French for Express Entry CRS points

🇨🇦 How French Can Increase Your CRS Score for Express Entry

Getting a high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is the dream of every Express Entry applicant. But what if you could add up to 50 bonus points without extra work experience or another degree?

That’s the hidden power of French for Express Entry CRS points — a proven strategy that many applicants overlook.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how French affects your CRS score, which exams count, the level you need to achieve, and how to prepare effectively (even if you’re starting from zero).

🧭 What Is the CRS Score in Express Entry?

Before diving into French for Express Entry CRS points, let’s quickly revisit how the CRS works.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based formula that evaluates Express Entry candidates under four categories:

Core human capital (age, education, language, work experience)
Spouse or partner factors
Skill transferability
Additional points (like French proficiency, Canadian study, or provincial nomination)

Your language skills are one of the biggest scoring categories — worth up to 310 points (with spouse) or 320 points (without).

English is the default for most applicants, but French can add a massive bonus — even if it’s your second language.

💬 How French Adds CRS Points

Since 2019, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced bonus points for French speakers to promote bilingualism across provinces.

Here’s how French for Express Entry CRS points works today:

French Language Proficiency (NCLC)	Additional CRS Points (with English CLB 7+)
NCLC 7 or 8 (Intermediate)	+25 points
NCLC 9 or higher (Advanced)	+50 points

✅ Note: NCLC = “Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens” — Canada’s official language level scale.

That means if you score B2 (equivalent to NCLC 7) or higher in French, you can instantly gain 25–50 bonus CRS points on top of your main score!

For many candidates sitting around 460–470 CRS, this is enough to cross the Express Entry draw threshold.

📈 Example: How French Boosts Your Score

Let’s look at a real-world example 👇

Factor	Before French	After French (B2/NCLC 7)
Age	100	100
Education	135	135
English	124	124
Work Experience	50	50
French Bonus	0	+50
Total CRS Score	459	509 ✅

That’s a 50-point jump — the difference between waiting indefinitely and receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the next round!

That’s why French for Express Entry CRS points is often called the “CRS booster.”

💬 Why Most Applicants Ignore French (and Why That’s a Mistake)

Many Express Entry candidates focus entirely on IELTS, believing that English alone determines their success. But the truth is, thousands of applicants are sitting in the pool with strong English scores — and still waiting for an Invitation to Apply.

That’s why French for Express Entry CRS points has become a hidden advantage. While everyone else is retaking IELTS to gain 1–2 points, bilingual applicants quietly earn 25–50 extra points and get invited sooner.

French proficiency is no longer just a “nice-to-have.” It’s a game-changing differentiator. In fact, IRCC data shows that bilingual candidates receive invitations 30% faster than English-only applicants, especially in targeted draws.

So, if you’re serious about getting PR, learning French isn’t optional anymore — it’s your shortcut to Canada.

📊 French Language Draws: A Growing Trend

In 2023 and 2024, IRCC began conducting category-based draws for Express Entry, including special rounds for French-speaking candidates. These draws prioritize bilingual applicants — even with lower CRS scores.

For example:

In August 2024, IRCC invited 2,000 French-speaking applicants with CRS scores as low as 390–400.
Meanwhile, the regular all-program draw required scores above 500.

This means that if you meet French for Express Entry CRS points requirements, you can bypass the general competition altogether.

It’s a trend that’s expected to continue in 2025 and beyond, as Canada seeks to strengthen its Francophone communities outside Quebec.

💼 Real Advantages Beyond the Points

Sure, French gives you up to 50 bonus points, but that’s not where the story ends.

Here’s what you gain when you invest in French for Express Entry CRS points:

🏢 Eligibility for Francophone Streams: Several PNPs and employer programs are open exclusively to bilingual applicants.
💰 Higher Earning Potential: Bilingual professionals earn 10–20% more in federal and corporate jobs.
🌍 Cultural Integration: Settling into cities like Ottawa, Montreal, or Moncton becomes easier.
💬 Networking Opportunities: Bilingual candidates often find stronger job networks and social circles.

