Maple News reports that improving your French language proficiency from a Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) level 5 to level 7 can significantly improve your chances of receiving Canadian permanent residency (PR) through the Express Entry system.
Achieving an NCLC level 7 in French—Canada’s second official language—offers two major advantages. First, it can add up to 62 points to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, increasing your competitiveness in the immigration pool. Second, it makes you eligible for French-language category-based draws, which often have considerably lower CRS cut-off scores than other types of Express Entry draws.
In 2024, Canada has already conducted seven French-language proficiency draws, with CRS cut-off scores ranging from just 379 to 481. By comparison, Canadian Experience Class draws ranged from 518 to 547. This means French-speaking candidates face less competition in Express Entry selection rounds, offering a strategic path to permanent residency.
NCLC level 7 demonstrates “adequate intermediate proficiency” across all four language abilities: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Candidates reaching this level not only gain bonus points under the “Core Human Capital” section (up to 12 points if applying without a spouse), but also under “Additional Factors,” where they may earn up to 50 more CRS points—provided they have achieved at least CLB level 5 in English.
Moreover, many Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) favor French-speaking applicants, expanding the immigration pathways available to proficient bilinguals. As Canada focuses on enhancing linguistic diversity and francophone immigration outside Quebec, French-proficient candidates are becoming increasingly critical to meeting federal objectives.
The Canadian government has set a target to boost French-speaking PR admissions outside Quebec from 8.5% in 2025 to even higher proportions in the coming years. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has expressed an ongoing commitment to attract French-speaking talent as part of its broader strategy to support minority language communities.
For candidates aiming to increase their CRS scores and stand out in a competitive Express Entry system, achieving NCLC 7 in French is a strategic and achievable goal. Several routes exist to improve language skills, including immersion programs, online courses, and formal language training. With consistent effort and preparation for standardized tests such as the TEF Canada or TCF Canada, reaching the required level is within reach for many determined applicants.