French for Canada CRS Points 2026: How Bonus Points Work & Why You Need French

French for Canada CRS points is the single most underutilised strategy among Indian Express Entry applicants in 2026. While thousands compete for the same CRS ceiling through English scores and work experience, a handful of strategic applicants are quietly adding 37-50 bonus CRS points by learning French — and receiving Invitations to Apply (ITAs) months ahead of everyone else. Since IRCC removed job offer points in March 2025, language ability is now the #1 differentiator in the Comprehensive Ranking System. This guide breaks down exactly how French for Canada CRS points works, the verified point values, real before-and-after examples, and how EEC's ₹7,500 French A1 course is the starting point for a journey that could be worth ₹50 lakh+ in lifetime earnings.

The CRS Points Crisis — Why French Is Your Secret Weapon

If you have been tracking Canada Express Entry draws in 2025-26, you know the numbers are brutal. General draw cutoffs have hovered between 480 and 530+ CRS points, and IRCC's removal of job offer points in March 2025 eliminated up to 200 points that many applicants relied on. The result? Profiles that were once competitive are now stuck in the pool, and the competition for every remaining CRS point has intensified dramatically. What used to be a comfortable score of 460 is now not enough for a general draw — and with over 200,000+ profiles competing in the pool at any given time, marginal improvements in IELTS scores or adding one more year of work experience simply are not moving the needle fast enough.

Most Indian applicants chase the same limited strategies: maximise IELTS or PTE scores, wait for more work experience, or hope for a provincial nomination. But here is what almost nobody is doing — and it is the single highest-ROI move available: learning French for Canada CRS points. While a perfect IELTS CLB 10 adds a fixed 136 CRS points (and getting from CLB 9 to CLB 10 is extremely difficult), adding even basic-to-intermediate French proficiency can add 29-50 additional points on top of your English score. French does not replace English — it multiplies it.

Here is the reality: the average Indian Express Entry applicant has a strong English score (CLB 8-9), a Bachelor's or Master's degree, and 2-3 years of work experience. That profile is now average. When everyone has the same core credentials, you need a differentiator — and French for Canada CRS points is the most powerful differentiator available. Canada is an officially bilingual country, and IRCC actively incentivises French proficiency through both CRS points and dedicated French-language draws. The system is literally designed to reward you for learning French.

“After IRCC removed job offer points in March 2025, French language proficiency became the single highest-value CRS lever available to Indian applicants. No other strategy adds 37-50 points this reliably.”

— EEC Immigration Team, Canada PR Specialists

How French Adds CRS Points — Complete Breakdown

French adds CRS points through two separate mechanisms in the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System: Second Official Language (SOL) points and the bilingual bonus. Understanding both is critical because together they can add up to ~50 CRS points — more than the difference between receiving an ITA and waiting indefinitely.

Second Official Language Points

IRCC awards CRS points for proficiency in Canada's second official language (French for English-first applicants). Points are awarded per skill — speaking, listening, reading, and writing — based on your NCLC level achieved through TEF Canada or TCF Canada. Here is the exact breakdown for applicants without a spouse or common-law partner:

For applicants with a spouse or common-law partner, the points are slightly different:

Bilingual Bonus

Here is where French for Canada CRS points becomes truly powerful. IRCC awards an additional bilingual bonus to applicants who demonstrate strong ability in both official languages. The criteria: you need English CLB 7 or higher in all four skills AND French NCLC 5 or higher in all four skills. If you meet both thresholds, you receive up to 25 additional CRS points — this applies to both applicants with and without a spouse.

This means French doesn't just add its own points — it unlocks a bonus multiplier on top of your English score. If you already have IELTS CLB 7+ (which most competitive applicants do), then achieving even the minimum French NCLC 5 triggers this 25-point bonus immediately. Most Indian applicants scoring IELTS 7.0+ already qualify for the English side — they just need the French side.

Combined Maximum: Up to ~50 Additional CRS Points

When you combine Second Official Language points and the bilingual bonus, the total French for Canada CRS points impact is:

Real CRS Impact — Before & After French

Numbers in a table are one thing. Seeing the impact on real profiles is another. Here are two worked examples using actual CRS calculations — you can verify these yourself with IRCC's official CRS calculator.

