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Express Entry French Draws: Who Qualifies and How to Prepare

IRCC runs category-based Express Entry rounds for French-language proficiency, and the category has been renewed for 2026. To be eligible, you need NCLC 7 or higher in all four skills in TEF Canada or TCF Canada, and you must qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades or Canadian Experience Class program. French at NCLC 7 also adds a 50-point CRS bonus when your English is CLB 5 or higher.

Last updated: 22 October 2026 · Written by the PrepEve team

Category

French-language proficiency (renewed for 2026)

Minimum

NCLC 7 in all four skills

Accepted tests

TEF Canada or TCF Canada

Program

Must qualify for FSW, FST or CEC

Bonus

50 CRS points at NCLC 7 with English CLB 5+

How French category draws work

Express Entry invites candidates in rounds. Besides general rounds, IRCC holds category-based rounds that invite only candidates who meet a specific category, such as strong French. In a French-language round, everyone invited has NCLC 7 or higher in all four skills.

Because only eligible candidates compete in these rounds, the cut-off score for a French round can be very different from a general round. IRCC publishes every round, with its cut-off score, on its rounds of invitations page.

Who is eligible?

• French test: TEF Canada or TCF Canada results at NCLC 7 or higher in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
• Results under 2 years old when you create your profile and when you apply.
• A federal program: you must be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades or Canadian Experience Class program.
• An English test is still useful. Most candidates also take IELTS General Training, CELPIP or PTE Core. English at CLB 5 or higher is what unlocks the full 50-point French bonus.

What NCLC 7 means in test scores

NCLC 7 is the same level as CLB 7, measured in French. For TCF Canada, IRCC lists these scores:

TEF Canada uses its own scoring scale, and IRCC publishes the TEF conversion table on its language test page. Check which table applies to your test date before you set a target.

How many CRS points does French add?

For many candidates, French is worth more than any other single change. A candidate who reaches NCLC 7 can gain the 50-point bonus and second-language points, and also becomes eligible for French category rounds.

TEF Canada or TCF Canada?

IRCC accepts both for Express Entry, and both test all four skills. The format and timing differ. Many learners take a practice test in each and choose the one that suits how they perform. Prepare for one specific test, because the task types are different.

How long does it take to reach NCLC 7?

It depends on where you start and how many hours a week you can study. Someone with school French needs far less time than a complete beginner. A trainer can give you an honest estimate after assessing your speaking and comprehension, so you can decide whether the French route fits your timeline.

Will French draws continue?

The French-language category is part of IRCC’s 2026 Express Entry categories. IRCC is consulting on categories for 2027, so check its category page for the latest before you plan around it.

French coaching at PrepEve

PrepEve teaches French for Canada PR in live online classes, from beginner to NCLC 7, with preparation for TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Every class is recorded, so a late shift never costs you a lesson, and timings suit learners in India and in Canada.

Official sources

• Express Entry: category-based selection (IRCC)
• Canada prioritizes top talent in 2026 Express Entry categories (IRCC)
• Express Entry for French-speaking skilled workers (IRCC)
• Express Entry: CRS criteria (IRCC)
• Express Entry: language test results (IRCC)

Rules and scores change. Check the official pages above before you book a test or apply.

Frequently asked questions

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