Why French Language Skills Matter for Immigration
If you want to move to Canada, knowing French can make a big difference. Reaching NCLC level 7 in French can improve your chances of getting Canadian permanent residency (PR) through the Express Entry system. NCLC stands for Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien, which is Canada’s standard for measuring French language ability.
At NCLC 7, your French can earn you up to 62 points on your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which helps you get an invitation to apply (ITA) for PR. You also become eligible for French-language draws, which usually have lower CRS cut-offs compared to general draws.
Here’s a quick look at how French can help you:
Benefits of NCLC 7 for Canadian Immigration
Reaching NCLC 7 in all four language skills—reading, writing, speaking, and listening—can significantly boost your CRS score, making you more competitive in Express Entry. You can also claim up to 50 additional points if you already have CLB 5 in English. Without a spouse, you can get up to 12 extra points for your second language.
Some provinces also give priority to French speakers in their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), increasing your chance of moving to Canada faster. The Canadian government is gradually increasing the number of French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec:
- 2026: 9%
- 2027: 9.5%
- 2028: 10.5%
Tips to Move from NCLC 5 to NCLC 7
Improving your French from level 5 to 7 requires consistent effort and smart practice. Here are some ways to make fast progress:
1. Study Every Day
Set aside at least one to two hours daily for focused French practice. Balance your time between reading, writing, listening, and speaking. If one skill is harder for you, spend extra time improving it. Combine formal lessons with real-world practice, like short conversations or writing exercises.
2. Join an Immersion Program
Immersion programs help you overcome the “intermediate plateau,” where you can communicate but not comfortably or naturally. Spending weeks or months in a French-speaking environment allows you to practice speaking and listening in real-time, helping you become more fluent.
3. Work or Volunteer in French
Jobs or volunteering in a French-speaking environment force you to use French in real situations, such as meetings, explaining tasks, or solving problems. This builds vocabulary, grammar, and confidence in a practical setting.
4. Work with a French Tutor
A certified French tutor can give personal feedback on grammar, pronunciation, and sentence structure. They can focus on your weak areas and use mock tests or exercises similar to the TEF or TCF Canada exams, helping you prepare effectively.
5. Study with French Immigration Tests in Mind
Focus on TEF Canada or TCF Canada exam materials. Practicing with sample exams helps you understand the question types, test timing, and what examiners expect. This targeted practice builds speed, accuracy, and confidence.
6. Listen to French Media
Watch French TV, listen to radio, or read French news. This exposes you to natural French as it is used in everyday life, helping you understand sentence flow, idioms, and cultural expressions.
7. Practice Reverse Translation
Translate a short French text into English, then back into French without looking at the original. Compare the two versions to see what was lost. This helps you think in French rather than translating word-for-word, improving fluency.
8. Consider an Au Pair Program
Living with a French-speaking host family provides constant exposure to the language. You will interact daily with family members, practice conversations, and handle tasks in French, helping you learn faster and naturally.
What NCLC 7 Looks Like
NCLC 7 is considered “adequate intermediate” French. Here’s what it means for each skill and how it’s tested:
| Language skill | Abilities | Language test structure |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | Can understand main ideas, details, and implied meanings in texts. Reads factual, descriptive, and argumentative texts. Uses dictionary occasionally. | TCF Canada: 39 questions, multiple choice (1 hour) TEF Canada: 40 questions, multiple choice (1 hour) |
| Writing | Can write organized passages with clear paragraphs. Uses varied vocabulary and expresses ideas well. May rely on native language patterns. | TCF Canada: 3 exercises (1 hour) TEF Canada: 2 sections (1 hour) |
| Speaking | Can communicate confidently in social, work, and educational settings. Adjusts tone and formality. Discusses familiar and some abstract topics. | TCF Canada: 3 exercises (12 minutes) TEF Canada: 2 sections (15 minutes) |
| Listening | Can follow moderate complexity conversations. Understands abstract ideas. May struggle with fast speech or phone/group discussions. | TCF Canada: 39 questions, multiple choice (35 minutes) TEF Canada: 40 questions, multiple choice (40 minutes) |
People at NCLC 5 or 6 still:
- Struggle with complex phrases and sentence structures
- Need dictionaries or visual aids for certain words
- Hesitate when speaking and make grammar mistakes
- Prefer slower, clearer speech
Q: How long does it take to go from NCLC 5 to 7?
A: It depends on how often you practice and the methods you use. Daily study, immersion, and tutoring can speed up the process to several months.
Q: Do I need to take both TEF Canada and TCF Canada?
A: No, you can choose one. Both are recognized by IRCC for immigration purposes.
Q: Can I study French while living outside Canada?
A: Yes, with online courses, tutors, media, and language exchange partners, you can improve your French anywhere. Immersion programs or au pair experiences are optional but highly effective.
Q: Will improving my French guarantee PR?
A: Not by itself. It increases your CRS points and eligibility for special draws, making you a stronger candidate, but you still need to meet other Express Entry requirements.
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