Example 1: Software Engineer, Age 30

Profile: Age 30, Master's degree, IELTS CLB 9 (L 8.5, R 8.0, W 7.5, S 7.5), 3 years Canadian-equivalent work experience, no spouse. Without French: CRS 470 — below every general draw cutoff in 2025-26.

That is a +37 point swing. The same person, same education, same work experience, same English score — but with French NCLC 7, they move from stuck in the pool to receiving an ITA. This is why French for Canada CRS points is the highest-ROI strategy available. And remember: this engineer did not need to retake IELTS, get another degree, or gain more work experience. They simply added a second language — something completely within their control.

Example 2: IT Professional, Age 28

Profile: Age 28, Bachelor's degree, IELTS CLB 8 (L 8.0, R 7.5, W 7.0, S 7.0), 2 years work experience, no spouse. Without French: CRS 430 — far below general draw cutoffs but well above French-proficiency draw cutoffs.

Even with just NCLC 5 (the minimum), this applicant becomes eligible for French-language category-based draws where the cutoff is 350-430 — well below their 459 CRS. They would never qualify for a general draw at 430, but with basic French, they receive an ITA through a French-proficiency draw. This is the game-changer most Indian applicants are sleeping on. And at NCLC 5, this applicant only needs to reach French B1 level — achievable in approximately 8-10 months from zero with consistent study at EEC.

French-Language Express Entry Draws

Since 2023, IRCC has introduced category-based selection draws that target specific skills and attributes — and French language proficiency is one of the most frequently targeted categories. These draws have dramatically lower CRS cutoffs than general draws, creating a separate fast-track pathway for French-proficient applicants.

The difference is staggering. A general draw requires 480-530+ CRS. A French-language proficiency draw requires 350-430 CRS. That is a 100-150 point gap — far more than any other single strategy can bridge. And unlike PNP draws (which require a provincial nomination you cannot control), French-language draws only require a TEF/TCF score that you control entirely through preparation. Use EEC's CRS calculator to see exactly where your profile stands and how French moves you into ITA range. If you are currently scoring 400-480 CRS without French, you are almost certainly eligible for a French-language draw once you achieve NCLC 5+. Talk to an EEC counsellor to map out your personalised timeline.

Which French Test for CRS Points? TEF vs TCF

Only two French tests are accepted by IRCC for Express Entry CRS points: TEF Canada (Test d'évaluation de français) and TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français). Both test all four skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing), both map to NCLC levels, and both are equally valid for CRS calculations. The choice between them depends on your comfort with each test's format. Results from either test are valid for 2 years from the test date — so time your exam strategically with your Express Entry profile submission.

TEF Canada uses adaptive computer-based testing for comprehension sections and a structured interview for speaking. TCF Canada uses a multiple-choice format for comprehension and a slightly different speaking task structure. Some students perform better on one format versus the other — EEC provides mock tests for both to help you decide. For a detailed comparison of test formats, scoring, availability in India, and which suits your profile, read our dedicated guide: TEF vs TCF: Which French Test Should You Take for Canada in 2026?

Key point: you do not need to take both tests. One TEF or TCF result at NCLC 5+ is sufficient for CRS points. EEC recommends taking whichever test you score higher on in mock assessments — even a one-level difference (e.g., NCLC 6 vs NCLC 7 in one skill) can mean 8 additional CRS points. Your EEC trainer will guide you on the optimal test choice after evaluating your strengths across all four skills.

The Journey: French A1 at EEC → TEF/TCF NCLC 5-7+ → CRS Bonus

Let us be completely honest about the timeline. You do not go from zero French to CRS bonus points overnight. French A1 is the foundation, and reaching NCLC 5-7 on TEF/TCF requires progression through A2, B1, and ideally B2. Here is the realistic pathway:

Total timeline: 12-18 months from complete beginner to TEF/TCF NCLC 5-7. This is not a quick hack — it is a strategic investment. But consider the alternative: waiting 12-18 months hoping general draw cutoffs will drop (they won't), or spending that same time building French proficiency that adds 29-50 CRS points and unlocks French-language draws with cutoffs 100+ points lower. The math is clear.

