Express Entry French Category: Eligible NOCs & Cutoffs (2026)
Canada prioritizes bilingual and Francophone candidates to strengthen French-speaking communities outside Quebec. French draws regularly feature the lowest CRS cutoffs in Express Entry history.
How to Qualify for French Category Draws
- ✓Minimum NCLC 7 across all 4 language abilities (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) on TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
- ✓No specific occupation restriction—candidates with experience in ANY TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job qualify.
- ✓Active Express Entry profile under FSWP, CEC, or FSTP.
- ✓Must intend to live and work in any Canadian province or territory OUTSIDE Quebec.
Language Benchmark is Your Primary Credential
Unlike healthcare or engineering, there are zero trade or licensing hurdles. Your qualifying credential is your official test report form showing NCLC 7 in all four abilities from either TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
The Mobilité Francophone (Code C16) & 2026 Expansion Targets
French proficiency is the single most powerful advantage in Canadian immigration today. Here is why:
2026 Francophone Expansion Targets (8% to 10%)
Under the official Immigration Levels Plan, Canada has legislated targets to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec to 8.5% in 2026 and 10% by 2027. This mandates massive regular invitation rounds (often 3,000–6,000 ITAs per draw) with cutoffs below 410 points.
The Mobilité Francophone Secret Weapon (Work Permit Code C16)
French speakers with moderate conversational French (NCLC 5+ in speaking/listening) who have a job offer from an employer outside Quebec in any TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 role can obtain an LMIA-exempt work permit under International Mobility Program code C16. Your employer does not need to pay for an LMIA or prove no Canadians were available!
Exact NCLC 7 Score Requirements (TEF vs TCF Canada)
You must achieve NCLC 7 in all 4 abilities: On TEF Canada: Listening 249+, Reading 207+, Writing 310+, Speaking 310+. On TCF Canada: Listening 458+, Reading 453+, Writing 10+, Speaking 10+.
Top 3 Application Strategies for French
Earn +50 Bonus CRS Points
Scoring NCLC 7 in French along with CLB 5+ in English awards an automatic +50 bonus points to your overall CRS profile, in addition to qualifying you for French-only category draws.
Open to All 516 Skilled Occupations
Whether you are an accountant, software engineer, teacher, cook, or marketer—if your NOC is in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3, you are eligible for French draws.
Choose Between TEF Canada and TCF Canada
Both exams are equally accepted by IRCC. Many test-takers find TCF Canada’s multiple-choice format slightly more approachable for listening and reading sections.
All Eligible Occupations (376)
Search by NOC code or job title to check duties, wage benchmarks, and TEER levels.
Recent Draw History for This Category
Historical cutoff scores and invitations issued for this stream.
| Draw # | Date | Invitations | Cutoff Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| #437 | 2026-08-19 | 5,000 | CRS 382 |
| #433 | 2026-08-06 | 5,000 | CRS 391 |
| #429 | 2026-07-22 | 5,000 | CRS 399 |
| #425 | 2026-07-09 | 5,000 | CRS 420 |
| #418 | 2026-05-28 | 4,500 | CRS 409 |
| #414 | 2026-04-29 | 4,000 | CRS 400 |
| #411 | 2026-04-15 | 4,000 | CRS 419 |
| #405 | 2026-03-18 | 4,000 | CRS 393 |
| #401 | 2026-03-04 | 5,500 | CRS 397 |
| #394 | 2026-02-06 | 8,500 | CRS 400 |
See how close you are to the French cutoff (382).
Review invitation sizes and historical cutoff drops since 2023.
Check prevailing wage medians across Ontario, BC, and Alberta.
Explore Healthcare, Trades, STEM, Transport & French streams.
French Category FAQ
Common questions about eligibility, foreign experience, licensing, and draw cutoffs.