CRS language points
How CRS points for French are calculated
French can affect several CRS sections: first-language points, second-language points, skill transferability and the additional French-language factor. Read each table separately so one result is not counted twice.
Independent practice. Not affiliated with CCI Paris Île-de-France (TEF Canada) or France Éducation international (TCF Canada). Facts and rules can change; check the linked sources.
Start with the role French plays
The CRS is not one French-points table. If French is your first official language, the first-language table gives points for each of the four abilities. If French is your second official language, the second-language table gives a smaller number per ability. Separate skill-transferability combinations can use language thresholds with education, foreign work experience or a certificate of qualification. Finally, the additional French factor can add 25 or 50 points when French is NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilities and the English condition is met.
The same test result may be relevant to more than one section, but the rules and caps stay separate. A candidate should not sum every number visible in a worksheet unless the CRS criteria allow that category.
First official language points
When a language is your first official language, the per-ability points are different depending on whether you have a spouse or partner accompanying you. The current criteria list these values:
| Benchmark | With spouse, per ability | Without spouse, per ability |
|---|---|---|
| Below CLB 4 | 0 | 0 |
| CLB 4 or 5 | 6 | 6 |
| CLB 6 | 8 | 9 |
| CLB 7 | 16 | 17 |
| CLB 8 | 22 | 23 |
| CLB 9 | 29 | 31 |
| CLB 10 or higher | 32 | 34 |
Across four abilities, the maximum is 128 points with a spouse or 136 without a spouse. The table is applied per ability, so the correct way to work is to convert and enter speaking, listening, reading and writing independently.
Second official language points
The second-language table is simpler. A result at CLB 4 or less receives 0 points per ability. CLB 5 or 6 receives 1 point per ability; CLB 7 or 8 receives 3; CLB 9 or higher receives 6. The total is capped at 22 points with a spouse and 24 points without a spouse.
This is why a second-language profile should still show all four cells. One strong result cannot be used as a substitute for a lower result in another ability when you are checking the total.
Skill transferability is a separate calculation
Language thresholds can combine with other human-capital factors. The criteria describe two language tiers: CLB 7 or more on all first-official-language abilities, with one or more abilities under CLB 9; and CLB 9 or more on all four abilities. The applicable education, foreign work experience or certificate-of-qualification combinations then have their own points and caps.
| Combination described by IRCC | Lower tier | Higher tier |
|---|---|---|
| Post-secondary credential of one year or more | 13 / 25 | 25 / 50 |
| Two or more credentials, one 3+ years; master’s or doctorate | 25 / 50 | 25 / 50 |
| Foreign work experience of 1–2 years | 13 / 25 | 25 / 50 |
| Foreign work experience of 3+ years | 25 / 50 | 25 / 50 |
| Certificate of qualification with CLB 5+ and one ability under CLB 7 | 25 | – |
| Certificate of qualification with CLB 7+ in all four | – | 50 |
The slash values reflect the two spouse-status caps shown in the criteria. Read the exact row with your spouse status and factor combination; the table is not a free-standing bonus for learning French.
Worked example: Thomas keeps the rows apart
Fictional candidate
Thomas uses French as his first official language and has no accompanying spouse. His four French abilities are CLB 9, 9, 8 and 7. The first-language points are 31 + 31 + 23 + 17 = 102. He should not turn that into four CLB 9 results: the 8 and 7 remain their own rows.
Thomas also has English at CLB 5 or higher in all four abilities. If his French results are NCLC 7 or higher in all four, the additional French factor may be 50 points under the listed condition. That 50 is not added again as second-language points, because French is already his first official language. He then checks whether education or work-experience transferability rows apply. A final total must follow the complete CRS criteria, not this simplified illustration.
A safer worksheet
- Name the first and second official languages before entering a score.
- Record four benchmark levels for each tested language.
- Apply the first-language or second-language table per ability, using spouse status.
- Check transferability only after confirming its language tier and the matching education, work or certificate condition.
- Check the additional French factor separately: NCLC 7+ in all four, then the English condition.
- Compare the finished worksheet with the current IRCC CRS criteria before submitting anything.
Practice can help you decide which ability needs attention. It cannot establish an immigration benchmark by itself. Keep a result statement, the test date and the table period in your notes.
FAQ
Are French points always 50?
No. The additional French factor is 25 or 50 depending on the four French abilities and the English condition.
Can I average the four benchmarks?
No. Several thresholds require the stated level in all four abilities.
Does spouse status change every French number?
It changes the first-language and capped transferability totals shown in the criteria; the second-language per-ability values stay as listed, with a different cap.
Where do I verify a current total?
Use the current IRCC CRS criteria page and your complete profile information. Do not use an old calculator as the final authority.
Sources
- IRCC: CRS criteria, language, transferability and additional French points.
- IRCC: Express Entry language test results, French and English benchmark instructions.
Sources checked 27 October 2026.
Check the language cells
Use the free NCLC converter to organise each ability, then use the practice set to work on the lowest one.
Open the free NCLC converter