Express Entry, step by step
English as first official language, French as second? How to choose in Express Entry
Many French-route candidates worry that declaring English as their first official language will keep them out of French draws. It won't. French-category eligibility depends only on NCLC 7 in all four French skills. The choice only changes how your points are counted.
Updated November 2026 · 3 min read
The short answer
- The first/second language choice does not affect French-category eligibility. NCLC 7 in all four French skills is the only criterion.
- First language is worth up to 136 points (plus transferability); second language up to 24; the French bonus 50 either way if English is CLB 5+.
- For most English speakers, English first, French second scores higher.
- Declare French first when your French is NCLC 7+ but your English can't reach CLB 7, because FSW needs level 7 in the first language.
1How the two choices are scored
Take a candidate with CLB 9 English and NCLC 7 French (single, no spouse):
| English first, French second | French first, English second | |
|---|---|---|
| First official language | 124 (CLB 9) | 68 (NCLC 7) |
| Second official language | 12 (NCLC 7) | 24 (CLB 9) |
| French bonus | 50 | 50 |
| Transferability (language side) | Uses CLB 9: top tiers | Uses NCLC 7: lower tiers |
| Language-related total | 186 + higher transferability | 142 + lower transferability |
English first wins by 44 points before transferability, and by more once transferability is counted. That's the typical result for anyone whose English is stronger.
2When French first is the right call
FSW requires level 7 in all four skills of your first official language. If your English is stuck at CLB 5–6 but your French reaches NCLC 7, declaring French first makes you eligible, and English at CLB 5+ still unlocks the full 50-point bonus.
| Profile | Best setup |
|---|---|
| English CLB 7+, French NCLC 7+ | English first (usually scores higher) |
| English CLB 5–6, French NCLC 7+ | French first (needed for FSW eligibility) |
| French stronger than English at every level | Compare both in the calculator |
3Compare both before you submit
- 1
Enter both results in a CRS calculator
Run the profile twice, swapping first and second. Try our CRS calculator.
- 2
Check FSW eligibility for each
The first language must be at level 7 in all four skills.
- 3
Choose the higher eligible total
You can change the choice later by updating your profile before an invitation.
4Frequently asked questions
Will I miss French draws if English is my first official language?+
No. French-category eligibility depends on having NCLC 7 or higher in all four French skills, regardless of which language you declare first.
Can I declare French as my first official language?+
Yes, if your French results are stronger. It's mainly useful when your English is below CLB 7, because FSW requires level 7 in the first official language.
Keep reading
Turn the method into points
Practise with levelled TCF Canada questions and full mock exams built for NCLC 7, with an explanation for every answer.