How to Get 50 Points for French in Express Entry

Here is how to get 50 points for French in Express Entry: score NCLC 7 or higher in all four French abilities (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) and CLB 5 or higher in all four English abilities. French-language skills are worth up to 50 additional points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), separate from your core language score.

How to get 50 points for French in Express Entry: the exact requirement

The 50 points sit in the “additional points” section of the Comprehensive Ranking System, the same bucket that holds a provincial nomination and a sibling in Canada. These points apply to candidates in the Express Entry pool, the federal system for skilled-worker permanent residence. There are only two possible results for French:

The two French point levels

1. 25 points: You scored NCLC 7 or higher on all four French abilities, and either scored CLB 4 or lower in English or did not take an English test.

2. 50 points: You scored NCLC 7 or higher on all four French abilities, and scored CLB 5 or higher on all four English abilities.

The detail most people miss is in level two. To unlock the full 50 points, strong French alone is not enough. You also need at least moderate English (CLB 5 across the board). A candidate with excellent French and no English test on file caps out at 25 points, not 50. Your NCLC level is measured by an approved French test, currently TEF Canada or TCF Canada, and the result must be less than two years old, the same rule that applies to English tests.

French points in Express Entry vs. second-language points

French can lift your CRS score in two different places, and confusing the two is common. The 50 additional points described above are the headline. Separately, French as your second official language earns points inside your core language score, up to 6 points per ability (to a combined maximum of 22 points with a spouse or 24 without). So a strong English speaker who adds solid French can collect both the second-language core points and, if they reach NCLC 7 with CLB 5+ English, the 50 additional points on top.

In practice, the candidates we see leave points on the table in one of two ways: they assume any French gives 50 points (it does not, you need NCLC 7 in every ability), or they have the French but skip the English test that would push them from 25 to 50. Both are fixable before you submit your profile.

If you are weighing whether a French test is worth the effort, book a consultation with Amir Ansari, RCIC. A short review of your current scores can show exactly how many additional points for French in Express Entry you would realistically gain, and whether NCLC 7 is within reach for you. You can reserve a consultation time directly.

Why French is one of the strongest CRS levers right now

French points have quietly become one of the most valuable moves a candidate can make. As of March 25, 2025, IRCC removed CRS points for arranged job offers (previously 50 points for most skilled jobs and 200 points for senior management roles). That removed a lever many candidates relied on, which makes the controllable points that remain, including the up to 50 for French, more important than before.

There is a second advantage that does not show up in your score at all. French-language proficiency is one of IRCC’s current category-based selection categories. If you have French test results showing NCLC 7 in all four abilities, you can be invited in a French-language round, which has historically used lower CRS cut-offs than general rounds. Cut-off scores vary every round and are set by IRCC, so treat this as a pattern, not a guarantee, and check the official rounds page for current numbers. Even so, French can both raise your score and place you in a smaller, often more accessible pool on your path to permanent residence.

Why this matters for your immigration application

For candidates in British Columbia, French points stack neatly with other strategies. A Metro Vancouver applicant who is close to a competitive score can use French to clear a general round, qualify for French category draws, and remain eligible for a BC PNP nomination at the same time. The points come from the same Express Entry profile, so the effort is not duplicated. Understanding how the Canadian Language Benchmark levels translate across English and French is the starting point, and entering your results correctly when you create your Express Entry profile is what actually locks the points in.

Not sure whether to chase the 25 or the full 50 points, or whether a French category draw is your faster route to permanent residence? Amir Ansari, RCIC, regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, can map your specific scores against current draw patterns and build a realistic plan. Reserve a consultation time to review your options.

Frequently asked questions about French points in Express Entry

How many points do you get for French in Express Entry?

You can get up to 50 additional CRS points. You get 25 points for NCLC 7 or higher in all four French abilities with CLB 4 or lower English (or no English test), and 50 points for NCLC 7 or higher in French plus CLB 5 or higher in all four English abilities.

How many extra points does French add to Express Entry?

Up to 50 additional points in the CRS additional points section, plus separate core second-language points (up to 22 or 24 combined). The additional points are the larger and more talked-about benefit.

What NCLC level do I need for the 50 French points?

NCLC 7 or higher in each of the four abilities: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. A score below 7 in even one ability means you do not qualify for the additional French points at all.

Do I still get French points if I have no English test?

Yes, but only 25 points. Without an English test (or with English below CLB 5), the maximum French additional points you can earn is 25. To reach the full 50, you need CLB 5 or higher across all four English abilities.

What is the maximum number of points for French in Express Entry?

The maximum for the French-language additional points factor is 50. This is separate from the core language points you earn for using French as a first or second official language.

Which French test do I need for Express Entry points?

You need an IRCC-approved French test, currently TEF Canada or TCF Canada, with results less than two years old. The test result is what establishes your NCLC level for both the additional points and the French-language category.

Related Posts

• Canada CLB Score: What CLB 5 and CLB 7 Mean for Your Immigration Application — How the Canadian Language Benchmark levels work and what scores you need for major immigration programs.

• How Express Entry Category-Based Selection Can Fast-Track Your Canadian PR — How category draws, including the French-language category, can invite candidates at lower CRS cut-offs.

• How to Create Express Entry Profile in Canada: Step-by-Step Guide — A step-by-step walkthrough of building your profile and entering your language results correctly.

This article is for general information only. It is not legal advice. Program criteria, requirements, processing times, and selection approaches can change without notice. Always confirm details on official government websites or consult a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) for advice specific to your situation.