In other words, French doesn’t just get you PR — it helps you thrive once you arrive.

🎯 How to Combine English and French Strategically

If you already have a strong IELTS score (CLB 9+), you’re halfway there. Pairing it with French for Express Entry CRS points maximizes your score through the “second official language” bonus.

Here’s the ideal language combo:

English: CLB 9 (IELTS 8 Listening, 7 in others)
French: NCLC 7 or higher (B2 CEFR)

This combination not only adds 50 CRS points but also unlocks skill transferability points for being bilingual — something most applicants miss.

It’s the smartest way to use your time and energy: one English test, one French test, and potentially a 100-point swing in your CRS profile.

🧪 Which French Tests Are Accepted by IRCC

To qualify for CRS points, you must take one of these IRCC-approved exams:

1. TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français)

Administered by: CCI Paris Île-de-France
Format: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
Accepted for: Express Entry, Canada PR, Citizenship

2. TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français)

Administered by: France Éducation International
Format: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
Accepted for: Express Entry, Canada PR

Both tests are equally recognized and measure your language skills across all four areas.

So, whether you take TEF or TCF doesn’t matter — what matters is your NCLC level.

🧠 Why TEF and TCF Are Easier Than You Think

A lot of candidates avoid French tests because they seem “too hard.” But the reality is, TEF Canada and TCF Canada are predictable and highly structured.

Once you understand the format, scoring becomes a matter of pattern recognition — not fluency.

For instance, TEF Canada’s writing section only includes 2 tasks:

A formal email or complaint letter.
An opinion essay on a familiar topic.

With 10–12 practiced templates, you can easily secure a B2 score, earning full French for Express Entry CRS points.

And for listening, the questions often follow consistent structures — so regular exposure through French podcasts or YouTube content helps tremendously.

🧭 NCLC vs CEFR: What’s the Equivalent?

Most French learners use CEFR levels (A1–C2), but Canada measures proficiency using NCLC levels (1–12).

Here’s how they match:

CEFR	NCLC	Level
A1	NCLC 1–2	Beginner
A2	NCLC 3–4	Elementary
B1	NCLC 5–6	Intermediate
B2	NCLC 7–8	Upper Intermediate (CRS eligible)
C1	NCLC 9–10	Advanced
C2	NCLC 11–12	Near-native

To earn bonus CRS points, aim for at least B2/NCLC 7 in all sections.

🧩 Why the Government Rewards French Speakers

The reason French for Express Entry CRS points exists is simple — Canada wants more Francophone immigrants outside Quebec.

The Francophone Immigration Strategy aims to make 4.4% of immigrants outside Quebec French-speaking.

By rewarding bilingualism, IRCC is:

Supporting minority language communities
Promoting national bilingualism
Strengthening labour markets in bilingual regions

In other words, learning French doesn’t just help you — it helps Canada’s cultural balance. 🇨🇦🇫🇷

📚 How to Prepare for French Tests

Now that you know how valuable French for Express Entry CRS points is, let’s talk about how to prepare efficiently.

🗓️ Step 1: Set a Goal

Aim for B2 (NCLC 7–8) as your minimum target.

📖 Step 2: Use the Right Materials

PrepMyFuture (TEF official partner)
TV5MONDE and RFI Savoirs for listening
Français Facile for grammar drills
Italki / Preply for speaking practice

⏱️ Step 3: Study Daily (Even 30 Minutes Helps)

Consistency beats cramming. Try:

30 mins listening
30 mins reading or grammar
15 mins writing or speaking

🧠 Step 4: Take Mock Tests

Simulate real exam conditions monthly to monitor progress.

🗣️ Speaking and Writing: Where Most Lose Points

Many learners focus only on grammar or vocabulary, but TEF and TCF heavily weigh speaking and writing.

