Express Entry French Bonus: How to Get +50 CRS Points

In Express Entry, a few points can be the difference between sitting in the pool and receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). That’s why the French-language bonus is critical: it is one of the few upgrades that can add a significant, measurable jump to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) total.

IRCC currently awards up to 50 additional CRS points for strong French skills—even if French is your second official language. The rules are specific, as outlined on the IRCC French-speaking Express Entry page. The key to unlocking these points lies in understanding the strict thresholds and how IRCC “checks the math” across all four language abilities.

Where French Bonus Points Fit in the CRS Score

Your CRS score is a sum of several big buckets: core factors (age, education), spouse factors, skill transferability, and additional points. The French bonus lives in the Additional points section—separate from the points you already earn for your first and second official languages.

IRCC lists “French language skills” as worth up to 50 points in the official CRS criteria. In other words, you earn your standard points for language proficiency, plus this separate bonus on top.

The 25 vs 50 Point Rule: NCLC 7 and English Requirements

The French bonus isn’t a sliding scale; it works on a strict threshold system. To get any bonus at all, you must meet the minimum requirements in all four skills (Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing).

• 25 points: You score NCLC 7 or higher in all four French abilities, and your English is CLB 4 or lower (or you have no English test results). This tier is detailed in the CRS Additional Points criteria.
• 50 points: You score NCLC 7 or higher in all four French abilities and you score CLB 5 or higher in all four English abilities.

Think of it like a checklist. If even one of the required skills falls short—for example, if your French Writing is NCLC 6 while the rest are NCLC 9—you lose the entire bonus.

What “NCLC 7” and “CLB 5” Really Mean

IRCC uses two specific benchmark systems to standardize results from different tests:

• NCLC (French): Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens
• CLB (English): Canadian Language Benchmarks

Your language test provides a raw score for each ability. IRCC then maps that score to a benchmark level. For Express Entry, you must use a test from the list of designated language testing organizations:

• French: TEF Canada and TCF Canada
• English: CELPIP-General, IELTS (General Training), and PTE Core

Note on Spousal Points: Language points in the "Core" section of CRS depend on whether you apply alone or with an accompanying spouse. However, the French bonus points (+25 or +50) are fixed regardless of your marital status, provided the principal applicant meets the threshold.

Step-by-Step: How IRCC Calculates the French Bonus

Here is the logic IRCC uses to determine if you qualify:

1. Verify Approved Tests: Confirm you have valid results from TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
2. Convert to NCLC: Using IRCC’s conversion tables, ensure speaking, listening, reading, and writing are all at NCLC 7 or higher.
3. Check English for the Upgrade: If you want the full 50 points, add an approved English test (CELPIP, IELTS, or PTE Core) and confirm that every skill is at CLB 5 or higher.
4. Profile Entry: Enter both sets of results into your Express Entry profile. IRCC’s system automatically applies the CRS bonus logic.
5. Verification: You can verify your estimated score using the official CRS tool.

How to Read TEF Canada Results for Express Entry

TEF Canada is administered by the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry. As noted on the TEF Canada presentation page, it is formally recognized by IRCC. The test includes four compulsory sections: reading, listening, writing, and speaking.

Crucial Warning: When entering scores, you must look at the specific score equivalency charts. On the Express Entry language test results page, IRCC provides a specific column for TEF scores. Do not simply guess your level based on the total score; check each skill individually against the NCLC 7 requirement.

Understanding TCF Canada Results

TCF Canada is accredited by IRCC and offered by France Éducation international. Details on the test structure can be found on the official TCF Canada page. Like the TEF, it evaluates four distinct skills.

To determine your eligibility, match your TCF score for each skill to the NCLC levels using the tables on the IRCC language test page. Official practice materials are available directly through the TCF sample tests page to help you gauge your readiness before booking.

Worked Examples: The Impact on Your CRS

The easiest way to see the value of the French bonus is to treat it as a direct addition to your baseline score.

Example 1: NCLC 7 French, No English / Weak English

Assume your baseline CRS (age, education, experience) is 440. You take TEF Canada and score NCLC 7+ in all four skills. However, you have not taken an English test, or your English results are below CLB 5.

Result: You qualify for the 25-point bonus. New CRS: 440 + 25 = 465.

Example 2: NCLC 7 French + CLB 5 English

Assume the same baseline CRS of 440. You have French at NCLC 7+ in all four skills and you hold valid English results showing CLB 5+ in all four skills.

Result: You qualify for the full 50-point bonus per the CRS criteria. New CRS: 440 + 50 = 490.

This 50-point jump is substantial—often enough to move a candidate from being "unlikely to be invited" to receiving an ITA in the very next general draw.

Why the English “CLB 5” Threshold Matters

If you are a Francophone or a strong French learner, the difference between 25 and 50 points usually comes down to your English capability. Can you hit CLB 5 in all four English abilities?

Achieving this English threshold does two things:

1. It unlocks the full 50-point French bonus.
2. It provides standard "Second Official Language" points (up to 22 or 24 points depending on marital status) in the core CRS calculation.

French Bonus vs. Category-Based Selection

It is vital not to confuse the CRS bonus with category-based draws, though they often overlap.

• The CRS French Bonus (+25 or +50): This boosts your total score in the general pool.
• French-Language Proficiency Category: These are specific invitation rounds targeting candidates with strong French. To be eligible, you must have NCLC 7 in all four abilities, as detailed on the category-based selection page.

If you have NCLC 7 French, you effectively get a double benefit: a higher CRS score and eligibility for specific French-category draws, which historically have had lower CRS cut-offs than general rounds.

Timing and Validity Rules

Language test results are valid for two years. IRCC is explicit: your results must be valid when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you submit your application for permanent residence (APR). This policy is outlined in the language test validity section.

Planning Tip: If your test results are nearing the two-year mark, you must retake the test before they expire to keep your points and your eligibility.

A Practical Checklist to Secure the +50

1. Select Your Test: Choose between TEF Canada and TCF Canada.

2. Target NCLC 7: Train specifically to reach NCLC 7 in your weakest skill. Remember, a high average score does not count if one skill is NCLC 6. Use the IRCC conversion tables to benchmark your practice tests.
3. Plan for English: If aiming for the full 50 points, ensure you have valid English results (CELPIP, IELTS, or PTE Core) at CLB 5 or higher.
4. Enter Data Carefully: Follow the instructions on the Express Entry language test page precisely.
5. Monitor Expiry: Keep track of the two-year validity window to avoid losing points unexpectedly while in the pool.

Related Guides

• TEF Canada Guide
• TCF Canada Guide
• TEF vs NCLC 7: Score Conversion