CRS calculator with French (TEF/TCF) points

French is one of the most powerful CRS levers: up to 50 bonus points on top of your language points, and far lower cut-offs in French-category draws. Here is how TEF Canada and TCF Canada convert to NCLC, and exactly when you earn 25 or 50 points.

Calculate my CRS with French
How does French add CRS points?

On top of your normal language points, French earns 25 additional points at NCLC 7+ in all four abilities, or 50 if you also have English at CLB 5+.

  • 25 points: NCLC 7 or higher in all four French abilities.
  • 50 points: the above plus English CLB 5+ in all four abilities.
  • TEF Canada and TCF Canada both convert to NCLC, treated like CLB.
  • French-category draws often have much lower cut-offs than general draws.

The French bonus: 25 or 50 points

Your French (and English)French bonus points
French at NCLC 7+ in all four abilities+25
The above, plus English at CLB 5+ in all four abilities+50
French below NCLC 7 in any ability0

The bonus is separate from, and added on top of, the language points your French and English already earn as first and second languages. Source: IRCC, language testing for Express Entry.

TEF Canada to NCLC

Minimum TEF Canada scores to reach each NCLC level (writing and speaking share one scale):

NCLC / CLBListening (min)Reading (min)Writing & speaking (min)
10316263393
9298248371
8280233349
7249207310
6217181271
5181151226
4145121181

TCF Canada to NCLC

Minimum TCF Canada scores to reach each NCLC level (writing and speaking are marked out of 20):

NCLC / CLBListening (min)Reading (min)Writing & speaking (min)
1054954916
952352414
850349912
745845310
63984067
53693756
43313424

Scores below NCLC 4 earn no CRS language points. The calculator converts your exact TEF or TCF results for you.

French-category draw cut-offs

IRCC runs category-based draws for French-language candidates, and their CRS cut-offs are usually well below general draws — so the French bonus plus a lower threshold can be the fastest route to an invitation. See the current and historical French-category cut-offs:

French-category draw history

Calculate your full CRS score

Enter your TEF or TCF results and the calculator converts them to NCLC, applies the French bonus and adds every other factor for your full CRS score.

Calculate my CRS with FrenchCLB / NCLC converterCalculateur CRS en français

Frequently asked questions

How many CRS points do you get for French?

French earns additional CRS points in two tiers. If your French is NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilities, you get 25 points. If you also have English at CLB 5 or higher in all four abilities, you get 50 points. These are on top of the normal language points for your first and second languages.

What is the difference between NCLC and CLB?

NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens) is the French-language benchmark; CLB is the English one. They are the same scale measured in the two languages, so a TEF or TCF result is reported as an NCLC level, which CRS treats exactly like the equivalent CLB level.

Does IRCC accept TEF Canada and TCF Canada?

Yes. For French, IRCC accepts TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Both report four abilities — listening, reading, writing and speaking — and results are valid for two years. You can use French as your first official language, or as a second language on top of English to earn the French bonus.

Why are French-category draws worth watching?

IRCC holds category-based draws for strong French-language candidates, and their CRS cut-offs are often far lower than general draws. Combined with the French bonus points, a strong French result can be one of the fastest routes to an invitation. Check the latest French-category cut-offs before you plan.