How French Language Points Work in Express Entry: TEF Canada and CRS Score Explained

TL;DR: There is no minimum French score to enter Express Entry if English is your first official language. To earn French bonus points, though, you need NCLC 7 in all four abilities—roughly a TEF Canada score of 310 in speaking and writing, 249 in listening and 207 in reading (equivalence scores). NCLC 7 unlocks a bilingual bonus of 25 or 50 CRS points, extra second-language points, and access to French-language category draws.

French can add up to 50 points to your Express Entry CRS score.

Since IRCC removed arranged employment offer points from the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) in March 2025, French proficiency has become one of the most powerful—and controllable—ways to boost your Express Entry score. Even candidates with no French background are increasingly building a study plan around it.

This guide breaks down exactly how French language skills translate into CRS points, what minimum score you need, and how to get there.

Table of Contents

• Why French Has Become a High-Leverage Express Entry Strategy
• Minimum French Score for Express Entry
• Two Ways French Adds Points to Your CRS Score
• NCLC 7 French: The All-or-Nothing Threshold
• Example: How French Can Change a CRS Score
• French-Language Category Draws: A Separate Advantage
• TEF Canada vs TCF Canada: Which Test to Choose
• Getting to NCLC 7: A Realistic Path
• Key Takeaways
• Frequently Asked Questions

Why French Has Become a High-Leverage Express Entry Strategy

As of March 2025, IRCC permanently removed CRS points for arranged employment offers, eliminating a lever many candidates relied on. This makes remaining controllable factors—like language ability—more valuable than before.

French is unique among these factors because it's measurable, achievable through structured study, and rewarded through two separate mechanisms in the CRS, according to IRCC's official CRS criteria.

Minimum French Score for Express Entry

The "minimum French score" depends on what you want French to do for you. There are two very different thresholds:

1. If French is your first official language (eligibility)

You can apply to Express Entry with French instead of English. In that case, French must meet the same minimums as English for your program:

2. If English is your first official language (bonus points)

No French score is required to enter the pool. French becomes your second official language and earns points from NCLC 5 per ability—but the real gains (bilingual bonus and French category draws) start at NCLC 7 in all four abilities. For most candidates, NCLC 7 is the practical minimum French score to aim for.

Two Ways French Adds Points to Your CRS Score

French can affect your CRS score through two distinct components, and confusing them is a common mistake:

• Second official language points: If French is your second official language, each ability (reading, writing, listening, speaking) contributes core points based on your NCLC level, up to a combined maximum of 24 points (22 with a spouse or common-law partner).
• Bilingual bonus: A separate "additional points" bonus—worth up to 50 points—is awarded when you meet specific French and English proficiency thresholds together.

A candidate can earn both simultaneously: the core second-language points plus the full bilingual bonus, if their scores qualify.

NCLC 7 French: The All-or-Nothing Threshold

NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens) is the Canadian scale used to measure French proficiency, from 1 to 12. NCLC 7 corresponds to a solid upper-intermediate level (roughly B2 on the European CEFR scale): you can follow most work conversations, write clear emails and express opinions with reasonable accuracy.

The bilingual bonus rule

To unlock the bilingual bonus, IRCC requires a minimum of NCLC 7 in all four French abilities—reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This is an all-or-nothing threshold: scoring NCLC 6 in even one ability means the bonus doesn't apply, regardless of how high your other scores are.

• 25 points: NCLC 7+ in all four French abilities, combined with CLB 4 or lower in English (or no English test on file).
• 50 points: NCLC 7+ in all four French abilities, combined with CLB 5 or higher in all four English abilities.

TEF Canada and TCF Canada scores for NCLC 7

Here are the minimum test scores that convert to NCLC 7 in each ability, based on IRCC's equivalency charts:

Important for TEF Canada: results now show both a "score sur 699" and an "équivalence ancien score." IRCC uses the equivalence score—the one in the table above—so enter that figure in your Express Entry profile.

Because the threshold applies per ability, focus your preparation on your weakest skill rather than only strengthening areas where you already score well. For many learners, that's speaking or writing.

Example: How French Can Change a CRS Score

Consider a single candidate with a bachelor's degree, three years of skilled work experience and CLB 9 in English, whose CRS score sits at 470—just below the cutoff for many general draws.

That 62-point jump, combined with eligibility for French-language category draws, is often enough to move a profile from "not currently competitive" to receiving an invitation. Reaching NCLC 9 would add another 12 second-language points.

French-Language Category Draws: A Separate Advantage

Beyond CRS points, NCLC 7+ in all four French abilities also qualifies candidates for French-language category-based Express Entry draws. These draws have historically used lower CRS cutoffs than general draws, though exact cutoffs vary by round and are set by IRCC at the time of each draw.

Always check IRCC's official rounds of invitations page for current cutoffs rather than relying on past figures, since these shift with pool composition.

TEF Canada vs TCF Canada: Which Test to Choose

IRCC accepts two French tests for Express Entry: TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Both are approved, both convert to the NCLC scale, and both results remain valid for two years from the test date.

Neither test is inherently "easier"—the right choice often comes down to test format preference and centre availability in your area. Confirm current details directly through the official test providers before registering.

Getting to NCLC 7: A Realistic Path

Reaching NCLC 7 across all four abilities from a beginner level typically takes sustained study over several months, with structured practice across reading, writing, listening, and speaking—not just conversational familiarity. Candidates who already have some school French usually get there faster.

Berlitz Canada's TEF Canada preparation program is designed around this exact goal, building foundational French before transitioning into exam-specific strategy and mock exams for candidates targeting NCLC 7 or higher.

Key Takeaways

• No minimum French to enter the pool if English is your first official language—but NCLC 7 in all four abilities is the practical target for bonus points.
• French adds points two ways: Core second-language points (up to 24) and a separate bilingual bonus (up to 50), which can stack together.
• NCLC 7 is all-or-nothing: All four French abilities must reach NCLC 7 for the bilingual bonus and French category draws to apply.
• Use the right TEF score: IRCC uses the "équivalence ancien score" column, not the score out of 699.
• French category draws are a separate lever: They've historically used lower CRS cutoffs, though current figures should always be verified on IRCC's official rounds page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum French score for Express Entry?

If English is your first official language, there is no minimum French score to enter Express Entry. To earn the bilingual bonus and qualify for French-language category draws, you need NCLC 7 in all four abilities. If French is your first official language, the Federal Skilled Worker Program requires NCLC 7 in all four abilities.

What is NCLC 7 in French?

NCLC 7 is level 7 on the Canadian French proficiency scale (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens), roughly equivalent to B2 on the CEFR. It is the threshold IRCC uses for the French bilingual bonus and French-language category draws.

What TEF Canada score do I need for NCLC 7?

For NCLC 7, you need at least 310 in speaking, 249 in listening, 207 in reading and 310 in writing, using the TEF Canada "équivalence ancien score." For TCF Canada, you need 10 in speaking and writing, 458 in listening and 453 in reading.

How many CRS points can French add to my Express Entry profile?

French can add up to 24 core points as a second official language (22 with a spouse), plus a separate bilingual bonus of up to 50 points. At NCLC 7 with CLB 5+ in English, that's typically 62 extra points.

Do I need English test results to get French-related CRS points?

You can qualify for a 25-point bonus with NCLC 7+ French and no English test, but reaching CLB 5+ in English unlocks the full 50-point bonus.

Is TEF Canada or TCF Canada better for Express Entry?

Both are accepted by IRCC and convert to the same NCLC scale. The right choice depends on test format preference and centre availability, not one test being inherently easier.