TEF Canada and TCF Canada to NCLC conversion charts

TEF Canada to NCLC

For Express Entry, IRCC says to enter only the "Équivalence ancien score" (previous score equivalency) from the certificate, and not the "Score / 699" results, which its system is not compatible with at this time. IRCC: language test results

The score out of 699

The certificate also prints a score out of 699 for each ability. IRCC publishes this conversion of it on its post-graduation work permit page, for tests taken after December 10, 2023. Do not enter these figures in an Express Entry profile.

TCF Canada to NCLC

IRCC’s chart reads TCF Canada speaking and writing on a scale up to 20, and listening and reading on a scale up to 699.

What French is worth in CRS points

If French is your second official language, each ability earns second-language points, capped at 24 without an accompanying spouse or partner and 22 with one:

On top of that, NCLC 7 or higher in all four French abilities earns additional points: 25 with CLB 4 or lower in English (or no English test), or 50 with CLB 5 or higher in all four English abilities. Both are all or nothing. IRCC: CRS criteria

If French is your first official language, it is scored on the same first-language table as English:

French-language proficiency draws

To be eligible for a French-language proficiency draw, IRCC asks for French test results of at least NCLC 7 in all four abilities, as well as meeting every requirement in the round’s instructions. IRCC: category-based selection The latest one, on October 27, 2026, invited 5,000 candidates with a cut-off of 407. Every French-language proficiency draw.

The minimum level for each program

Meeting a minimum makes you eligible for a program; it does not earn an invitation. In your first official language, IRCC asks for:

Your results must be less than 2 years old both when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you submit your application for permanent residence. IRCC: language test results

Other language tests

• CELPIP-General to CLB
• IELTS General Training to CLB
• PTE Core to CLB
• CLB 9 in CELPIP: what it means for your CRS score
• NCLC 7 in TEF Canada: what it means for your CRS score

Sources

• IRCC: Express Entry language test results (page modified October 16, 2026)
• IRCC: Post-graduation work permit, how to find your language level (page modified May 27, 2026)
• IRCC: Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) criteria (page modified November 3, 2026)
• IRCC: Express Entry category-based selection (page modified October 16, 2026)

Last checked against these pages on November 4, 2026. IRCC is the authority; this page is an independent summary and gives no legal advice.