French speakers are suddenly getting way more invitations for Canadian PR through Express Entry. Since the government started category-based draws for French Language Proficiency, French skills have become a golden ticket for permanent residency with a Low CRS score.
Many candidates who struggled to qualify before—maybe because their CRS score was too low—are now turning to French pathways. While most applicants focus on English, adding French to your profile can earn you up to 50 extra points—enough to make the difference between receiving an ITA or missing out.
So, how exactly can you get those extra 50 points for French in Express Entry? Let’s explain.
Why French is Gaining Attention?
- Canada is a bilingual country, meaning English and French are official languages.
- Being fluent in French—or even just having solid skills—can give you a serious advantage.
- To attract more French-speaking immigrants, IRCC offers extra CRS points to Express Entry applicants who know French.
- You don’t need to apply through a French-specific program to benefit.
- Even if English is your main language, adding French to your profile can help you stand out and score higher than others.
Which French Tests Can You Take for Express Entry?
You can prove your French proficiency for Express Entry by taking one of two approved tests:
- Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF Canada)
- Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF Canada)
Both tests evaluate your French abilities in four areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Your test results are converted into NCLC levels (Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadien), the French equivalent of the CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks) used for English.
These levels determine how many CRS points you’ll earn. The higher your NCLC score, the more points you get—up to 50 extra if you’re bilingual!
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How do you earn 50 extra points for French?
The key to getting 50 additional CRS points is achieving the right English and French proficiency balance. Here’s how it works:
You earn 50 points if:
- You score NCLC 7 or higher in all four French abilities (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking),
- You score CLB 5 or higher in all four English abilities.
Earn 25 points if:
- You score NCLC 7 or higher in all four French abilities
- Your English score is CLB 4 or lower (if you don’t take an English test).
Here is a table demonstrating the respective scores needed to achieve the NCLC 7 and CLB 5 scores in French and English language proficiency tests, respectively.
| CLB (English) | NCLC (French) | Points Earned | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 5 or higher | NCLC 7 or higher | 50 points | Must meet CLB 5 in all English abilities and NCLC 7 in all French abilities. |
| CLB 4 or lower | NCLC 7 or higher | 25 points | No English test or CLB 4 or lower, but NCLC 7 or higher in French. |
| CLB 5 or higher | NCLC 5-6 | 0-25 points | Partial points for French, but no bonus 50. Depends on overall CRS score. |
| CLB 4 or lower | NCLC 5-6 | 0-25 points | Partial points for French, but no bonus 50. Depends on overall CRS score. |
| CLB 5 or higher | NCLC 4 or lower | 0 points | French scores too low to qualify for bonus points. |
| CLB 4 or lower | NCLC 4 or lower | 0 points | Both English and French scores too low to qualify for bonus points. |
French Test for Canada PR: Ultimate Guide 2025
How to Improve Your French to Reach NCLC 7 or Higher?
If you’re not already fluent in French, don’t worry. Achieving NCLC 7 is possible with dedicated effort. Here are some strategies to help you prepare:
1. Prepare Aggressively For an Approved French Test
Developing language proficiency and demonstrating it in a controlled setting are two different things, so you must understand the mechanics and specifics of the test you are taking. This can significantly increase your chances of getting the desired score.
2. Focus on All Four Skills
To meet the NCLC 7 requirement, you must perform well in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Make sure you practice each skill equally.
3. Enroll in a French Course
Formal instruction can accelerate your progress.
- Online French courses (Duolingo, Babbel, Rosetta Stone, Alliance Française, eLearningFrench)
- Local language schools
- University-affiliated language programs
- French classes specifically tailored for Canadian immigration
4. Immerse Yourself in French
- Watch French TV shows and movies.
- Listen to French podcasts and audiobooks.
- Read news articles in French (CBC/Radio-Canada is a great resource).
- Engage in conversations with native speakers.
5. Take Practice Tests
Before scheduling your TEF or TCF exam, complete multiple practice tests. This will familiarize you with the format and help you identify areas for improvement.
Learning French for Canada PR: A Guide for Low CRS Candidates
Need help?
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Contact our immigration experts today to start your Canadian PR application.
