Why Learning French Is Not Optional — It’s a Must to Succeed in Canadian Immigration 2026–2028

If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada between 2026 and 2028, learning French isn’t just a bonus — it’s becoming a strategic necessity. In this article, we’ll explore how French proficiency creates major advantages in Canada’s Express Entry French-speaking category and the Francophone Mobility Work Permit, based on the latest information from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
We’ll also explain why expert guidance from Batis Immigration can make all the difference in navigating these programs successfully.

1. The Express Entry Advantage for French Speakers

Why French matters in Express Entry

According to IRCC, when you create an Express Entry profile, you must prove proficiency in one or both of Canada’s official languages — English or French. But French speakers enjoy significant bonus points:

• Candidates who achieve Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 7 or higher in all four French skills can receive up to 50 additional CRS points, even with moderate English.
• IRCC now holds category-based draws that specifically target French-speaking skilled workers, often with lower CRS cut-offs, giving bilingual or French-dominant candidates a strong advantage.

What it means for 2026–2028

Canada’s new Immigration Levels Plan (2026–2028) emphasizes growing the number of French-speaking immigrants outside Québec. This means:

• French speakers will continue to be prioritized in Express Entry draws.
• Applicants with French ability can compensate for slightly lower education or experience scores.
• Those who start French training now will be well-positioned for the next wave of draws.

2. The Francophone Mobility Work Permit — A Fast-Track Opportunity

What is it?

The Francophone Mobility Work Permit allows eligible French-speaking foreign nationals to work in Canada without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), provided they meet certain IRCC criteria.

Eligibility highlights (from IRCC)

• Plan to live and work outside Québec.
• Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer outside Québec.
• Show proof of French speaking and listening ability at NCLC 5 or higher.
• The position can be in a wide range of occupations (excluding some agricultural roles).

This program not only offers a faster, less complicated path to work in Canada but also helps candidates gain Canadian work experience, which strengthens their later permanent residence applications.

3. Why French Proficiency Is No Longer Optional

Here’s why French is now essential for anyone serious about immigrating to Canada:

a) Competitive Advantage and Bonus Points

Strong French skills boost your CRS score and qualify you for special Express Entry draws. These points can be the deciding factor between getting an invitation to apply or waiting another year.

b) Exclusive Access to Certain Programs

Streams like the Francophone Mobility Work Permit are only available to French-speaking applicants. Without French, you simply cannot access these pathways.

c) Alignment with Canada’s Immigration Priorities

IRCC’s Francophone Immigration Strategy clearly outlines a goal to increase the number of French-speaking newcomers outside Québec. Aligning your profile with this policy significantly increases your success rate.

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d) Integration and Employment Benefits

Beyond immigration, French opens professional and social opportunities in bilingual provinces and communities — especially as demand for bilingual professionals rises across Canada.

4. How Batis Immigration Helps You Succeed

While these programs might appear simple on paper, the reality is far more complex.
Each program — from Express Entry to Francophone Mobility — involves detailed eligibility criteria, documentation standards, and timing strategies that can make or break your application.

At Batis Immigration, our licensed consultants:

• Help assess your language level and target NCLC requirements.
• Develop a custom immigration strategy based on your profile.
• Ensure all documents and test results meet IRCC standards.
• Guide you through every step — from French language testing to submitting your final PR or work permit application.

Our deep understanding of IRCC policy updates ensures that our clients always act on time, with confidence, and avoid costly mistakes that often delay or jeopardize an application.

5. What You Should Do Now (2025–2026)

To prepare for success in the upcoming immigration cycle:

1. Start French language training today. Aim for at least NCLC 7 for Express Entry and NCLC 5 for the Francophone Mobility stream.
2. Take an approved French test (TEF Canada or TCF Canada) and keep your certificate ready.
3. Secure a job offer outside Québec to qualify for the Francophone Mobility program.
4. Create or update your Express Entry profile, adding your verified French test results.
5. Consult Batis Immigration to review your eligibility, strategy, and timing before submitting.

6. Final Thoughts

As Canada continues to prioritize French-speaking immigration from 2026 to 2028, being bilingual — or at least proficient in French — will no longer be optional; it will be essential.
Language ability alone, however, isn’t enough. Navigating the fine details of IRCC programs requires experience and precision.

That’s why partnering with Batis Immigration ensures your journey is guided by professionals who understand the nuances, policy shifts, and timing of each program. With the right coaching, preparation, and strategy, your French skills can become the key that unlocks your future in Canada.