French additional-point thresholds
| French results | English results | Additional CRS points |
|---|---|---|
| NCLC 7+ in all four abilities | CLB 4 or lower, or no English test | 25 |
| NCLC 7+ in all four abilities | CLB 5+ in all four abilities | 50 |
The threshold applies to every ability: reading, writing, listening and speaking. One French ability below NCLC 7 means the profile does not receive this separate 25- or 50-point award.
French can affect more than the bonus
French results may also generate first- or second-official-language points in the core section. If French is the stronger language, it can be selected as the first official language. The additional French award is calculated separately when its conditions are satisfied.
Convert each test ability using IRCC’s current equivalency tables. Test providers can report abilities on different scales, so do not treat an average as the NCLC level.
Accepted French tests
IRCC accepts TEF Canada and TCF Canada for Express Entry. Test results must be valid when used, and the exact equivalency rules should be checked on Canada.ca because test formats and score handling can change.
Official sources
See IRCC’s additional-points criteria and accepted language tests and equivalencies.