Reaching a Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) level 7 in French can greatly increase your chances of getting Canadian permanent residency (PR) through the Express Entry system.

If you get NCLC level 7 in your second official language (French), you can earn up to 62 CRS points. This also allows you to qualify for special French-language category draws, which may have lower CRS scores.

Today, we will discuss some strategies for improving your French skills. 

So, without further ado, let us begin!

Why French Helps In Canadian Immigration?

Reaching NCLC level 7 in all four skills, i.e., reading, writing, listening, and speaking can give your CRS score a strong boost. This makes you more competitive in Express Entry. 

Once you reach NCLC level 7, you qualify for category-based selection focused on French speakers. These draws often have much lower CRS cut-off scores than other draws.

Below is a comparison of draw types and score ranges this year: 

Draw Type CRS Cut-Off Score Range Number Of Draws Held
French-language proficiency 379 – 481 7
Canadian Experience Class 518 – 547 11
Healthcare and social services 470 – 510 5
Education 462 – 479 2
Trades 505 1

Under the “Additional factors” section of the CRS, you can earn up to 50 extra points if you reach NCLC 7 in French and have at least CLB 5 in English in all four abilities.

You can also earn up to 12 points under “Core human capital” for French as your second language.

An NCLC level 7 also improves your chances through certain Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams, especially those that prioritize French-speaking candidates.

Canada is also increasing its targets for French-speaking PR applicants outside Quebec. The federal government plans to raise French-speaking newcomer admissions from 8.5% in 2025 to:

  • 9% in 2026
  • 9.5% in 2027
  • 10.5% in 2028

This means that knowing French will become even more useful in the coming years.

Simple Tips To Move From NCLC 5 To NCLC 7

Improving your French from NCLC 5 to NCLC 7 takes effort, but it is possible with the right strategy. Below are simple and practical methods that can help you grow steadily.

1. Study Every Day With Consistency

One of the primary strategies for improving your French skills is to study everyday. Even one to two hours every day can make a big difference.

Try to include all four skills when you study:

  • Reading simple texts, news, and short stories
  • Listening to French audio or radio
  • Writing short paragraphs or messages
  • Speaking with a partner, tutor, or language exchange

If you are weaker in one skill such as listening, spend more time on it. Dividing your practice helps you grow in a balanced way.

A good approach is:

  • 30 minutes of grammar or vocabulary
  • 30 minutes of reading or listening
  • 30 minutes of speaking or writing
  • 30 minutes reviewing mistakes

Even short conversations or simple writing practice can help you get closer to NCLC 7.

2. Attend A French Immersion Program

Many learners reach a point where they can communicate but not well enough to reach NCLC 7. This is called the intermediate plateau.

Immersion programs help break this plateau by giving you full exposure to French for days or weeks. This could include:

  • Living in a French-speaking town
  • Joining an intensive French retreat
  • Taking part in a study or work program in a French region

You practice French all day in real-life situations, which builds confidence and helps you think in French naturally.

3. Work Or Volunteer In A French Setting

Using French at work or while volunteering forces you to use the language more naturally. You may need to:

  • Explain information
  • Coordinate tasks
  • Help customers
  • Communicate with coworkers
  • Attend meetings

These experiences help you build vocabulary quickly and understand how French works in the real world.

4. Study With A Certified French Tutor Or Coach

A French tutor can help you improve faster by correcting your mistakes immediately. One-on-one help gives you:

  • Fast feedback
  • Better pronunciation practice
  • Correct grammar usage
  • Better sentence structure
  • Higher confidence

A tutor can also help you prepare for the TEF Canada or TCF Canada tests with practice tests and structured lessons.

5. Prepare With Actual French Immigration Tests

To reach NCLC 7, it helps to practice the exact style of questions used in:

  • TEF Canada
  • TCF Canada

Using sample tests or official preparation books gives you:

  • Familiarity with test formats
  • Practice with timed questions
  • Confidence for test day

Knowing the test structure reduces stress and improves accuracy. Practicing under exam-like conditions also helps you perform better during the real test.

