Build an Express Entry profile
French route, step 4 of 5 · Updated 2026-08-08 · Rules per the IRCC pages cited in the footer
Once your French results are in, this step happens entirely on IRCC's website and is free: confirm you qualify for one of the three programs, gather the documents, build the profile online, and the system scores your CRS (the French bonus applies itself). Then you wait in the pool for a French-category round.
Build your profile on IRCCOfficial walkthrough: How to submit an Express Entry profile
Qualify first: one of three programs
The French category is a draw category on top of the pool, not a program; you need a way in before French points mean anything
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
For applicants abroad with no Canadian experience. You first need 67/100 on the six selection factors (age, education, language, experience and so on), with a language floor of CLB/NCLC 7 in all four abilities of your first official language.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
At least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 years. The language floor follows the job's tier: CLB 7 for TEER 0/1, CLB 5 for TEER 2/3. No proof of funds required.
Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
The certified-trades route: 2 years of trade experience plus a job offer or a provincial qualification certificate. Few applicants in northern Ontario take this path.
Full criteria: IRCC: Who can apply
What the profile needs
All five, one by one
- TCF Canada or TEF Canada results: within their 2-year validity when you submit, with scores in all four abilities
- Educational credential assessment (ECA): from WES or another designated body, valid 5 years. Mandatory for FSW; CEC applicants need one to earn CRS education points
- A valid passport: yours and every accompanying family member's
- Work history details: title, NOC code, dates and duties for each job, with reference letters ready before an ITA
- Proof of funds: required for FSW / FST, and the amount scales with family size, so check IRCC's current figure; waived for CEC, and waived if you hold a valid job offer and are currently authorized to work in Canada
Entering the pool: 4 steps
- 1
Qualify for one of the three programs first
The French category is not a program of its own; it is a draw category on top of the pool. You must qualify for FSW, CEC or FST to enter at all; French scores only decide whether the French-category rounds can pick you.
- 2
Gather everything before you start
The profile asks for the numbers on each document (language test registration number, ECA report number). Any missing piece stops the profile, so collect the full list first.
- 3
Create an IRCC account and fill in the profile online
The whole step happens inside IRCC's secure account and is free. The system calculates your CRS score on the spot; the French bonus is applied automatically, with nothing to claim.
- 4
Sit in the pool, keep the profile fresh
A profile is valid for 12 months and can simply be resubmitted when it expires. Update it whenever something changes: better language scores, a new job, a marriage all move your CRS. After an ITA you have 60 days to submit the PR application, which is where government fees start.
FAQ
Does entering the pool cost anything?
Creating a profile and entering the pool is completely free. Government fees start only when you receive an ITA and submit the PR application (processing fee and right-of-permanent-residence fee); this page deliberately quotes no amounts, since IRCC revises them; check the current figures on IRCC's site.
How long does a profile last, and what happens when it expires?
12 months. If you are not drawn before it expires, you can resubmit a new one; eligibility is unaffected. While it is active you can update it at any time, and new language results, a new job or a change in marital status all recalculate your CRS.
Do I have to claim the French bonus myself?
No. Once your TCF/TEF results are in the profile the system converts them to NCLC and applies the points: 50 with all four French abilities at NCLC 7 plus English at CLB 5+, 25 with French only. Eligibility for French-category rounds is also determined automatically from your scores.
Can I enter the pool with French results only, no English test?
Yes. Express Entry requires meeting your program's floor in at least one official language (for FSW that is CLB/NCLC 7 in all four abilities). French alone gets you into the pool and into the French-category rounds; an English test only adds CRS points, it is not the ticket in.
Program criteria, profile validity and fee rules: IRCC: Who can apply, How to submit a profile; French bonus rules: IRCC's page for French-speaking applicants. Rules and fees change without notice; rely on IRCC's site when you apply. lakebbs is an information guide, not legal advice.