TCF Canada guide · updated
French and Express Entry: how many CRS points does NCLC 7 add?
At the French-language proficiency draw of August 19, 2026, the cut-off was 382. At the Canadian Experience Class draw of September 29, it was 518. For English speakers, French is one of the biggest point boosts in Express Entry. Here is exactly how much it adds, using IRCC’s own figures.
The 50-point French bonus
IRCC gives additional points to candidates with strong French skills, on top of the regular language points:
- 50 points with NCLC 7 or higher in all four French skills, and CLB 5 or higher in all four English skills;
- 25 points with NCLC 7 or higher in all four French skills, and CLB 4 or lower in English (or no English test).
Example for an English speaker without a spouse: NCLC 7 in all four French skills gives 62 extra points; NCLC 9 or higher gives 74. With a spouse, the second-language points are capped at 22.
French as your second official language
If English is your first official language, French counts as your second. Each skill earns points separately:
| Level | Points per skill |
|---|---|
| NCLC 4 or lower | 0 |
| NCLC 5 or 6 | 1 |
| NCLC 7 or 8 | 3 |
| NCLC 9 or higher | 6 |
Source: IRCC, Comprehensive Ranking System criteria (checked on October 13, 2026). Maximum 24 points without a spouse, 22 with one.
French as your first official language
If French is your first official language, the first-language table applies, with far more points per skill:
| Level | Without a spouse | With a spouse |
|---|---|---|
| NCLC 4 or 5 | 6 | 6 |
| NCLC 6 | 9 | 8 |
| NCLC 7 | 17 | 16 |
| NCLC 8 | 23 | 22 |
| NCLC 9 | 31 | 29 |
| NCLC 10 or higher | 34 | 32 |
NCLC 7 is worth 17 points per skill (68 for the four) without a spouse, and the French bonus is added on top.
French-language proficiency draws
IRCC runs category-based rounds of invitations, including one for French-language proficiency. Only candidates with NCLC 7 or higher in all four French skills can be invited, and the cut-off is often much lower.
| Round | Date | Category | Invitations | Minimum score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #437 | Aug. 19, 2026 | French-language proficiency | 5,000 | 382 |
| #446 | Sept. 29, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 2,000 | 518 |
Source: IRCC, Express Entry rounds of invitations. Cut-offs change with every round.
The gap between these two rounds: 136 points. Cut-offs change with every round; check the current list on the IRCC website.
Why one weak skill costs you everything
The bonus and the French draws both require NCLC 7 in all four skills. Score 9/20 in writing (NCLC 6) and you lose all 50 bonus points and access to French draws, even with NCLC 10 everywhere else. See how the TCF Canada is scored, then work out your own points with the NCLC and CRS calculator.
Before you book the TCF Canada
Measure your level in the real format.
Module 1 is free, with no sign-up: exam format, NCLC scale and strategies, explained in English. The mock exam covers all four tests in the official timing and converts your results to NCLC.
Frequently asked questions
How many CRS points does NCLC 7 in French give?
If English is your first official language: 3 points per skill as a second language (12 in total), plus a 50-point bonus if your English is CLB 5 or higher in all four skills, so 62 points. If French is your first official language: 17 points per skill (16 with a spouse), plus the bonus.
Do I need NCLC 7 in all four skills to get the French bonus?
Yes. NCLC 7 or higher in all four French skills is required for both the 25-point and the 50-point bonus.
What CRS score do I need for a French-language draw?
The cut-off changes with every round. At round #437 on August 19, 2026, reserved for French-language proficiency, it was 382 points.
Sources
- IRCC — Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) criteria
- IRCC — Express Entry rounds of invitations
- IRCC — Express Entry: language test results
This topic is also covered in a short video (in French) on our TikTok account @prepatcfcanada.