What Level Of French Is Required For Canadian PR?

You need at least **NCLC 7 (≈ B2 CEFR)** in all four skills. This is the minimum level that earns CRS points in Express Entry and qualifies you for French‑specific draws. Quebec programs also require oral NCLC 7.

Which French Tests Are Accepted By IRCC?

Only **TEF Canada** and **TCF Canada** are accepted for PR. Both test reading, writing, listening, and speaking, and the results are valid for **two years**.

How Do TEF Canada Scores Translate To NCLC Levels?

For NCLC 7, you need: Reading 207–232, Writing 249–279, Speaking 310–348, Listening 310–348. Scores below these ranges won’t qualify for CRS points.

Is French Mandatory For PR Outside Quebec?

No. English alone is enough for federal programs, but French adds up to **50 CRS points** and gives access to special draws with lower cut‑offs.

Is French Mandatory For Quebec Immigration Programs?

Yes. Quebec requires oral French at **NCLC 7 (B2 CEFR)** and written French at NCLC 5. Without French, you cannot qualify for Quebec immigration pathways.

How Many Extra Points Can French Add To My CRS Score?

Strong French scores add **up to 50 points**. With bilingual combinations (French + English), the bonus can reach **62 points**, often enough to cross draw thresholds.

What Is The Difference Between Federal And Quebec Requirements?

Federal programs reward French but don’t require it. Quebec makes French mandatory, with oral NCLC 7 as the baseline for skilled worker eligibility.

How Long Does It Take To Get TEF/TCF Results?

Results usually take **4–6 weeks** after the exam. Since they’re valid for two years, many candidates take the test early to secure scores before applying.

What Level of French Is Required for PR Canada?

November 29, 202522 MinutesGlobal Opportunities, Articles

Canada’s immigration system places strong importance on knowing English and French, its two official languages, because they help newcomers integrate successfully.

Outside of Quebec, French is not required for permanent residency, but showing language skills gives applicants big advantages. In Quebec, however, provincial laws make French essential for most applicants who want to settle there.

Now, if you’re planning to take the TEF exam (Test d’évaluation de français) for Canada PR, you’ll need to achieve a minimum score to qualify for language points.

In this blog, we’ll explain the minimum scores you need, how they affect your CRS ranking, and why French proficiency is non‑negotiable in Quebec. First, let’s start with learning how the French proficiency levels work:

French Language Proficiency Levels

Canada evaluates French proficiency using its own 12‑level scale called the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC). The Canadian government uses this official system for immigration purposes and ranges from Level 1 (basic ability) to Level 12 (advanced mastery).

The NCLC is closely aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), an international standard for measuring language skills. This alignment makes it easier for applicants to understand how their French level compares globally.

For Canada immigration purposes, the minimum threshold is NCLC 7, which is roughly equivalent to CEFR B2. This level is considered intermediate proficiency in French.

At NCLC 7, you can participate in meaningful conversations. For example, you could discuss your job responsibilities with an employer, explain your opinion in a community meeting, or chat comfortably with friends about everyday topics.

This level also shows that you can understand more complex texts, such as articles, reports, or instructions, and respond appropriately.

In short, NCLC 7 means you can function effectively in both professional and social settings, which is why it’s recognised as the minimum threshold for earning immigration points in Canada.

Now, how can you prove you’ve reached intermediate proficiency in French? Here are the official approved French language tests:

TEF Canada (Test d’Évaluation de Français)
TCF Canada (Test de Connaissance du Français)

📌Note: NCLC is just a number that measures how good your French (or English) is. It’s like the “grade” on your language report card (from 1 to 12). This grade is required no matter which immigration program (FSWP, FSTP, and CEC) you use.

Minimum French Score for Federal Programs (Outside Quebec) via Express Entry

After taking the TEF or TCF exam, the test gives you an NCLC score (example: NCLC 7 in all four skills). Then, you create an Express Entry profile and pick one of these three programs (the door that fits your background):

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) → best for people with a university degree and office/professional work experience
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) → best for cooks, electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, etc.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) → best for people who already worked in Canada for at least 1 year (in almost any skilled job)

Your NCLC score is then used in whichever program you chose to calculate your total points and decide if you get invited. Here’s the minimum threshold for each program:

Program	Minimum French Level	Benefit
FSWP	NCLC 7 in all skills if French is first official language	Up to 24 CRS points, plus 4 if English is a second language (CLB 5+)
FSTP	NCLC 5 (speaking/listening), NCLC 4 (reading/writing)	Lower thresholds for trades, French still boosts CRS
CEC	NCLC 7 for TEER 0–2 jobs, NCLC 5 for TEER 3 jobs	Up to 50 CRS points for strong French, even as a second language
Category‑based draws	NCLC 7 in all skills	Lower CRS cut‑offs, thousands of ITAs reserved for French speakers

Although the French test is not mandatory outside of Quebec, it can add up to 50 CRS points if you reach NCLC 7 in all skills and have at least CLB 5 in English.

With certain combinations, the bonus can climb to 62 points. In a competitive system, that’s a huge boost.

Minimum French Score for Quebec Immigration Programs

Quebec is a different story. In this province, French isn’t just an advantage, it’s a requirement. Unlike the rest of Canada, Quebec selects immigrants independently in order to preserve its unique linguistic identity.

As of 2025, it has become one of the strictest places in the world when it comes to French‑language immigration requirements. Here’s exactly what you need to know right now about the French language requirements:

Who the rule applies to	Minimum Speaking + Listening (Oral) Level	Minimum Reading + Writing (Written) Level	Notes – Very Important
Principal applicant (the person applying for PR) – skilled jobs (TEER 0, 1, 2, 3)	NCLC 7 or higher (= B2 on CEFR)	NCLC 5 or higher (for most programs); NCLC 7 for the highest points	This is the real minimum to have any realistic chance in 2025–2026
Principal applicant – lower-skilled jobs (TEER 4, 5)	NCLC 5 or higher	Usually NCLC 5	Very few invitations for these jobs anyway
Spouse or common-law partner	NCLC 4 or higher in speaking + listening	No written score required	If your spouse has less than oral NCLC 4 → you lose big points or can be refused
Children	No French required	No French required	-

Wrapping Up

Overall, the level of French you need to PR Canada is:

Outside Quebec (to get 50 bonus points or French-speaker draws): NCLC 7 in all 4 skills
Quebec – principal applicant (skilled jobs): oral NCLC 7 + written NCLC 5
Quebec – principal applicant (lower-skilled jobs): oral NCLC 5
Quebec – spouse/common-law partner: oral NCLC 4

With Canada’s growing emphasis on bilingualism, investing in French skills is one of the smartest moves you can make if PR is your goal.