How Many CRS Points Does French Give in Express Entry?
French can add up to 50 bonus CRS points in Express Entry, plus up to 24 more in second-language points. Here is exactly how the points work at CLB 7 versus CLB 9, what changes if your English is weak, and why French-category draws matter even more than the points.
Quick answer: If you score NCLC/CLB 7 or higher in all four French skills, you earn 50 bonus CRS points (25 if your English is CLB 4 or lower), plus regular second-language points of 3 per skill at NCLC 7–8 or 6 per skill at NCLC 9 and above. That makes French worth up to 62 points at CLB 7 and up to 74 points at CLB 9 or higher.
Immigration rules and draw results change often. This article is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Always confirm current requirements on the official IRCC website before you apply.
Two kinds of CRS points for French
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the scoring system Express Entry uses to rank candidates. French can help you in two separate ways, and the points add together.
1. The French bonus points
To qualify, you need NCLC 7 or higher in all four French abilities (speaking, listening, reading and writing) on an approved test such as TEF Canada or TCF Canada. The bonus depends on your English:
- 50 points if you also score CLB 5 or higher in all four English abilities.
- 25 points if your English is CLB 4 or lower, or you did not take an English test.
2. Regular second-language points
Your French results also earn the normal second-official-language points, even if English is your first language. Per skill:
- NCLC 5 or 6: 1 point
- NCLC 7 or 8: 3 points
- NCLC 9 or higher: 6 points
These figures apply to a single applicant. If you apply with a spouse or partner, the second-language points are calculated slightly differently, so check the official CRS tool.
CLB 7 versus CLB 9: worked examples
Assume English is CLB 5 or higher in all four skills:
- NCLC 7 in all four French skills: 50 bonus + (4 × 3) = 62 points
- NCLC 9 in all four French skills: 50 bonus + (4 × 6) = 74 points
- Mixed result (two skills at NCLC 7, two at NCLC 9): 50 + 3 + 3 + 6 + 6 = 68 points
If your English is CLB 4 or lower, replace the 50 with 25: NCLC 7 across the board gives 25 + 12 = 37 points, and NCLC 9 gives 25 + 24 = 49 points.
The jump from CLB 7 to CLB 9 is worth 12 extra points. That is meaningful, but reaching CLB 7 in all four skills is the big step, because it unlocks the bonus itself. Note that every skill must reach NCLC 7 for the bonus: a single weak skill (usually writing or speaking) can cost you 25 or 50 points.
The bigger advantage: French-category draws
Points are only part of the story. With NCLC 7 or higher in all four skills you also become eligible for Express Entry's French-language category draws, which have recently had much lower cut-offs than general or Canadian Experience Class draws. For example, a French-proficiency draw on 19 August 2026 had a minimum CRS of 382, and one on 16 October 2026 had 435, each inviting 5,000 candidates. Read the full explanation in What Are French-Proficiency Draws in Express Entry? and see the chart on our French and Canada immigration page.
How to get to CLB 7
- Find your current level with a placement test or our French Level Assessment.
- Build a structured study plan. See How Long Does It Take to Reach B2 (CLB 7) in French From Zero?
- Choose your exam. See TEF Canada vs TCF Canada.
- Practise the speaking and writing sections, which decide most people's results: How to Practice for the TEF and TCF Speaking and Writing Sections.
You can check the official scoring with the IRCC CRS calculator.
Start your French journey with BBarters
Not sure where you stand? Take our French Level Assessment, which includes a live speaking test. Ready to begin? Try the free 3-day trial of the TEF TCF Online French Program, or see all French programs. If you would like personal guidance, book a 30-minute consultation with our Principal Instructor.