Attaining a Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) level 7 in French can significantly enhance your prospects of securing Canadian permanent residency (PR) through the Express Entry system.
Achieving an NCLC level 7 in your secondary official language can boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score by up to 62 points, making you eligible for French-language proficiency draws.
This post will discuss:
- The role of French language skills in obtaining Canadian PR;
- Strategies for reaching an “Adequate Intermediate” level of French proficiency; and
- The competencies of a French learner at an NCLC level 7 and what to expect on a French language assessment.
Advantages of French Proficiency for Canadian Immigration
Reaching an NCLC level 7 in all language abilities can significantly elevate your CRS score, positioning you as a competitive candidate for Express Entry.
Attaining an NCLC level 7 qualifies you for category-based selection, increasing your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR. Canada has conducted seven French-language proficiency draws this year, with notably lower cut-off scores compared to other draws:
| Draw type | CRS cut-off score range | Number of draws held |
|---|---|---|
| French-language proficiency | 379 – 481 | 7 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 518 – 547 | 11 |
| Healthcare and social services | 470 – 510 | 5 |
| Education | 462 – 479 | 2 |
| Trades | 505 | 1 |
By meeting an NCLC level 7, you can claim up to 50 additional points under the “Additional factors” section of the CRS, provided you have a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 in all four English language abilities. Additionally, you can earn up to 12 points at an NCLC level 7 for second language proficiency under “Core human capital” (without a spouse).
Attaining an NCLC level 7 further enhances your eligibility for Canadian permanent residency, making it a valuable asset in your immigration journey.