If you plan to immigrate to Canada, your French can make a real difference. It does more than add points: in the federal Express Entry system, it opens draws reserved for French-speaking candidates, with much lower cut-off scores. And in Quebec, French sits at the heart of the selection process.
You still need to take the right test and aim for the right level. Here is what you need to know.
Key takeaways
- For Express Entry, only TEF Canada and TCF Canada are accepted for French.
- Canada measures your level on the NCLC scale, from 1 to 12, skill by skill.
- NCLC 7 in all four skills is the key threshold: it brings extra points and access to French-language draws.
- Results are valid for two years.
The two recognised tests: TEF Canada and TCF Canada
TEF Canada is designed by the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce, TCF Canada by France Éducation international, the body that also runs the DELF and DALF. Both assess the same four skills and earn exactly the same points. Only the format differs.
| Paper | TEF Canada | TCF Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 40 questions, 40 min | 39 questions, 35 min |
| Reading | 40 questions, 60 min | 39 questions, 60 min |
| Writing | 2 tasks in 60 min: continue a news article, write an argued letter | 3 tasks in 60 min: a message, an article, a comparison of two opinions |
| Speaking | 2 tasks, 15 min: a phone role-play, then persuading a friend | 3 tasks, 12 min: interview, information exchange, defending an opinion |
| Total time | about 2 h 55 | about 2 h 47 |
Both tests are recognised for every Canadian immigration programme. Pick the one whose format suits you best and whose next session date is closest. TCF Canada has more, shorter tasks; TEF Canada asks for longer pieces of writing and speaking.
What level should you aim for?
Your results are converted into NCLC levels (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens), from 1 to 12, for each skill. Your weakest skill is the one that counts: excellent speaking will not make up for weak writing.
- NCLC 7 in all four skills is the level to aim for in Express Entry. It earns 25 extra points, or 50 if your English also reaches CLB 5, and makes you eligible for French-language draws.
- As a rough guide, NCLC 7 is close to a solid B2 on the European framework, although there is no official equivalence.
- Above NCLC 7, every extra level still adds points to your overall score.
What about Quebec?
Quebec selects its own skilled workers, now mainly through the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ). French carries a lot of weight in the score, and a minimum speaking level is required depending on the type of job. Quebec accepts a wider range of tests: TEF Canada and TCF Canada, but also TEFAQ, TCF Québec, DELF and DALF, as long as the certificate meets the ministry’s date rules.
Watch out: immigration rules change often, both federally and in Quebec. Before you register for a test, check the current requirements with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or Quebec’s immigration ministry (MIFI).
How to prepare
- Take a mock test of each exam. You will see which format works best for you before paying the fee.
- Work on your weakest skill. Your level is set by your lowest paper.
- Practise speaking in real time. Role-plays and defending an opinion require quick reactions, which come from speaking regularly.
- Write against the clock. Three tasks in one hour, or two longer texts: time management often makes the difference.
- Leave a margin. Aim one level above the threshold you need, and allow several weeks between registration and results.
Going further
Our native teachers prepare you for TEF Canada and TCF Canada in one-on-one lessons, with sample papers and detailed feedback on your writing and speaking: see our French exam preparation. To build fluency for the speaking test, our French conversation course is a good addition. Want to know where you stand? Test your French level, and read our guide to the DELF B2, the level close to NCLC 7.
Frequently asked questions
Which French test should I take to immigrate to Canada?
For the federal Express Entry system, only TEF Canada and TCF Canada are accepted. Both earn the same points, so choose based on the format you prefer and the session dates available.
What level of French do I need to immigrate to Canada?
The key threshold is NCLC 7 in all four skills. It brings extra points in Express Entry and access to draws reserved for French speakers. It is roughly equivalent to a solid B2.
Is the DELF accepted for Canadian immigration?
Not for Express Entry, which only accepts TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Quebec does accept the DELF and DALF, subject to the date rules of its immigration ministry.
How long are TEF Canada and TCF Canada results valid?
Two years from the date of the results. They must still be valid when you submit your permanent residence application.
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