Canada — Work (Express Entry via French-language proficiency)

Main requirements

Per the official source, the French category needs at least NCLC 7 in all four skills and eligibility for an Express Entry program (from Iran usually FSW: one year of skilled work, ECA, 67 points, funds). Up to 19 August 2026 there were ten French draws totalling 50,500 invitations with cut-offs between 382 and 420.

Documents

As general Express Entry: passport, TEF Canada or TCF Canada (under 2 years), ECA, reference letters, funds, police certificates, medical.

Language

NCLC 7 in all four French skills; with at least CLB 5 in English the CRS grid adds up to 50 bilingual points.

Costs and proof of funds

Government fees as Express Entry (CAD 1,590 principal + 85 biometrics) and FSW funds (CAD 15,263 for one person), plus French courses and tests.

Steps and timeline

Learn French to NCLC 7; TEF/TCF; ECA and documents; profile; invitation; PR application; landing. From zero to NCLC 7 usually takes more than a year.

Notes for Iranian applicants

Otherwise as Express Entry: biometrics outside Iran, long security screening, full disclosure of military service. The TCF centre in Tehran (Centre de langue française) says on its site that it is closed until further notice by decision of the Iranian authorities and its exams are cancelled, so you'll probably have to test outside Iran; find a centre on the official TEF Canada or TCF Canada lists. The 2026 reform consultation mentioned reducing or removing French points; it has closed but no decision is published, so it's a risk.

After arrival (work while studying, post-study stay, PR path)

You land as a permanent resident and can live anywhere in Canada outside Quebec (which has its own system).