6. Use French Media Every Day

Listening to French as it is spoken naturally is a great way to improve. You can:

  • Listen to French radio (like ICI Première)
  • Watch French news
  • Follow simple French podcasts
  • Read French newspapers

This exposes you to natural sentence flow, vocabulary, and expressions used by native speakers.

7. Practice Reverse Translation

Reverse translation is a powerful method. Here’s how it works:

  • Take a short French text.
  • Translate it into English.
  • Then translate your English version back into French without checking the original.
  • Compare your final French version with the original.

This helps you discover:

  • Grammar errors
  • Vocabulary gaps
  • Missing expressions
  • Sentence structure problems

This method trains your brain to think in French, not just translate word by word.

8. Join An Au Pair Program In A French Region

Au pair programs let you live with a host family in a French-speaking area while helping them with daily tasks. Because you talk to the family all the time, you get a lot of real, everyday French practice. You may help with things like planning schedules, going to activities, and having regular conversations with both children and adults.

This constant, natural practice helps you improve your listening, speak more confidently, and develop strong language skills that come from real-life situations, not just classroom learning.

What NCLC Level 7 Means?

There are three language stages:

  1. Basic Ability
  2. Intermediate Ability
  3. Advanced Ability

NCLC level 7 is in the intermediate stage. It means you can understand and express ideas clearly.

Below is a clear explanation of what an NCLC 7 learner can do in each skill, along with test formats for TEF Canada and TCF Canada.

Language Skills Table

TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français.

TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français.

Language Skill Abilities Language Test Structure
Reading – Can identify the purpose, main ideas, key details, and certain implied meanings in a text.

– Understands factual, descriptive, and argumentative writings.

– Comprehends a range of vocabulary, from concrete and abstract to some specialized terms and idiomatic expressions.

– At times still uses a unilingual dictionary to clarify unfamiliar words.

 TCF Canada: 39 questions, multiple choice (1 hour)

TEF Canada: 40 questions, multiple choice (1 hour)

Test content: Read and comprehend texts that may include concrete or abstract texts.

Both tests for reading are computer-based.
Writing – Can produce moderately long, well-organized passages made up of clear and connected paragraphs.

– Expresses main ideas and supporting details effectively, using a varied range of vocabulary.

– May still rely on sentence patterns from their native language.

 TCF Canada: 3 exercises (1 hour)

TEF Canada: 2 sections (1 hour)

Section A: 25 minutes

Section B: 35 minutes

Test content: Explain or convey information, continue an article, or justify a point of view.

Both tests for writing are computer-based.
Speaking – Communicates with growing confidence across social, educational, and workplace contexts, adjusting tone and formality as necessary.

– Can discuss a wider range of topics, including some abstract ideas.

– Uses a bigger vocabulary with idiomatic and natural expressions.

 TCF Canada: 3 exercises (12 minutes)

TEF Canada: 2 sections (15 minutes)

Section A: 5 minutes

Section B: 10 minutes

Test content: Expected to obtain information, express a point of view, and speak to an unknown individual (examiner).

Both tests are one-on-one with an examiner.
Listening – Can follow and understand conversations of moderate complexity in everyday and work settings.

– Understands abstract ideas and general knowledge topics.

– Recognizes tones, styles, expressions, and implied meanings.

– May still struggle with fast group conversations.

 TCF Canada: 39 questions, multiple choice (35 minutes)

TEF Canada: 40 questions, multiple choice (40 minutes)

Audio documents include everyday information and common expressions.

Both tests are computer-based.

In contrast, someone with French at NCLC level 5 or 6 will likely:

  • Understand fewer common French phrases, expressions, and complicated sentences.
  • Need pictures or a bilingual dictionary to understand some words or sentences, especially when the text is difficult or people are speaking fast.
  • Pause more when speaking and make grammar mistakes.
  • Need others to speak clearly and at a slow or normal speed to understand well.

CWRVisa, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at CWRVisa.ca.