Learn English to CLB 7 and Boost Your Canada Immigration Odds

Why French Speakers Should Consider Learning English for Immigration

For French-speaking candidates, learning English goes beyond adding another skill. It becomes a powerful tool that can increase your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and open doors across Canada’s immigration system.

Canada is officially bilingual, but English dominates in most provinces and labour markets. Achieving a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 in English can strengthen your Express Entry profile, expand your job options, and make settlement easier once you arrive.

Impact on Your CRS Score

Language ability ranks as one of the most heavily weighted factors under Express Entry. Achieving CLB 7 in all four English abilities (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) can significantly impact your score.

You can receive up to 12 CRS points under Core Human Capital for second official language proficiency. You can also receive up to 50 additional CRS points under Additional Factors when CLB 7 English combines with strong French results.

In total, CLB 7 in English can contribute up to 62 CRS points. This often moves a candidate from below the cut-off score to receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

How English Proficiency Expands Your Opportunities in Canada

While French proficiency proves especially valuable in Quebec and francophone-focused immigration streams, English proficiency greatly expands geographic and professional mobility.

With strong English skills, you can live and work in almost any province or territory. You can access a much larger job market, as most employers operate primarily in English. You can compete for national and international employers, including remote roles.

English skills help you integrate more easily into English-speaking workplaces. You can build broader professional and social networks. You can navigate daily life more independently, from healthcare to travel and social activities.

English effectively transforms a candidate’s options from region-specific to Canada-wide.

Practical Ways to Improve Your English and Reach CLB 7

Because CLB 7 corresponds to specific performance standards, you should prepare for the format used to assess English proficiency. Practicing under timed conditions and understanding how evaluators score writing and speaking can help improve accuracy, speed, and confidence. This ensures your preparation aligns with Canadian immigration requirements. When possible, take advantage of free preparation materials.

Listening to radio programs, watching Canadian news, or following English podcasts are additional ways you can improve listening comprehension. These activities help you become more familiar with Canadian accents and expressions.

Short-term work with an English tutor or language coach can help you correct recurring errors and improve test performance when focused on CLB outcomes.

CLB 7 in English: A Strategic Advantage

For French-speaking candidates, learning English isn’t about replacing French. It helps you maximize CRS points, expand opportunities, and ease long-term integration.

Achieving CLB 7 in English can strengthen your Express Entry profile and broaden where you can live and work. It supports a smoother transition to life in Canada. In Canada’s immigration system, bilingualism is a measurable advantage, not just a personal asset.