Express Entry7 min read
How Many CRS Points Is French Worth? 2026 Express Entry Guide
French can add up to 50 bonus CRS points, plus second-language points and access to French-category draws. Calculator and worked examples for 2026.
Express Entry
Use French to boost your Express Entry profile
Strong French can add up to 50 CRS points and makes you eligible for French-language category draws. Here’s the level you need on the TCF Canada or TEF Canada, and how to get there.
- in all four skills
- NCLC 7
- CRS points, at most
- +50
- result validity
- 2 years
Why it matters
Two ways French helps your profile
Additional CRS points. IRCC gives 25 points if you score NCLC 7 or higher in all four French skills and CLB 4 or lower in English (or took no English test), and 50 points if you also have CLB 5 or higher in all four English skills.
French-language category draws. IRCC holds draws for candidates whose French results show at least NCLC 7 in all four abilities. Cut-offs vary from draw to draw: see the French-category draw history, or work out your total with the full CRS calculator.
- NCLC 7 or higher in listening, reading, writing and speaking
- Results from TCF Canada or TEF Canada, the two French tests IRCC accepts
- Results less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you apply for permanent residence
Calculator
How many bonus points would French give you?
Enter your French and English levels. Not sure of your NCLC? Check your NCLC level first. Policy changes are discussed: is the French bonus being removed?
French bonus points calculator
Choose your NCLC level in each French skill, then your English level. The extra points are added on top of your other CRS points.
Your exam
Choose a level for all four French skills.
This is current law. IRCC consulted on changing the French bonus in 2026, but no change or date has been announced.
See your full CRS score with these levelsLast verified Oct 5, 2026Sources:IRCC: CRS criteria(opens in a new tab)
Independent tool, not affiliated with IRCC. Confirm on canada.ca before you apply.
Your target
TCF Canada and TEF Canada scores for NCLC 7
| Skill | TCF Canada · NCLC 7 | TCF Canada · NCLC 9 | TEF Canada · NCLC 7 | TEF Canada · NCLC 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 458 / 699 | 523 / 699 | 249 / 360 | 298 / 360 |
| Reading | 453 / 699 | 524 / 699 | 207 / 300 | 248 / 300 |
| Writing | 10 / 20 | 14 / 20 | 310 / 450 | 371 / 450 |
| Speaking | 10 / 20 | 14 / 20 | 310 / 450 | 371 / 450 |
Source: IRCC equivalency tables. TEF scores are the Équivalence ancien score column, the only one IRCC accepts in Express Entry. Practise with TCF Canada practice or TEF Canada practice.
Minimums
Minimum language levels by program
| Program | Minimum level (first official language) |
|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker | NCLC 7 in all four skills |
| Federal Skilled Trades | NCLC 5 in speaking and listening, NCLC 4 in reading and writing |
| Canadian Experience Class | NCLC 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs, NCLC 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs |
Source: IRCC Express Entry language test page. French as a second official language adds up to 4 points under Federal Skilled Worker selection if you reach NCLC 5 in all four skills.
Your plan
A realistic path to NCLC 7
Take a free diagnostic
Find out where you stand in each skill today.
Fix your weakest skill first
The bonus and the category need NCLC 7 in every skill, so your lowest skill decides.
Practise every day, a little
20–30 minutes of focused practice beats one long weekend session.
Take full mock tests
Do at least two timed mocks in the format of the test you’ll book.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Sources
Last verified Oct 5, 2026 against canada.ca and the test owners. How we check facts
- CRS criteria: additional pointscanada.ca (IRCC) (opens in a new tab)
- Express Entry: category-based selectioncanada.ca (IRCC) (opens in a new tab)
- Express Entry: language test resultscanada.ca (IRCC) (opens in a new tab)
- TCF CanadaFrance Éducation international (opens in a new tab)
- TEF CanadaLe français des affaires (opens in a new tab)
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Your next step
CRS score calculator
Your Express Entry score, with French points