The essentials in 30 seconds
- 1NCLC 7+ in all four French skills earns +25 CRS points, or +50 if you also have CLB 5+ in all four English skills.
- 2The same NCLC 7 makes you eligible for French-language proficiency draws.
- 32026 French draws have had cut-offs roughly between 380 and 450, e.g. 391 on August 6, 2026 (5,000 invitations).
- 4Going from NCLC 7 to NCLC 9 as your first official language adds 56 more points for a single applicant.
Contents
Part 1French boosts your profile in three separate ways
- 1
1. The French bonus (up to 50 points)
Awarded under “additional points” when you reach NCLC 7 or higher in all four French abilities.
- 2
2. Official language points
Every ability earns points based on its level, whether French is your first or second official language.
- 3
3. French-language proficiency draws
Category-based rounds reserved for strong French speakers, typically with much lower cut-offs than general or CEC rounds.
Part 2The bonus: 25 or 50 points
| Your French | Your English | Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| NCLC 7+ in all four skills | CLB 4 or lower (or no test) | +25 |
| NCLC 7+ in all four skills | CLB 5+ in all four skills | +50 |
| NCLC 6 or lower in any skill | Any | 0 |
Part 3Points per ability: why NCLC 9 is worth chasing
| Level | Points per ability | All four abilities |
|---|---|---|
| CLB/NCLC 4–5 | 6 | 24 |
| CLB/NCLC 6 | 9 | 36 |
| CLB/NCLC 7 | 17 | 68 |
| CLB/NCLC 8 | 23 | 92 |
| CLB/NCLC 9 | 31 | 124 |
| CLB/NCLC 10+ | 34 | 136 |
Moving from NCLC 7 to NCLC 9 across the board is +56 points from this factor alone, and your skill-transferability points (language combined with education or foreign work experience) rise too.
“In Express Entry, French isn't a bonus line. It's the fastest lever most candidates never pull.”
Part 4The TCF Canada scores behind NCLC 7 and 9
| Level | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCLC 7 | 458 | 453 | 10/20 | 10/20 |
| NCLC 9 | 523 | 524 | 14/20 | 14/20 |
Full charts for every level, including TEF Canada: TCF Canada Score Chart 2026.
Part 5What French draws look like in 2026
| Date | Round type | Invitations | CRS cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 6, 2026 | French-language proficiency | 5,000 | 391 |
| August 5, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | — | 516 |
| July 22, 2026 | French-language proficiency | 5,000 | 399 |
Worked example — Amina, 30, single, bachelor’s degree
Before: CRS 402 with NCLC 7 in French only. Close to the French cut-offs, but not safe.
After 10 weeks of preparation: NCLC 9 in French (+56 language points) and CLB 5 in English (bonus rises from 25 to 50, plus second-language points).
Result: well over 480 CRS — comfortably above recent French-draw cut-offs.
Part 6How to get there
- 1.Take a free full practice test to find your current NCLC in each skill.
- 2.Target your weakest skill first: the bonus is all-or-nothing across the four abilities.
- 3.Choose between TCF Canada and TEF Canada: comparison (in French).
- 4.Book the real test when your practice scores are about 30 points above the cut-off.
Felix Academy practice packs
Turn French into CRS points
Practise on 40 full series in the official format until your practice scores sit comfortably above NCLC 7, then book the real test.
- 40 full series: listening, reading, writing, speaking
- Audio transcripts and detailed answer keys
- Writing and speaking topics with model answers
- AI writing simulator (15 sessions)
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Frequently asked questions
How many CRS points do you get for French?
With NCLC 7 or higher in all four French abilities you get 25 additional points, or 50 if you also have CLB 5 or higher in all four English abilities. You also earn official-language points for each ability.
What is the CRS cut-off for French-language draws in 2026?
French-language proficiency draws in 2026 have had cut-offs roughly between 380 and 450, including 391 on August 6, 2026 with 5,000 invitations. Always check the latest rounds on the IRCC website.
Do I need to be a native French speaker?
No. Eligibility is based on test results: NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilities on TCF Canada or TEF Canada, regardless of your nationality or first language.
Which French test is accepted for Express Entry?
IRCC accepts TCF Canada and TEF Canada for French. Results must be less than two years old.
Official sources
About the author
Daniel Maurise
French coach — France, DELF and English-speaking candidates
Works with Felix Academy learners heading to France, preparing DELF or DALF, and English-speaking candidates.
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