1French proficiency scales
How the different level systems compare
Depending on your country of origin, you may be familiar with the CEFR scale (A1–C2) or the CLB. Here's how it all translates into the Échelle québécoise (Quebec Scale) used by the MIFI for the PSTQ.
1–4
A1–A2
Beginner
0 RP points
5–6
B1
Intermediate
38 pts/skill
7–8
B2
Legal PR threshold
44 pts/skill
9–10
C1
Optimal zone
50 pts/skill ★
11–12
C2
Native mastery
50 pts/skill
Échelle québécoise (MIFI) — used for the PSTQ / Arrima · NCLC — federal equivalent for French · CLB — same scale for English (IRCC) · CEFR — European framework (TEF, TCF, DELF)
2Points earned by level — per skill
Official MIFI scale — 4 skills assessed separately
Listening comprehension · Speaking · Reading comprehension · Writing — each worth up to 50 pts for the principal applicant
Levels 5–6B1 · Intermediate
Levels 7–8B2 · Legal PR threshold
Levels 9–10C1 · Optimal zone ★
☕ Moving from level 7–8 to level 9–10 = +6 points per skill × 4 skills = +24 points on the Arrima grid — often enough to change your rank in a draw.
3Impact by family situation — solo vs. couple
Solo applicant
Level 7–8 (legal threshold)
Listening comprehension 44 pts
Speaking 44 pts
Reading comprehension 44 pts
Writing 44 pts
French subtotal 176 pts
Solo applicant
Level 9–10 (optimal)
Listening comprehension 50 pts
Speaking 50 pts
Reading comprehension 50 pts
Writing 50 pts
French subtotal 200 pts
↑ +24 pts vs. level 7–8
Couple
Both at level 7–8
Principal applicant ×4 skills 4×35 = 140 pts
Spouse — speaking (×2) 2×8 = 16 pts
Spouse — writing (×2) 2×8 = 16 pts
*max reduced to 40 pts/skill as a couple
French subtotal 172 pts
★ Optimal strategy
Couple
Both at level 9–10
Principal applicant ×4 skills 4×40 = 160 pts
Spouse — speaking (×2) 2×10 = 20 pts
Spouse — writing (×2) 2×10 = 20 pts
*max reduced to 40 pts/skill as a couple
French subtotal 200 pts
↑ +28 pts vs. couple at 7–8
4Full grid overview — all criteria
Official PSTQ scoring grid (MIFI, April 2026)
Estimated competitive score: 590–620 pts out of ~1,400 possible · No fixed minimum — ranking-based selection system
☕
French4 skills × 50 pts
200
🎓
Quebec diplomaDoctorate / medicine
200
📍
Experience in Quebec48+ months = 160 pts
160
📚
General educationDoctorate / medicine
130
🎂
Age20–30 years old is optimal
120
💼
Labour market diagnosisIn-demand occupation + exp.
120
🗺️
Outside Montreal areaResidence + work + studies
120
👫
SpouseFrench + age + education
~90
5Comparing levers to boost your score
What can raise your score quickly?
+24
Solo applicant: 7 → 9Go from B2 to C1 across all 4 skills. Immediate gain in Arrima.
3–6 months of classes
+28
Couple: both 7 → 9Applicant + spouse both reach C1. The spouse also brings their own extra points.
✦ Best return on investment
+40
Quebec experience 12 → 24 monthsDouble your work time in Quebec. Slow, but stacks with French.
12 additional months
+6
Move outside the Montreal area6 months of residency outside Greater Montreal. Small initial gain.
Depends on your situation
+50
Validated job offer (VJO)Offer approved by the MIFI in your main occupation.
Depends on employer
+?
Age / EducationThese criteria can't be changed once your Arrima profile is submitted.
Not actionable
☕ Strategic conclusion · Café Français
In the PSTQ grid, French is the only major criterion that's fully actionable in the short term. For a couple in the immigration process, investing in French classes up to level C1 (levels 9–10 of the Échelle québécoise) is the strategy that offers the best return on investment in time and money — well before waiting to accumulate work experience or earn a Quebec diploma.