French in Express Entry is taken into account in several calculations.
He can:
Therefore, it is better to pose the question differently: “how many points does French give?”
It would be better to ask:
what is your level in each of the four skills and what role does French play in your profile?
Don't boil it down to an extra 50 points.
In Express Entry, you need to confirm your language with an official test.
French can be used to fulfill language requirements:
But the minimum level depends on the program and, for CEC, the level of your TEER profession.
The CRS awards points for official languages.
If French is stronger than English, it may play a more important role in the major profile scores.
An NCLC of 7 or higher in all four skills can earn additional CRS points for French.
The number also depends on the results of English.
The category for French-speaking candidates is one of the selection categories by category.
It has its own minimum level of French.
These are four related but different checks.
Two approved tests are eligible for Express Entry.
The official French test accepted by IRCC for Express Entry.
The second IRCC approved version of the French test.
For Express Entry, you must use the IRCC approved version of the test.
Results from other French exams alone do not replace TEF Canada or TCF Canada for an Express Entry profile.
NCLC - Canadian French Language Proficiency Scale. IRCC translates the French test result into a level on this scale.
Four skills are assessed:
Your TEF Canada or TCF Canada scores are first converted to NCLC levels.
And NCLC is already used for:
Don't compare just the overall test result. For Express Entry, the level for each skill separately is important.
Program requirements vary.
TEER 0 or 1 occupations require a minimum of NCLC 7 in all four skills. TEER 2 or 3 occupations require a minimum of NCLC 5 in all four skills.
The minimum language requirement is NCLC 7 in all four skills in the first official language.
Minimum:
Important: completing the minimum program language and getting a high CRS are not the same thing.
The CRS considers formal language scores for each of the four skills.
The number of points depends, in particular, on:
Therefore it is impossible to correctly say:
"NCLC 7 always gives X CRS points"
without other profile data.
For an accurate calculation, use the CRS calculator.
For English, IRCC uses the Canadian CLB language level scale.
As of September 2026, the current CRS table provides up to 50 extra points for French.
If you received:
If you received:
If the English results do not meet any of these two conditions, it is better to check the result in a current CRS calculator rather than drawing a conclusion from one line.
Additional credits for French are not the same as CRS core credits for the first or second official language.
To participate in the category for French-speaking candidates, you must:
Even if you meet the category requirement for French-speaking candidates, an ITA is not guaranteed.
IRCC:
This result can simultaneously:
If French is used as the first official language and other FSW requirements are met.
Subject to meeting the remaining conditions of Express Entry and the specific round.
The quantity depends on the complete profile.
25 or 50 if appropriate English requirements are met.
The same test is included in several calculations, but these calculations cannot be mixed.
IRCC recommends choosing your first official language to be the language you are more proficient in to increase your chance of getting more points.
If French is objectively stronger than English, it is worth comparing the two options separately:
The result may vary due to:
A detailed comparison is included on a separate page: "How to choose your first official language in Express Entry".
If French is already NCLC 7 or higher in all four skills, English may be of additional importance.
For example:
But the English test is not “automatically necessary for everyone.”
First you need to calculate:
IRCC requires language scores to be less than 2 years old:
If the result expires before submission, IRCC may refuse the application.
Therefore, look not only at today's validity period, but also at whether the test will remain valid when the time comes to submit documents.
If you are still in the pool and the test period is ending, you can:
Your selections remain only on this page and are not sent anywhere.
If an ITA has already been received, please ensure that the result will be valid on the day of application.
IRCC specifically warns that applications with expired language test results will be rejected.
IRCC accepts both tests for Express Entry.
The choice between them usually depends not on the “more advantageous” test, but on practical factors:
You shouldn’t choose an exam based on rumors that one of them “gives more CRS.”
IRCC translates both tests into the NCLC using its tables.
If a spouse or common-law partner accompanies the main applicant, their official language test results may provide CRS points in the appropriate section.
Additionally, with FSW, a spouse's or partner's language may count towards accommodation points if program requirements are met.
But this is a separate calculation.
Do not automatically transfer the category rules for French-speaking applicants from the main applicant to the spouse.
Even NCLC 9 or 10 does not replace:
French may noticeably change the ranking and types of rounds available, but the profile must still qualify for Express Entry first.
Four skills separately are important for IRCC.
For 50 points you also need a certain level of English.
These are two different mechanisms.
It only works within Express Entry.
The result must be valid for both the profile and the application for permanent residence.
The strongest language may be French, even if English was used more often in life.
A second test can help, but it's better to first understand what it will actually change.
Check the result against the current IRCC tool.
Your selections remain only on this page and are not sent anywhere.
This list helps you understand the role of language, but does not automatically determine your final CRS or ITA receipt.
A separate calculation is especially useful if:
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TEF Canada and TCF Canada.
Check the terms of the language category and other applicable categories.
Compare the impact of French and English on rankings.
View the results of the language and other rounds.
Please check test timing and profile details before inviting.
Let's look at TEF Canada or TCF Canada results, CRS, first official language, additional points for French and the opportunity to participate in the category for French-speaking candidates.
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The materials on the site are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute individual immigration advice.
