Express Entry French: the exact CRS points French gives you
French is the single biggest CRS lever most candidates haven't pulled. Here's how it adds up — and the TEF/TCF scores you need.
How Express Entry rewards French
There are two ways French contributes to your CRS score:
- Core language points. If French is your first official language, you get up to 136 core points (out of 150) at CLB 9+ across the four skills.
- Second-official-language bonus. If English is your primary language and French is secondary, you earn up to 24 additional points for strong French (CLB 9+). Combined with the skill-transferability-with-language bonus, the total French uplift reaches +50.
- Strong-French category draws. Since 2023, IRCC has run separate Express Entry draws for strong French proficiency, with CRS cutoffs dramatically lower (often 400s vs 500+ in general draws).
Full point breakdown by CLB level
French as secondary language (English primary)
| CLB level (all 4 skills) | Base + bonus CRS |
|---|---|
| CLB 4–6 | 0 points |
| CLB 7–8 | +25 points |
| CLB 9+ | +50 points |
French as primary language (with secondary English at CLB 5+)
| CLB level (all 4 skills) | Approx. CRS gain vs. English-only |
|---|---|
| CLB 7 | +25–35 points |
| CLB 8 | +50 points |
| CLB 9+ | up to +74 points |
What scores you need on TEF & TCF Canada
TEF Canada — CLB 7 floor
| Skill | Minimum TEF score (CLB 7) |
|---|---|
| Listening | 249 |
| Reading | 207 |
| Writing | 310 |
| Speaking | 310 |
TCF Canada — CLB 7 floor
| Skill | Minimum TCF score (CLB 7) |
|---|---|
| Listening | 458 |
| Reading | 453 |
| Writing | 10 / 20 |
| Speaking | 10 / 20 |
Strong-French category draws: the real edge
Since IRCC introduced category-based selection in 2023, French has become one of the strongest non-CRS advantages in Express Entry. To qualify for French-category draws, you need:
- CLB 7 or higher on all four skills on TEF or TCF Canada (French only — English not required)
- Eligibility for at least one of: Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades
Recent French-category cutoffs have been dramatically lower than general draws — sometimes 80–100+ CRS points below. This is the single strongest case for learning French if you're stuck in the 470–510 range on general draws.
When French is worth it
French is a great bet if:
- Your CRS is stuck between 460 and 510 (where general draws rarely land)
- You have 6+ months of lead time before you want to be invited
- You're at CLB 4 or higher already — the distance to CLB 7 is achievable
It's less worth it if you need an ITA in the next 2–3 months with no prior French, or if you're already at 530+ CRS (general draws will likely get you).
Test yourself now
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Start Free Mock TestFrequently asked questions
How many CRS points does French give me?
Up to 50 points if French is your secondary language (English is primary), and up to 74 if French is your primary language. Zero below CLB 7.
Do I need to prove my French with TEF or TCF Canada?
Yes — IRCC only accepts TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French. DELF/DALF are not accepted for Express Entry.
How long do French results stay valid?
2 years from the test date for IRCC applications.
Does the French-category draw have a lower CRS cutoff?
Yes. Recent French-category draws have had cutoffs 80–100+ CRS points below general draws, making CLB 7+ French one of the highest-ROI things you can do for Express Entry.
Which exam should I take — TEF or TCF?
Both convert to the same CLB. See our TEF vs TCF comparison for how to choose.