Express Entry French-Language Category: NCLC 7 and French Draws

Canada wants more French-speaking immigrants to settle outside Quebec, to support francophone minority communities. The French-language proficiency category is one of the main tools for this. In a French category draw, IRCC invites only candidates with strong French, ranked by their CRS score.

Unlike the occupation categories, the French category does not care what job you do. A French-speaking accountant, nurse, or truck driver can all qualify. It is part of the wider category-based draws system in Express Entry.

To be included in French category draws you must:

1. Have an active Express Entry profile and be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, or the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
2. Have French test results showing at least NCLC 7 in all four abilities: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

NCLC stands for Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens, the French version of the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). IRCC accepts two French tests for Express Entry:

• TEF Canada (Test d'évaluation de français)
• TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français)

Results are valid for 2 years. Convert your scores with our CLB converter. If you are unsure which test to take, see language tests.

Apart from category draws, French also raises your CRS score directly through additional points:

French can also count as your first or second official language in the core CRS factors, which adds more points. A bilingual candidate can gain a large boost overall. Test different combinations in our CRS calculator.

IRCC decides when to hold category draws and how many invitations to issue. French draws have been held regularly since category-based selection began in 2023, and their cutoffs have often been lower than general draws. That is not guaranteed; each draw sets its own cutoff.

Follow draws on our Express Entry draws tracker and the 2026 categories status page.

French opens more doors than Express Entry alone:

• Francophone Community Immigration Pilot: permanent residence for French speakers with a job offer in one of six francophone minority communities outside Quebec.
• Francophone Mobility work permit: a work permit without a Labour Market Impact Assessment for French speakers hired for jobs outside Quebec.
• Provincial programs: several provinces, including New Brunswick, Ontario, and Manitoba, have looked for French speakers. See PNP.
• Quebec: if you want to live in Quebec, you use Quebec's own programs, not Express Entry. See the Quebec hub.

An invitation from a French draw is a normal Invitation to Apply (ITA). You have 60 days to submit your full permanent residence application. See from ITA to COPR for the steps.

You must upload the French test results you used in your profile, and they must still be valid when you submit. The officer checks that your scores meet NCLC 7 in all four abilities. You also prove everything else in your profile: work experience through reference letters, education through your Educational Credential Assessment, police certificates, a medical exam, and proof of funds if you are applying under the Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Trades program.

When you apply, you must intend to live outside Quebec. Once you are a permanent resident, you have the right to live and work anywhere in Canada. There is no rule that you must use French at work or live in a francophone community.

Is the French category right for you?

It suits you if you already speak French well or can realistically reach NCLC 7 in every ability. Writing is often the hardest ability to raise. If you are starting from a low level, reaching NCLC 7 can take a long time; weigh that against other options such as an occupation category or a provincial nomination. Retake the test only when you are confident, because each attempt costs money.

• Aim for NCLC 7 or higher in every ability. One ability below 7 keeps you out of French draws, even if the others are high.
• Book the right version of the test. Only TEF Canada and TCF Canada are accepted. Other versions (for example, TEF for Quebec or TCF Tout Public) do not count for Express Entry.
• Keep an English test too, if you can. A CLB 5+ English result doubles the French bonus from 25 to 50 points.
• Update your profile as soon as you get new results.
• Plan for expiry. Results older than 2 years cannot be used, including at the time you submit your application after an invitation.

Entering the Express Entry pool is free. After an invitation, you pay IRCC's fees.

As of September 2026 (fees rose on April 30, 2026), IRCC charges these fees for economic programs such as Express Entry and the PNP, in Canadian dollars:

Biometrics cost $85 per person, or $170 for a family applying together. Check the IRCC fee list before paying, because fees change. Budget as well for language tests, an Educational Credential Assessment if you studied abroad, police certificates, and medical exams.

IRCC aims to process most Express Entry applications in about 6 months after you submit a complete application. Real times vary. Check the IRCC processing times tool or our processing times page.

Your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children under 22 can be included in your application and become permanent residents with you. Each must pass medical and security checks.