Does speaking French give me an advantage in Express Entry?

Yes, French language ability is significantly advantageous in Express Entry. Canada's federal government actively promotes francophone immigration to support French-speaking communities outside Quebec. As a result, candidates who score well on an approved French test (TEF Canada or TCF Canada) receive CRS points for French language ability in addition to — not instead of — their English points if they are also proficient in English. Being bilingual can substantially increase your total CRS score.

Beyond direct CRS points, IRCC periodically holds category-based draws specifically for French-language proficiency. These draws invite candidates with strong French skills at CRS thresholds that are often lower than the general all-programs draw threshold. This means a French-speaking candidate who might not rank high enough in a general draw could receive an ITA in a francophone-targeted draw.

Note that Quebec uses its own immigration selection system — the Quebec Skilled Worker Program and related streams — rather than Express Entry. If you intend to settle in Quebec, you will follow a different pathway. For Ontario and other provinces, the federal Express Entry system applies, and French skills are a genuine competitive advantage.