1A different system from the PSTQ
Different grid, different destination
Express Entry is Canada's federal economic immigration system — distinct from Quebec's PSTQ. The PSTQ targets settling in Quebec specifically; Express Entry applies to an application to any Canadian province or territory.
Targeting Quebec specifically? See our PSTQ page
2How many points French is worth
Additional points grid — Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
Out of a maximum of 600 additional-factor points in the overall CRS score. Official IRCC figures1.
French only
Required French level NCLC 7+ (all 4 skills)
English level CLB 4 or below / no test
Total +25 points
★ Most advantageous
Bilingual — French and English
Required French level NCLC 7+ (all 4 skills)
Required English level CLB 5+ (all 4 skills)
Total +50 points
3Rounds reserved for French-speaking candidates
Often a faster path
Canada regularly holds Express Entry rounds specifically targeting French-speaking candidates, as part of its Francophone immigration target outside Quebec. These rounds have historically had a lower minimum invitation score than general rounds.
The numbers change with every round (roughly every 2 weeks) — we don't publish historical figures here to avoid spreading outdated information.
See official rounds and current figures (canada.ca)
4The required level, in practice
NCLC 7: solid functional French
NCLC 7 across all four skills corresponds to solid, functional French — achievable with focused preparation, without requiring native-level mastery. TEF Canada and TCF Canada are the tests IRCC recognizes to prove it.
5The gray area, in plain sight
A real advantage today, not guaranteed forever
IRCC is running a public consultation in 2026 on potentially reducing or removing some additional points, including those for French3. The advantage is real today; nothing guarantees it will stay that way indefinitely.
Always check the current information on IRCC before deciding
⚠️ What Café Français is — and is not
Café Français teaches French — we are not an immigration consulting firm, nor an authorized representative before IRCC. The information above is general-interest and comes from official government sources (cited below); it does not constitute immigration advice and does not replace an individual assessment by a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or lawyer. Points grids, categories, and eligibility criteria change frequently — always check the current information on IRCC's official website before making a decision.
☕ What now · Café Français
Reaching NCLC 7 in French is a concrete, measurable goal, achievable with focused preparation — whether your strategy targets Quebec (PSTQ) or any other province via Express Entry.