✅ Speaking Tips:

Practice structured answers (“Je pense que…”, “À mon avis…”)
Record yourself to improve pronunciation
Use transition phrases to sound fluent

✅ Writing Tips:

Learn formal structures for letters and emails
Practice 150–200-word responses
Always include an intro, argument, and conclusion

These sections often decide whether you reach NCLC 7+ — the sweet spot for French for Express Entry CRS points.

🕒 How Long Does It Take to Reach B2 in French?

Most learners reach B2 with 600–800 hours of study time — about 10–12 months of consistent learning.
Here’s a realistic timeline:
Starting Level Hours to B2 Time Estimate
Beginner (A0) 700–800 12 months
A1 500–600 8–10 months
A2 350–400 6–8 months
B1 200–250 3–5 months
If you study 1–2 hours daily, you can reach the required level for French for Express Entry CRS points within a year.

💪 How to Stay Motivated While Learning French

Reaching B2 isn’t just about studying — it’s about persistence.

Here’s how to keep going:

📅 Set short-term goals (e.g., “Finish A2 grammar this month”).
🎧 Surround yourself with French media (music, Netflix, radio).
💬 Practice speaking on iTalki or HelloTalk.
🧘 Celebrate small wins — like understanding a conversation or reading an article without translation.

Every small step compounds toward your bigger goal: maximizing French for Express Entry CRS points and getting closer to your PR dream.

. 🌟 Real Success Stories

Let’s put this in perspective 👇

Option	Time/Cost	CRS Gain	ROI
Retaking IELTS	2–3 months	+6 to +12	⚠️ Low
Master’s Degree	2 years	+15	⚠️ Very Low
French (B2)	12 months	+50	✅ High

Learning French gives the highest return on investment for your time — period.

🌟 The Future of French in Express Entry

IRCC’s 2025–2030 strategy strongly emphasizes Francophone immigration growth. This means:

More French-only or bilingual draws
Easier nomination under provincial programs
Increased settlement funding for Francophone communities

In short, French is the future of Express Entry.

The earlier you start, the more ahead of the curve you’ll be when new draws target bilingual applicants.

So if you’ve been waiting for the right time to start — this is it.

🧳 Bonus: French Opens Extra Immigration Pathways

n addition to Express Entry, your French can qualify you for:

Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
- No job offer required
- English CLB 6 + French CLB 7 minimum
Manitoba Francophone Stream
- Prioritizes bilingual candidates
New Brunswick Strategic Initiative
- Direct invitations for French speakers

So even if your CRS isn’t high enough federally, your French for Express Entry CRS points can open provincial doors too.

💡 Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Waiting too long to start French
Every month matters. Start early — even at A1 level.
❌ Studying random French content
Focus on TEF or TCF-specific practice, not just generic French.
❌ Ignoring listening and writing
These sections often lower your average. Practice under timed conditions.
❌ Forgetting to update your Express Entry profile
Once you get TEF/TCF results, immediately upload your scores to claim your points!

🧠 Quick Recap

✅ French can add 25–50 CRS points under Express Entry.
✅ Minimum level required: B2 (NCLC 7).
✅ Exams accepted: TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
✅ Study 600–800 hours to reach target level.
✅ French opens PNP and bilingual job pathways.

🌍 Final Thoughts: Turn French Into Your Competitive Edge

In a competitive immigration system, every point counts.
But while others chase marginal gains through retaking IELTS or adding certificates, you can leap ahead with French for Express Entry CRS points.

It’s not just about language — it’s about unlocking your dream faster.
French adds value to your profile, your career, and your life in Canada.

So don’t wait for perfect timing. Start today, and by next year, you could be opening your ITA email — in both English and French! 🇨🇦🇫🇷

Trusted Resources for French Learners

Sample TEF Questions

For international education insights

Value-added language learning tips

Toronto French Academy