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Express Entry French-language category: the TCF Canada score you need
To be eligible for the French-language proficiency category in Express Entry, you need NCLC 7 in all four skills. With TCF Canada, that means at least 458 in listening, 453 in reading, and 10 out of 20 in writing and in speaking.
The rule in short
IRCC's page on category-based selection says that, for the French-language proficiency category, your French test results must show a minimum score of 7 in all 4 language abilities on the NCLC scale. The four abilities are listening, reading, writing and speaking.
"All four" is the important part. A strong result in three skills does not replace a weak fourth one. If one skill is at NCLC 6, you do not meet the language requirement for this category.
TCF Canada scores for NCLC 7 in all four skills
IRCC converts each TCF Canada score to an NCLC level with a fixed table. For NCLC 7 in all four skills, these are the lowest scores you need in each part. The NCLC 8 row is there so you can see the next step.
| Level | Listening (out of 699) | Reading (out of 699) | Writing (out of 20) | Speaking (out of 20) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCLC 7 in all four skills (minimum) | 458-502 | 453-498 | 10-11 | 10-11 |
| NCLC 8 | 503-522 | 499-523 | 12-13 | 12-13 |
Source: IRCC, language testing for Express Entry and category-based selection (canada.ca, both pages dated 16 October 2026), checked 3 November 2026. IRCC can change its rules, so confirm on canada.ca before you apply.
The table above is the one IRCC shows for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. IRCC's tables for the Federal Skilled Trades Program and the Canadian Experience Class show the same TCF Canada scores for NCLC 7 and NCLC 8. Want the full chart? See the TCF Canada exam page.
One point can decide it
Each skill is judged on its own. These examples use the minimums from the table:
- Listening: 458 meets the NCLC 7 minimum for that skill. 457 is below it.
- Reading: 453 meets the NCLC 7 minimum for that skill. 452 is below it.
- Writing: 10 out of 20 meets the NCLC 7 minimum for that skill. 9 is below it.
- Speaking: 10 out of 20 meets the NCLC 7 minimum for that skill. 9 is below it.
So you need NCLC 7 in all four skills: all four results at or above these numbers. Put your four scores in the TCF Canada score calculator to see your NCLC level in each skill.
What else you need
The language score is only one condition. IRCC also says you must:
- meet the minimum criteria for Express Entry, including being eligible for one of the three programs it covers, and
- meet all of the requirements in the instructions for each round.
IRCC writes that full details are included in the instructions for each round. Read those instructions every time, because they can change. We do not list draw dates or cut-off scores here for that reason.
Your test result must also be less than 2 years old when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you submit your application for permanent residence. We explain this in detail in how long TCF Canada is valid.
Which skill is usually the problem?
For many candidates it is writing. The score is out of 20, and the NCLC 7 minimum for writing (needed in all four skills) is 10, so 9 out of 20 is not enough. Mistakes with tenses, agreement and linking words can cost those points. Our guide to the TCF Canada writing tasks shows what each task asks for.
Before you pay for the exam, practise a full answer and see your score. Paste your text into the checker. It gives a score out of 20, an NCLC level and every mistake explained, so you can see if you are near 10 out of 20 or far from it.
Is your writing at NCLC 7?
Paste your Task 1, 2 or 3 text and get a score out of 20, your NCLC level and every mistake explained. 5 free checks a day, no sign-up.
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What TCF Canada score do I need for the Express Entry French-language category?
You need NCLC 7 in all four skills. For TCF Canada, that is at least 458 in listening, 453 in reading, and 10 out of 20 in writing and in speaking.
Is NCLC 7 in three skills enough for the French-language category?
No. IRCC asks for a minimum score of 7 in all 4 language abilities. One skill below NCLC 7 means you do not meet the language requirement.
Is a good TCF Canada score enough to be invited?
No. You must also meet the minimum criteria for Express Entry and all of the requirements in the instructions for each round. IRCC publishes those instructions for every round.
Which tests does IRCC accept for French?
IRCC lists TEF Canada and TCF Canada as the approved French tests. See our comparison of TEF Canada and TCF Canada if you are still choosing.
How old can my TCF Canada result be?
Less than 2 years old when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you submit your application for permanent residence.
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