profile in Express Entry when he/she demonstrates a high level of French, measured through an official exam such as the TEF or TEC. To activate this profile, the candidate must reach at least a CLB 7 in French.

Although specific draws for francophones have not been held since March 2025, the Canadian government continues to prioritize these candidates. Having a francophone profile gives you a competitive position in the Express Entry pool, making you eligible for specific draws with lower cut-off scores and granting you an immigration advantage that can accelerate your path to permanent residency outside of Quebec.

How to achieve a CLB 7 in French

The CLB 7 level in French demonstrates that you are able to handle most conversations in everyday and professional situations. Understand and produce clear and detailed texts and express your ideas fluently and coherently.

To reach this CLB level, it is necessary to take specific French courses. Planeta Immiland offers virtual programs that take you to CLB level 7 (B2) in 9 months, depending on your initial command of the language. These are intensive courses that prepare you in the 4 basics of the language (speaking, listening, reading and writing) to take an international exam such as the TEF or the TCF, which you will take in the immigration process to demonstrate your mastery of the language.

To reach the CLB 7 level, it is necessary to know where you are in your command of French. You can take our free level evaluation test and discover the potential of your French-speaking profile.

The CLB 7 level adds crucial points and activates your French-speaking profile.

Once you have improved your French and can prove with an international exam (TEF or TEC) that you have mastered the language at CLB 7 level, your immigration profile as a French speaker will be more activated than ever to compete in the Express Entry system. The level CLB 7 in French and CLB 5 in English can add up to 50 additional points to your CRS score, which, combined with your experience and education, can make the difference between receiving an invitation to Canada or continuing to wait.

Step by step: how to activate your French-speaking profile

Activating your French-speaking profile is a process that requires constant study, methodology, guided and strategic preparation with a clear focus on your objective. If you are thinking of immigrating to Canada and language is your best ally, follow these key steps:

1. Create or update your Express Entry profile and keep it active in the active in the pool pool of applicants in the system. This is the basis of the whole process.
2. Take the French language test to prove your level. It can be an official exam such as the TEF Canada or the TCF Canada. It is essential that you obtain a minimum score of CLB 7 in all four skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading comprehension and writing. Guided preparation with a certified teacher is also recommended for this exam. See our international exam preparation courses.
3. Select French as your first official language, this will allow you to add additional points to your score.
4. Make sure you meet the other requirements of the Express Entry program for which you are eligible (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class or Federal Skilled Trades), including qualifying work experience and the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
5. Wait for the drawings by categories for which you have worked on your eligibility, in particular for "Proficiency in the French language"..

Finally, I would like to highlight the advantages of being French-speaking in Canada's Express Entry:

• CRS scores are lower than the general draws.
• You get additional points for bilingualism (English and French).
• You have access to exclusive pilot programssuch as the Francophone Community Immigration Pilotwhich offers permanent residency to skilled workers who wish to live in French-speaking communities outside Quebec.

Activating your French-speaking profile is one of the best options offered by Canada for those who are looking to emigrate and settle in the country. Mastering French at CLB 7 level is easier and faster than you think. It is a matter of focus and strategy, guided preparation and consistency in your goals.

Are you ready to take the first step and achieve a CLB 7 in French? At Planeta Immiland, we prepare you to raise your score with a migratory approach. 

Learn more about our French courses and make your dream of living in Canada come true!

I hope you find this topic useful, thank you very much for reading, see you in the next blog!

With love, 

Planeta Immiland Education