EEC's French A1 course is specifically designed as the launchpad for this journey. Unlike generic French courses that focus on tourism or culture, EEC's A1 programme is built with the Canada CRS pathway in mind. From day one, your curriculum emphasises the four skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing) that TEF/TCF will test. Your trainers understand NCLC benchmarks. And your study abroad counsellor at EEC coordinates your French timeline with your Express Entry strategy — so you are not just learning French, you are building toward a specific CRS target. French is also valuable if your plans pivot to studying in France or Belgium, where B1-B2 proficiency opens doors to world-class universities at near-zero tuition.

French A1 at EEC: The Smartest ₹7,500 You'll Ever Spend

Let us talk about return on investment. EEC's French A1 course costs ₹7,500 — Online Live with expert trainers, small batches, and structured curriculum. That ₹7,500 is the first step in a journey that adds 37-50 CRS points to your Express Entry profile.

What are those CRS points worth? Canada PR gives you access to a median household income of CAD 70,000-100,000/year, publicly funded healthcare, world-class education for your children, and eventual citizenship. The lifetime value of Canada PR is conservatively estimated at ₹50 lakh+ (considering income differential, benefits, and career growth). Your investment: ₹7,500 to start French A1 → continued learning through A2/B1/B2 → TEF/TCF exam → 37-50 CRS points → ITA → PR. The ROI is not 10x or 100x — it is incalculable. Compare this to other CRS strategies: a second Master's degree costs ₹5-15 lakh and adds 0-15 CRS points; one additional year of work experience adds ~15 points but costs you 12 months of waiting. French gives you 37-50 points for ₹7,500 + time — there is no better deal in the Express Entry system.

EEC's French A1 course includes: complete CEFR-aligned A1 curriculum, live interactive classes with expert French trainers, pronunciation correction in real time (critical for TEF/TCF speaking), regular assessments and mock exercises, and — uniquely — free Canada study abroad counseling at any of EEC's 26 branches. Your French trainer and your immigration counsellor work together from day one.

Already Preparing for IELTS/PTE/CELPIP at EEC? Add French A1

If you are already preparing for IELTS, PTE Academic, or CELPIP at EEC, you are already halfway to a competitive Canada Express Entry profile. Your English score handles the core human capital CRS points. Now add French A1 to unlock the second official language points + bilingual bonus — up to 50 additional CRS points that your English-only competitors simply cannot access.

The dual-track strategy is simple: continue your English test prep on schedule, and add French A1 Online Live classes (₹7,500, 2-3 months) in parallel. French A1 classes are designed for beginners with zero French background, so there is no conflict with your English preparation. By the time your English score is ready and your ECA is processed, your French will be at A1-A2 — on track for NCLC 5-7 within 12-18 months of starting. Read our detailed strategy guide: How to Combine IELTS + French for Maximum CRS Points.

Think of it this way: your IELTS or PTE score determines your floor — the baseline CRS you can achieve. French determines your ceiling — the additional 29-50 points that separate you from the competition. Most Indian applicants are fighting over the floor. Smart applicants are raising the ceiling. With EEC coaching both English and French at the same centre, your preparation is integrated, your timelines are synchronised, and your counsellor sees the full picture. That is the EEC advantage.

The path is clear. Start with French A1, progress to A2 and B1, take TEF or TCF at NCLC 5-7, and claim your bonus CRS points. Every month you delay is a month your competitors are getting ahead. Canada PR is a numbers game — and French gives you numbers nobody else has.

Whether your CRS is currently 400 or 480, French changes the equation. At 400, French makes you eligible for French-language draws. At 480, French pushes you above general draw cutoffs. At any score, French is the multiplier that turns a waiting game into a winning strategy. Calculate your CRS with French to see the exact impact on your profile, then speak to an EEC counsellor to start your dual-track English + French preparation today.

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