French-language proficiency requirement
IRCC's French category requires French test results showing at least NCLC 7 in all four language abilities, plus eligibility for an Express Entry program (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class or Federal Skilled Trades). French can be your first official language: you do not need English to be invited.
On the TCF Canada, NCLC 7 means at least 458 in listening, 453 in reading and 10/20 in writing and speaking. On the TEF Canada, use the « Équivalence ancien score » column: 249 in listening, 207 in reading, 310 in writing and speaking. Full chart: CLB 7 in French.
Source: IRCC category-based selection, checked October 25, 2026.
French Express Entry draws in 2026
| Round | Date | Invitations | Lowest CRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 450 | Oct 16, 2026 | 5,000 | 435 |
| 437 | Aug 19, 2026 | 5,000 | 382 |
| 433 | Aug 6, 2026 | 5,000 | 391 |
| 429 | Jul 22, 2026 | 5,000 | 399 |
| 425 | Jul 9, 2026 | 5,000 | 420 |
| 418 | May 28, 2026 | 4,500 | 409 |
| 414 | Apr 29, 2026 | 4,000 | 400 |
| 411 | Apr 15, 2026 | 4,000 | 419 |
| 405 | Mar 18, 2026 | 4,000 | 393 |
| 401 | Mar 4, 2026 | 5,500 | 397 |
| 394 | Feb 6, 2026 | 8,500 | 400 |
Source: IRCC rounds of invitations, data as of October 25, 2026 (latest French round: #450). Full history since 2024: French draw history (in French).
French draws vs other draws
The gap is the whole point of the category. Between August 5 and October 15, 2026, the six Canadian Experience Class draws had cut-offs from 516 to 523. Over the same period, French draws invited candidates from 382 to 435. A profile at 420 points has no chance in a CEC draw, but can be invited in a French round.
Cut-offs move from round to round: treat any number as a snapshot, not a rule.
How to get 50 points for French in Express Entry
- Take the TCF Canada or the TEF Canada. Only these two French tests count for IRCC.
- Reach NCLC 7 or more in all four French skills. This alone gives 25 additional points.
- Add an English test with CLB 5 or more in all four skills (IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General or PTE Core). With both, the French bonus rises to 50 points.
- Enter both results in your profile. Results must be less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you apply.
These bonus points come on top of the core language points (17 per skill at CLB 7 for a single candidate, 34 at CLB 10). Source: IRCC CRS criteria.
Getting to NCLC 7
Writing and speaking are where most profiles fall short of NCLC 7. Start with our free TCF mock exam to see where you stand, check the TCF Canada score chart, then book your seat early: how to book the TCF Canada.
