Do I get CRS points for French even if English is my first official language?

Yes. This is the bilingualism bonus — if you have a valid French test score at CLB 7 or higher in all four skills, you get an additional 24 CRS points on top of your English-based score, or 50 points if your English is also CLB 5 or higher.

How long does it typically take to reach CLB 7 in French from B1?

Most candidates need 3-6 months of focused study to move from B1 to CLB 7, a direct and measurable return on the CRS bonus.

How do I claim the French bonus in my Express Entry profile?

Take TCF Canada or TEF Canada, achieve CLB 7 or higher in all four skills, and enter your French test scores alongside your English scores — the CRS calculation applies the bilingualism bonus automatically if you qualify.

How French Gives You Extra Points in Express Entry (The Complete Guide)

Why French Is a Secret Weapon in Express Entry

Most candidates know that English language ability affects their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Fewer realise that French — even at an intermediate level — can add a significant bonus on top of everything else. If you have functional French and are applying through Express Entry's Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) or Canadian Experience Class (CEC) streams, this bonus can be the difference between receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and waiting years in the pool.

The Two Ways French Adds CRS Points

1. Core French Language Points

If French is your first official language for immigration purposes, you receive CRS points directly for your CLB scores in all four skills (Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing) — up to 128 points for a single applicant with CLB 10+ in all four skills, or more with a spouse.

2. The Bilingualism Bonus (The Hidden Gem)

Even if English is your primary official language, if you also have a valid French test score at CLB 7 or higher in all four skills, you receive an additional 24 bonus CRS points. If your English is CLB 5 or higher and your French is CLB 7+, the bonus increases to 50 points. This is the bilingualism bonus — and it is available to almost any candidate who invests in French preparation.

CLB 7 in All Four Skills: What That Looks Like

CLB 7 corresponds to approximately B2 level on the CEFR scale — upper intermediate. On the TCF Canada, CLB 7 maps to a score range of approximately 458–503 in Listening, 375–399 in Reading, 9–11 in Writing, and Level 9–11 in Speaking. It is an achievable target with focused preparation, even if French is your third language.

The Francophone Immigration Pathway

If French is your first official language (you designate French over English in your profile), you may qualify for Francophone draws — dedicated Express Entry draws with historically lower CRS cutoffs than general draws. These draws specifically target candidates who intend to settle outside Quebec in a francophone minority community. The required French level is typically CLB 7 in all four skills.

Is It Worth Learning French Just for the Points?

For a candidate whose CRS score is hovering 30–60 points below the cutoff, the answer is frequently yes. The 50-point bilingualism bonus alone can bridge that gap. Even the 24-point bonus (for CLB 7 French with CLB 5+ English) is significant in a competitive pool. The investment in French preparation — typically 3–6 months of serious study to reach CLB 7 from B1 — pays a direct, measurable return in your CRS score.

How to Claim the French Bonus

Take either the TCF Canada or TEF Canada — both are accepted by IRCC.
Achieve CLB 7 or higher in all four skills.
Enter your French test scores in your Express Entry profile alongside your English scores.
The CRS calculation will automatically apply the bilingualism bonus if you qualify.

French test scores are valid for two years from the date of the test. Make sure your score does not expire before you receive and accept an ITA.

Not sure how this changes your ranking? Our CRS score calculator gives you an instant estimate.