What level of French is Required for Canada PR 2026 – 2027

Are you thinking of permanently shifting to Canada to start a new life? Canada is an amazing country to start a life in, as it offers multiple opportunities. Furthermore, it has a strong and robust economy with a diverse culture. With PR, you can work, live, and enjoy the benefits of being a part of a beautiful nation.

You might be wondering why the French language matters in your PR journey and what level of French is required for Canada PR.  

French is one of Canada’s official languages, alongside English. Your skills and abilities to speak French can enhance your chances of getting PR in Canada. 

Moreover, Canada values bilingual individuals, so demonstrating proficiency in both languages can give you an edge in the PR process.  

Therefore, in this blog, we’ll explore what level of French is required for Canada PR. We will also learn how to prepare for the language test. Additionally, we will discuss why getting Canadian PR can be a life-changing decision for anyone. 

What level of French is Required for Canada PR 

The TEF has a scale that ranges from A1 (beginner level), to C2 (Proficient level)

Notably, to be eligible for Canada PR, the level of French required is at least a CLB 7, corresponding to a B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). This means that you should have moderate-to-advanced-level language skills.  

In addition to that, you don’t need to be a fluent speaker, but you should be able to hold a conversation, read, and write effectively to clear the test.

Which French Exam Is Required for Canada PR? 

Choosing the right French language test is just as important as achieving the required NCLC level. The following exams are accepted by IRCC for Canada PR applications.

There are two major French language tests that one can take to get the PR easily:    

1. TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français)   
2. TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français)   

TEF    

The TEF exam is designed to check your proficiency in the French language. This is one of the major exams that is required for PR.     

Here are the components of the TEF Canada exam and their time allocations:   

• Listening Comprehension: (40 minutes)

• Written Comprehension: (60 minutes)

• Oral Expression: (15 minutes)

• Written Expression: (60 minutes)

  Related Article: Preparation for TEF Canada Exam 

The TEF scoring system assigns points for each section, and the pass mark for PR eligibility is CLB 7, which is equivalent to a B2 level.   

TCF    

While TCF is one of the major exams for PR, there is another exam, i.e., the TCF Canada exam, which one can take to get Canada PR. The TCF is structured to evaluate your general French language skills. Below are the components and their time allocations:   

• Listening Comprehension: 35 minutes

• Reading Comprehension: 60 minutes

• Written Skills: 60 minutes

• Verbal Skills: 12 minutes   

Both tests check your proficiency in French, but depending on your goals, whether immigration, studies, or employment, selecting the right exam (TEF or TCF) can make a significant difference.  

Even if DELF and DALF are recognized French language certifications, they cannot be used to claim French points for Canada PR. Therefore, applicants should do TEF Canada or TCF Canada instead.

French Score Required for Canada PR  

The French score required for Canada PR depends on your NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens) level. In other words, your TEF Canada or TCF Canada test scores are converted into NCLC levels, which are used to assess your language proficiency. Moreover, the required NCLC level may vary depending on the immigration program you are applying for. 

The table below provides a quick overview of the French score required for Canada PR based on NCLC levels.
 

While there is no required single French score to apply for Canada PR, most Express Entry candidates try to achieve NCLC 7 at least to boost their CRS score. Additionally, a higher NCLC level may increase your odds of getting an ITA if combined with strong English language proficiency.

Is French compulsory for Canadian PR? How many CRS points can French add? 

Well, the answer is no; French is not compulsory for getting PR in Canada. If you have proficiency in English, you can give the test and can get PR. Therefore, you need proficiency in either French or English through an approved language test. But also note that skills in the French language can improve your express entry scores, increasing your chance of getting an invitation to apply for an ITA. 

Importance of CLB Level 7 in the French Exam   

For those who want to get PR through TEF, then it’s important to note that achieving the CLB level 7 in French can be beneficial. CLB stands for the Canadian Language Benchmark, which represents a person having good proficiency in French. 

• CLB 7 can significantly enhance your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score under the Express Entry system and helps in improving your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada.     
• Canada is a bilingual country, and knowing both French and English can increase your chances of getting the job in Canada.  
• Since people in major cities of Canada speak French as their primary language. Therefore, having a good command of the language can help you to adjust to Canadian society more easily. 

Tips to prepare for TEF Canada exam

Certainly, preparing for the TEF, i.e., French language test for Canada PR, includes commitment, hard work, and a great deal of preparation as well as effort.

• Try to sit every day for practice because consistency matters.
• Practice mock tests under timed conditions.
• Practice all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• Identify your weak points and spend extra practice time on it.
• Learn exam-specific vocabulary and common questions
• Try to enroll in a structured course. Online courses provided by different institutes, including Kochiva, are among the best ways to prepare for the TEF exam.

