NCLC 5 in French is enough for some things, such as the Francophone Mobility work permit (speaking and listening only) and a single CRS point per skill as a second language, but it does not earn the French bonus or French draw eligibility. NCLC 7 in all four skills is the level that unlocks the +25/+50 bonus and French category draws, so for Express Entry it is the real minimum. It is enough to get into French draws, but NCLC 8 or 9 adds more points if French is your first official language.
Key takeaways
- NCLC 5 = TCF 369 / 375 / 6 / 6, or TEF 181 / 151 / 226 / 226 (ancien score).
- NCLC 7 = TCF 458 / 453 / 10 / 10, or TEF 249 / 207 / 310 / 310.
- NCLC 5 helps with Francophone Mobility and some pathways; it earns no French bonus.
- NCLC 7 in all four unlocks the +25/+50 bonus and French category draws.
- Going past 7 pays most when French is your first official language.
On this page
NCLC 5 (CLB 5 in French) and NCLC 7 sound two steps apart. For Express Entry they are worlds apart. NCLC 5 earns 1 CRS point per skill as a second language and nothing else in Express Entry. NCLC 7 in all four skills earns the +25 or +50 French bonus, 3 points per skill as a second language, and entry to French category draws.
What test scores are NCLC 5 and NCLC 7?
#| Skill | TCF NCLC 5 | TCF NCLC 7 | TEF NCLC 5 | TEF NCLC 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 369 | 458 | 181 / 360 | 249 / 360 |
| Reading | 375 | 453 | 151 / 300 | 207 / 300 |
| Writing | 6 / 20 | 10 / 20 | 226 / 450 | 310 / 450 |
| Speaking | 6 / 20 | 10 / 20 | 226 / 450 | 310 / 450 |
On TCF Canada, writing and speaking go from 6 to 10 out of 20. That is four marks, and it is where most people get stuck. Practise both with timed writing prompts and random speaking topics. The full charts are in the TEF Canada score chart and the CLB 7 score guide.
What does each level unlock?
#- Francophone Mobility work permit (speaking and listening at NCLC 5)
- 1 CRS point per skill as a second language (4 total)
- Counts towards some programs' minimums, e.g. CEC for TEER 2–3 jobs
- No French bonus, no French category draws
- +25 CRS (weak/no English) or +50 (English CLB 5+ in all four)
- 3 CRS points per skill as a second language (12 total)
- Eligible for French-language proficiency draws
- Meets the Federal Skilled Worker CLB 7 language minimum if French is your first language
For an English-first single applicant with CLB 5+ English, moving French from NCLC 5 or 6 to NCLC 7 in every skill is worth 58 CRS points (4 → 62). That jump is why NCLC 7 is the number everyone talks about. Details in CRS points for French.
Is NCLC 7 enough?
#For French draw eligibility and the bonus, yes. There is no extra reward for NCLC 8 in the bonus or the draw rules. Whether it is enough to be invited depends on your total CRS, and 2026 French cut-offs ran from 382 to 435 through October on the old grid (see French draw cut-offs).
French is your second language. NCLC 7 and NCLC 8 give the same 3 points per skill; NCLC 9 gives 6 (capped at 24, or 22 with a spouse). So NCLC 7 is usually enough, and extra effort is often better spent on English, where CLB 9+ adds far more.
Here higher French pays a lot. A single applicant gets 17 points per skill at NCLC 7, 23 at NCLC 8 and 31 at NCLC 9. NCLC 9 in all four instead of NCLC 7 is +56 core points, before skill-transferability gains.
| French level (all four) | First-language points (single) |
|---|---|
| NCLC 7 | 68 |
| NCLC 8 | 92 |
| NCLC 9 | 124 |
| NCLC 10+ | 136 |
If you only need the Francophone Mobility work permit, NCLC 5 in speaking and listening is the bar. Keep in mind PR later usually needs NCLC 7. See Francophone Mobility and French PNPs.
Stuck just below 7 in one skill? See missed CLB 7 French: what next.
How long from NCLC 5 to NCLC 7?
#It varies a lot. Many learners need a few months of steady work, mostly on writing and speaking. Our 12-week NCLC 5 to 7 plan and how long to reach CLB 7 set out realistic timelines.
- Myth
NCLC 5 in French gets a smaller French bonus.
FactNo. The bonus is all or nothing at NCLC 7 in all four skills. Below that it is zero.
- Myth
NCLC 8 in French gets a bigger bonus than NCLC 7.
FactThe bonus is the same +25 or +50 at NCLC 7 or above. Higher levels only add core or second-language points.
- Myth
CLB 7 and NCLC 7 are different levels.
FactSame benchmark. CLB is the English name, NCLC the French one.
Check yourself
1 of 3.What TCF Canada writing score is NCLC 5?
2 of 3.Which of these does NCLC 5 in French unlock?
3 of 3.English is your first language. How many second-language points do NCLC 7 and NCLC 8 give per skill?
Questions people ask
It is enough for the French bonus and French category draws. Whether you get invited depends on your total CRS; 2026 French cut-offs ran from 382 to 435 through October, on the old grid.
At least 369 in listening, 375 in reading, 6/20 in writing and 6/20 in speaking.
Only as a second language: 1 point per skill at NCLC 5 or 6. It earns no French bonus and no French draw eligibility.
If French is your first official language, yes: points per skill go from 17 at NCLC 7 to 23 at NCLC 8 and 31 at NCLC 9 for a single applicant. As a second language, NCLC 8 adds nothing over 7; NCLC 9 doubles it to 6 per skill.
Terms in this guide
Each one is defined in plain English in the TEF & TCF Canada glossary.
Sources
Rules and fees change. Always confirm with IRCC and your test centre before you pay.
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