TCF Canada for Express Entry: French Scores, NCLC and CRS Explained
IRCC accepts TCF Canada as an approved French test for Express Entry. Your speaking, listening, reading and writing results are converted to NCLC levels and can affect program eligibility and CRS points. Rules change, so treat this page as orientation and verify every figure with IRCC before acting.
TCF Canada is an accepted Express Entry test
IRCC’s current language-test page lists TCF Canada and TEF Canada as approved French tests. Enter the results exactly as instructed in your profile and use the official equivalency table for each ability.
French benchmarks are called NCLC. English benchmarks are CLB. Your profile may treat French as a first or second official language depending on your declared results and circumstances.
Language thresholds depend on the program
For example, IRCC currently lists NCLC 7 in all four abilities as the minimum first-official-language level for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Canadian Experience Class thresholds depend on the occupation’s TEER category. Federal Skilled Trades requirements distinguish speaking/listening from reading/writing.
Meeting a language threshold does not by itself guarantee eligibility or an invitation. Other program and profile factors apply.
Current additional CRS points for French
IRCC’s CRS criteria currently provide 25 additional points for NCLC 7 or higher in all four French abilities when English is CLB 4 or lower (or no English test is provided). The current criteria provide 50 points when French is NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilities and English is CLB 5 or higher in all four abilities.
These values were verified against IRCC on September 27, 2026 and are intentionally isolated in this section so they can be updated when policy changes.
Check current CRS criteria on IRCC →Set a four-skill target
Because additional French points require a threshold across all four abilities, preparation should not ignore a weaker skill. Use section-level practice to build the weak area and full mock exams to test consistency.
Open your learning dashboard →Important immigration disclaimer
This article provides general educational information and is not legal or immigration advice. Programs, category-based selection, score equivalencies and CRS criteria can change. Check IRCC’s current pages or consult an authorized professional for advice about your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Does IRCC accept TCF Canada for Express Entry?
Yes. IRCC lists TCF Canada as an approved French language test for Express Entry.
Can strong French add CRS points?
Under current IRCC criteria, qualifying French results may add 25 or 50 points depending on French and English results. Verify the current rules before submitting.
Are CLB and NCLC the same?
They are parallel Canadian benchmark systems: CLB is used for English and NCLC for French.