How to Get CLB 7 in French (and Earn 50 Extra Points for Express Entry)
If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry, there’s one powerful way to boost your score. In this post you will learn How to Get CLB 7 in French (and Earn 50 Extra Points for Express Entry). CLB 7 level unlocks up to 50 bonus points, giving you a competitive edge. In this post, we’ll explain what CLB 7 means, how to get there, and how to prepare effectively.
What Is CLB 7 in French?
CLB stands for Canadian Language Benchmark. It’s a national standard used to describe, measure, and recognize the English and French language ability of adult immigrants in Canada.
For French, we use NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens). NCLC 7 is the French equivalent of CLB 7.
To get these bonus points, you must reach NCLC 7 or higher in all four language skills:
How Many Points Can I Earn?
According to IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada):
- If you score NCLC 7 or higher in all four French skills
+ have CLB 5 or higher in English
→ You get 50 additional points - If your English is below CLB 5, but French is NCLC 7+
→ You still get 25 bonus points
Source: Official CRS Criteria – Government of Canada
Which French Tests Are Accepted?
To prove your level, you must take one of these IRCC-approved tests:
1. TEF Canada
(Test d’évaluation de français)
Used widely for immigration and citizenship
2. TCF Canada
(Test de connaissance du français)
Also accepted for Express Entry
Both tests evaluate:
Expression écrite (Writing)
hat Are the Score Requirements for CLB 7?
Here’s a breakdown of the minimum required scores for NCLC 7 (TEF Canada version):
| Skill | TEF Canada Score for NCLC 7 |
|---|---|
| Reading | 207–232 |
| Listening | 249–279 |
| Writing | 310–348 |
| Speaking | 310–348 |
Note: TCF Canada has different scoring bands.
Ready to Start?
Getting CLB 7 in French isn’t impossible! Even if you’re a beginner today. With time, structure, and support, you can reach this milestone and bring yourself closer to Canadian permanent residency.
Join our French Circles TEF program to prepare with confidence and boost your Express Entry profile.
Visit:
https://www.frenchcircles.ca/tef-canada/
Or
Learn How to Reach CLB 7: Tips from French Circles
Bonus: French Opens Doors Beyond Points
Even outside Express Entry, speaking French in Canada:
- Improves job prospects (especially federal jobs)
- Helps you integrate into bilingual communities
- Gives your children access to French immersion schools
Tips and Ideas for French – List
1. Benefits of learning French
2. Tips for learning French
3. Speaking French Makes You Nervous?
4. 7 Benefits of reading to learn French
5. Mastering French: Overcoming Three Key Challenges
6. 3 Benefits of Learning Another Language
7. How to remember new French words
8. A to G Tips for Learning French
9. Practical tips to improve your French writing
Tips and Ideas for the TEF / TCF exam
1. Mastering the TEF: Essential tips to pass the exam
2. Mastering the TCF: Essential tips to pass the exam
3. TOP Tips for the TEF Written Section A
4. TOP Tips for the TEF Written Section B
5. TEF Oral Comprehension: Strategies for Success
6. Improving Your TEF Oral Expression Skills
7. Time Management Techniques for the TEF Exam
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid in Each TEF Section
9. Get Ready for TEF Listening – Section C
Practice more Tips and Ideas: Click on the image of your interest:
Online Free Resource: Click on the image of your interest:
