How Many Hours of French Study Do You Need for Canada PR?
Planning to apply for Canada PR? Then you’ve probably already heard about the importance of French language proficiency. But the big question is: How many hours of French study do you really need to meet the requirement?
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- The exact French level (NCLC 7/CEFR B2) required for Canada PR.
- How many hours of study it typically takes to reach that level.
- Step-by-step timelines depending on your weekly study schedule.
How Fluent Fast Academy can help you reach your goal faster.
Why NCLC 7 (CEFR B2) Matters for Canada PR
To qualify for many Express Entry streams (including the Federal Skilled Worker Program), you need at least CLB/NCLC 7 in language proficiency. For French, that translates roughly to a CEFR B2 level.
Here’s why NCLC 7 is crucial:
- It is the minimum requirement for eligibility in several PR programs.
- Achieving NCLC 7 or higher can make you eligible for French-language category draws.
- You can earn up to 50 additional CRS points if you demonstrate bilingual ability (English + French).
- Strong French results improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
👉 To prove your level, you must take an IRCC-approved test: either TEF Canada or TCF Canada. Test results are valid for 2 years.
How Many Hours Does It Take to Reach NCLC 7?
The time required depends on your starting level and the quality of your study plan. International benchmarks suggest the following guided learning hours (teacher-led + structured study):
- A1 → A2: ~180–200 hours
- B1: ~350–400 hours (total)
- B2 (Target for NCLC 7): ~500–600 hours (total)
- C1: ~700–800 hours
That means if you’re starting as a beginner (A0–A1), you’ll need about 500–600 guided hours to reach B2. If you’re already at B1, the requirement drops to around 150–200 additional hours.
Timeline Examples — How Long Will It Take?
Let’s assume the target is 500 hours for B2 (NCLC 7).
- 5 hrs/week → 100 weeks → ~23 months
- 10 hrs/week → 50 weeks → ~11.5 months
- 15 hrs/week → 33 weeks → ~7.7 months
- 20 hrs/week → 25 weeks → ~5.8 months
Tip: The more hours you dedicate weekly, the faster you’ll reach your target. However, consistent practice matters more than cramming.
Step-by-Step Study Plan
Step 1 — Assess Your Starting Level
Take a mock CEFR/NCLC test to identify whether you’re A1, A2, or B1.
Step 2 — Set Your Goal
Most PR candidates need NCLC 7 (B2) across all four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Step 3 — Commit to Weekly Hours
Choose a pace that fits your timeline. For example:
- If you want results in under a year, aim for 10–15 hours/week.
- If you’re in no rush, 5 hours/week can still get you there, but in ~2 years.
Step 4 — Weekly Study Routine (Example for 10 hrs/week)
- 3 hrs – Live classes with a trainer
- 3 hrs – Self-study (grammar, vocabulary drills)
- 2 hrs – Listening & reading practice
- 1 hr – Writing practice (essays, test tasks)
- 1 hr – Mock test practice
Step 5 — Test Preparation Phase (Last 2–3 Months)
- Attempt full-length TEF/TCF practice tests.
- Record speaking answers and get feedback.
- Improve writing structure with teacher correction.
- Train under timed conditions.
Step 6 — Book Your Test
Remember: Your TEF/TCF results are valid for 2 years. Plan your test date strategically so your scores are valid when you apply for PR.
How Fluent Fast Academy Can Help
At Fluent Fast Academy, we specialize in helping PR applicants reach NCLC 7 (B2) in the shortest possible time. Here’s how we support you:
- Free level assessment to know your starting point.
- Customized study timeline based on your weekly availability.
- Small live classes for maximum interaction.
- One-to-one speaking & writing correction sessions.
- Mock TEF/TCF test practice with detailed feedback.
- Proven track record of helping students achieve Canada PR language scores.
👉 Ready to start? Book your free consultation today at Fluent Fast Academy.
FAQs
Yes. For the Federal Skilled Worker Program and most Express Entry streams, NCLC 7 is the minimum requirement. It also helps you score additional CRS points.
If you’re at B1, you need around 150–200 additional hours to reach B2 (NCLC 7).
IRCC accepts TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Choose based on availability and test format preference.
No — it’s an average benchmark. Your pace may be faster or slower depending on your consistency, prior language skills, and learning method.
Yes, but guided learning with trainers significantly improves speed and test results. A mix of self-study + live coaching works best.
Conclusion
Reaching NCLC 7 in French is absolutely achievable if you plan your study hours wisely. On average, 500–600 guided hours are required, which can be completed in 6 months to 2 years depending on your weekly study pace.
With the right plan, practice, and professional guidance, you can boost your CRS score, increase your chances in French-speaking draws, and secure Canada PR.
Start your French journey today with Fluent Fast Academy — where structured learning meets real results.
Click here to book your free consultation and get a personalized French study roadmap for Canada PR.