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French for Canada PR: Tests, NCLC Levels and Preparation

For Canada PR, IRCC accepts two French tests: TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Your results are converted to NCLC levels. According to IRCC, NCLC 7 or higher in all four skills can add up to 50 extra CRS points in Express Entry, and strong French can also make you eligible for French-language draws.

Last updated: 28 September 2026 · Written by the PrepEve team

Accepted tests: TEF Canada and TCF Canada (Express Entry)
Levels used: NCLC — Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens
Key threshold: NCLC 7 in listening, reading, writing and speaking
Result validity: Less than 2 years old for Express Entry

What does French proficiency mean for Canadian immigration?

Canada has two official languages, so IRCC counts French as well as English. For economic immigration, you prove your French with an approved test, and IRCC converts your scores into NCLC levels.

French can help you in three ways, according to IRCC:

As your first official language. If your French is stronger than your English, it can be your main language test.
As a second official language. French on top of English earns extra points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
For French-language draws. IRCC can invite candidates with strong French in category-based rounds.

For the English side, see our guide to Canada PR language requirements.

Which French tests does IRCC accept?

For Express Entry, IRCC accepts two French tests: TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Other French certificates, including DELF and DALF, are not accepted as the language test for Express Entry.

TEF Canada is run by Le français des affaires, part of CCI Paris Île-de-France.
TCF Canada is run by France Éducation international.

Both test listening, reading, writing and speaking. Both give results that IRCC converts to NCLC. Your result must be less than 2 years old when you create your Express Entry profile and when you apply.

What is NCLC?

NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens) is Canada's scale for French ability. It is the French partner of the CLB scale used for English.

Each skill gets its own level. You might be NCLC 8 in reading but NCLC 6 in speaking. That matters, because IRCC usually looks at every skill, not an average. IRCC publishes charts that convert TEF Canada and TCF Canada scores to NCLC; the numbers can change, so check the official chart rather than a copy. Our page on what NCLC 7, 9 and 10 mean in practice explains each level in plain words.

Why does NCLC 7 matter for Express Entry?

NCLC 7 is the key French threshold. According to IRCC, if you reach NCLC 7 or higher in all four skills, you can get up to 50 additional CRS points.

50 points if your English is also CLB 5 or higher in all four skills.
25 points if your English is CLB 4 or lower (or you have no English test).

These are on top of the points you already get for language. Missing NCLC 7 in even one skill means you do not get these additional points.

IRCC also runs category-based selection. One category is French-language proficiency: IRCC holds rounds that invite only Express Entry candidates with strong French. The score needed in these rounds changes from draw to draw, so check IRCC's rounds page for current results. Learning French does not guarantee an invitation, but it gives you a second route to one.

How long does it take to reach NCLC 7 in French?

It depends on your starting level, your hours per week and how quickly you get feedback. In our experience, most working adults starting from zero need around 9–14 months at 4–5 hours a week to reach NCLC 7, including test preparation.

What changes the timeline:

Starting level. Someone with school French at A2 or B1 often needs much less time.
Hours per week. More regular hours shorten the path; long breaks lengthen it.
Speaking practice. Speaking and writing are usually the last skills to reach NCLC 7. They need a trainer to correct you.
Test familiarity. Knowing the task types saves marks you would otherwise lose to timing.

Be wary of anyone promising NCLC 7 in a few weeks from zero.

TEF Canada or TCF Canada: which should you take?

Both are accepted and both lead to NCLC levels, so neither is the "right" one for everyone. Most people decide on practical grounds: which test has dates near them, which format they feel comfortable with, and which practice material suits them.

We compare the two, point by point, in TEF Canada vs TCF Canada.

How should you prepare for French for Canada PR?

Build real French first, then learn the test. Test tricks alone rarely get a beginner to NCLC 7.

Get your level checked. Know whether you are at zero, A2 or B1 before you plan.
Study on a fixed weekly schedule. Regular hours beat occasional long sessions.
Speak and write from the start. Get both corrected by a trainer.
Choose your test once you reach roughly B1. Then practise its task types under time.
Take full mock tests. Aim for NCLC 7 in every skill, with a margin in your weakest one.

If you still need an English score too, see our IELTS coaching for Canada.

Why students choose PrepEve for French

Most people who want French for Canada PR are adults with jobs, families and a deadline. PrepEve's online French coaching is built for that situation:

Live online classes, beginner to NCLC 7. You learn with a trainer in real time, so your speaking and writing get corrected as you go, not weeks later.
TEF Canada, TCF Canada and DELF preparation. Once your French is strong enough, classes shift to the exact tasks and timing of the test you choose.
Trainers who know the marking. Writing and speaking are marked by examiners against set criteria. Our trainers teach you what those criteria reward.
Batches that fit a working week. Morning, evening and weekend batches, and every class is recorded for revision, so a late shift does not cost you a lesson.
Proof, not promises. PrepEve has taught French to 6,000+ students, and 4.7★ on Google from 300+ reviews.

Fees depend on your level and batch, so we don't publish one number. Ask us on WhatsApp for current batches and fees.

Frequently asked questions

Which French test is accepted for Canada PR?

For Express Entry, IRCC accepts TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Both test listening, reading, writing and speaking, and both are converted to NCLC levels.

Can I use DELF or DALF for Express Entry?

No. DELF and DALF are French diplomas that do not expire, but IRCC does not accept them as the language test for Express Entry. You need TEF Canada or TCF Canada.

How many CRS points can French add?

According to IRCC, NCLC 7 or higher in all four skills gives up to 50 additional CRS points: 50 if your English is CLB 5 or higher, and 25 if it is CLB 4 or lower.

What is NCLC 7 in French?

NCLC 7 is a level on Canada's French scale. At this level you can handle most everyday and work conversations, follow the main points of longer texts and write clear, organised messages. It is approximately comparable to CEFR B2.

How long does it take to learn French for Canada PR?

It depends on your starting level and weekly hours. In our experience, most working adults starting from zero need around 9–14 months at 4–5 hours a week to reach NCLC 7.

How long are TEF Canada and TCF Canada results valid?

For Express Entry, your test result must be less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you submit your application.

Does learning French guarantee an Express Entry invitation?

No. French can add CRS points and make you eligible for French-language rounds, but invitations depend on IRCC draws. PrepEve provides language coaching, not immigration advice.

PrepEve provides language coaching, not immigration advice. For your own case, rely on IRCC or a licensed professional.

Find out how far you are from NCLC 7

Book a free French class. A trainer checks your level and gives you a realistic plan and timeline for TEF Canada or TCF Canada.

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