Some Tips for Success in Getting PR in Canada:

• Focus on improving your communication skills in either of the two languages, French or English.
• Prepare consistently for the TEF Canada exam and practice all four language skills.
• Aim for NCLC 7 or above for getting extra CRS points.
• Keep your documents ready.
• Keep updated with the Express Entry Draws.

The Advantages of having a Canada PR

Becoming a Canadian permanent resident offers several long-term benefits, including: 

• Career Opportunities: Canada has a strong job market with opportunities across various industries.

• Access to Healthcare: Furthermore, permanent residents can access Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system.

• Education Benefits: In addition to that, children under the age of 18 can attend public schools free of charge.

How to Apply Through Express Entry for Canadian Permanent Residency (Canada PR) 

Step 1: Verify Your Qualification   

Initially, the first step would be to determine qualification for one of the three Express Entry programs:   

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW):     

• 1 year of skilled work experience in the last 10 years    

• CLB 7 in English or French   

• Minimum secondary education   

• At least 67 points on the FSW grid   

Canadian Experience Class (CEC):   

 Similarly, 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada in the last 3 years    

• CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs, CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3   

• No minimum education required    

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST):   

•  2 years of skilled trade experience in the last 5 years      

• CLB 5 (speaking & listening), CLB 4 (reading & writing)   

• Valid job offer or trade certificate   

Step 2: Your Language Exam   

Subsequently, book an English or French language test for Canada PR. The exam should encompass listening, reading, speaking, and writing modules. Results are valid for two years.   

Indeed, a French language test can provide an additional boost to the CRS points for Canada PR.   

Step 3: Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)   

Moreover, ECA is essential for individuals whose education was completed outside Canada. The ECA evaluates your foreign degree and compares it to Canadian standards. The following organizations have been approved:   

• WES 

• ICES 

• IQAS 

• CES 

• ICAS  

Furthermore, reports from ECA are only valid for five years.   

Step 4: Make an Express Entry Profile   

Furthermore, you need to make your profile on the IRCC site. You have to provide the following:   

•  Score from your language test   

• Educational background   

• Work experience   

• Personal information   

Additionally, make sure you submit your profile within 60 days; otherwise, it will expire, and you will need to create a new one.   

Step 5: Get Your CRS Score   

Then, you will have your CRS score after considering the following:   

• age   

• education   

• work experience   

• your abilities in either the English or French language (for PR in Canada)   

• Finally, any job offers or connections in Canada   

Step 6: Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) 

Notably, you will need to have a higher CRS score than other people to get an ITA for PR in Canada.   

Step 7: Submit Your PR Application   

Finally, the following documentation is needed within 60 days if you are granted an ITA:   

• Results of your medical exam 

• Police documents   

• Proof of funds 

• Work-related documents and also Education-related documents 

• Results from your language test 

Step 8: Get PR Approval and Move to Canada   

• If approved, you will be issued a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).  

• If you are outside of Canada, you will be given a PR visa, which will allow you to enter Canada. 

• Your PR card will be sent to your address in Canada after you arrive. 

 
How to Get Canada PR Easily 

Initially, one of the best ways to get Canada PR easily is to apply for Canada PR through the Express Entry System.

In addition to that, you receive points for your official language abilities; you can earn up to 50 CRS points for having outstanding French language abilities—even if French is not your first language.    

Moreover, if you received a CLB 4 or below in English, you might then receive an extra 25 points.    

Conclusion: What Level of French is Required for Canadian PR? 

Ultimately, having the Canada PR is the dream of many people. By learning the French language, you can achieve this dream more easily. However, learning the different levels of French required for PR can be a challenging task.  

However, with the right approach as well as with perseverance, you can learn French in a short time period. Additionally, it is important to practice the French language daily and use the various resources, including online courses from Kochiva. Indeed, our courses help you learn French at different levels, from A1 to C2. This will also make your learning fast and easy. 

FAQs (What Level of French is Required for Canada PR?)

Are French classes worth it for Canada PR?

French classes can help you prepare for TEF Canada or TCF Canada and improve your NCLC level, increasing your chances of earning additional CRS points.  

Which exam is easy for Canada PR?

Certainly, TCF and TEF Canada are two approved French language proficiency tests for getting PR in Canada. However, which test is easy totally depends on your own learning style.

Is CLB 5 in French eligible for Canadian PR?

Yes, CLB 5 is eligible for some Canada immigration programs. For instance, FCI (Francophone Community Immigration Pilot) and certain PNPs (Provincial Nominee Programs). But it’s not your target if you are applying through Express Entry.

Can I reach NCLC 7 in 3 months?

Certainly, to reach NCLC 7 in 3 months is not realistic, especially if you have zero knowledge of the French language.

How to get an additional 50 CRS points?

You must achieve NCLC 7 (CLB 7) in all four language skills to get an extra 50 CRS points.

Which level of French is CLB 7?

There are 6 levels such as A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. And CLB 7 is basically a B2 level, also called the upper intermediate level, of the French language as per CEFR. It is called NCLC 7 in French.