TEF Canada and Express Entry: how French wins CRS points

For most Express Entry candidates, French is the highest-leverage move left on the board. Since job-offer points were removed from the CRS in 2025, no other single achievement adds as much as strong French results — and TEF Canada is one of the two tests that can deliver them. Here's exactly how the points work and what to target.

The 50-point French bonus

IRCC awards additional CRS points for French proficiency: 50 points if you reach NCLC 7 or higher in all four French skills AND CLB 5 or higher in all four English skills; 25 points with NCLC 7+ French but weaker (or no) English results. On TEF Canada (tests after December 10, 2023), NCLC 7 means approximately Reading 207/300, Listening 249/360, Writing 310/450, and Speaking 310/450 — every skill must clear its bar.

French-category draws: the quiet advantage

Beyond the bonus points, IRCC runs category-based Express Entry draws for French speakers. Historically these have invited candidates at CRS cut-offs dramatically below general draws — at times more than a hundred points lower — because the pool of qualified francophone candidates is smaller. NCLC 7 in all four skills is the qualifying condition. For many candidates, this route matters more than the bonus points themselves: it changes which draw you can be invited in.

First language vs second language

• •French as your second official language: the play is simple — clear NCLC 7 everywhere and collect the bonus.
• •French as your first official language: levels above 7 keep paying. Core per-skill points rise sharply at CLB 9 and again at CLB 10, so pushing from NCLC 7 to 9 can be worth dozens of points across four skills.
• •Either way, the weakest skill rules: 3 skills at NCLC 9 and one at 6 pays as NCLC 6.

Planning your attempt

Work backwards: check your current level with a diagnostic mock in each skill, convert with a CLB calculator, and measure the gap to your target. Most B1–B2 candidates need 8–12 weeks of structured mock-test practice to secure NCLC 7 across the board. Remember results are valid for two years — book so they cover your expected invitation and application window.

Rules, thresholds, and draw patterns change: always verify the current CRS grid and draw history on canada.ca before finalising your strategy.