TEF vs TCF Canada: Which French Test is Best for Immigration? (2025)

If you’re learning French to improve your chances of moving to Canada, you’ll eventually face a practical decision: TEF Canada or TCF Canada. For most immigration candidates, the “best” test is the one that (1) IRCC accepts for your program, (2) you can book soon at a convenient test centre, and (3) matches your strengths in speaking and writing.

This guide compares the two IRCC-approved French tests, explains what scores really matter (hint: your NCLC levels), and gives you a simple checklist to choose confidently.

TEF Canada vs TCF Canada: Quick Comparison

• IRCC accepts both TEF Canada and TCF Canada as proof of French for immigration programs that require a language test.

• Choose the test you can take soonest at an approved centre near you, because your results must be valid when you create an Express Entry profile and when you apply.

• Pick based on format if you have a choice: the speaking and writing tasks are structured differently, and that can affect your prep time and performance.

First, make sure you’re booking the right test

For IRCC (federal programs like Express Entry), the accepted French tests are specifically TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Do not assume that another TEF/TCF version (for study or other purposes) will work for immigration—always match the exact name IRCC lists.

If you’re applying through Express Entry, IRCC notes that you’ll enter your language scores directly in your profile; for many other programs you’ll include a copy of the test results with the application.

What matters most: your NCLC levels (not the raw score)

IRCC evaluates French using the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC). Your test results are converted into an NCLC level for each of the 4 skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking). That NCLC level is what drives eligibility and points.

Why NCLC 7 is the "Magic Score" for CRS Points

In Express Entry, you can earn up to 50 additional CRS points for strong French skills. IRCC’s rules (as published in the CRS criteria) require NCLC 7 or higher in all four French skills, and the number of bonus points depends on your English results (CLB 4 or lower vs CLB 5 or higher across all four English skills). See IRCC’s explanation of additional points for French and the detailed CRS additional points table.

Separately, IRCC also runs Express Entry category-based invitations that include French-language proficiency as a category. If French is a key advantage in your profile, those rounds may matter to your strategy.

TEF Canada: format, timing, and what to expect

TEF Canada is delivered by Le français des affaires (CCI Paris Île-de-France). For Canada immigration, TEF Canada has 4 compulsory parts: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. For a deep dive, check out our TEF Canada Guide.

TEF Canada test structure (official format)

• Reading comprehension: 40 multiple-choice questions, 1 hour.
• Listening comprehension: 40 multiple-choice questions, 40 minutes (audio played once).
• Written expression: 2 sections, 1 hour (including an 80-word minimum task and a 200-word minimum task).
• Oral expression: face-to-face with an examiner, 2 sections, 15 minutes total.

TEF Canada’s reading, listening, and writing tests are described as computer-based tests, while speaking is a recorded, in-person interview with an examiner.

One detail that matters for scheduling: TEF Canada warns that all tests must be taken on the same day for the certificate to be recognized by Canadian authorities.

TEF Canada results timeline and validity

Le français des affaires states that TEF Canada results are sent within 1 to 10 business days and delivered digitally (no paper certificate). The same page notes the results are valid for two years.

For Express Entry, follow IRCC’s rule that your language test results must be less than 2 years old when you complete your profile and when you submit your PR application. IRCC also warns that if you apply with expired results, your application will be refused.

When TEF Canada is a good fit

• You prefer a slightly longer speaking interview (15 minutes) with two clear tasks (information + argument).
• You want writing tasks with two larger pieces (including a longer opinion task), rather than several shorter exercises.
• You’re comfortable testing on a computer for reading/listening/writing.

To locate a test centre and dates, start with find a test centre on the official TEF website.

TCF Canada: format, timing, and what to expect

TCF Canada is administered by France Éducation international. It is designed for people who need to certify French for Canadian economic immigration or Canadian citizenship, and it is a test accredited by IRCC. For more details, see our TCF Canada Guide.

TCF Canada test structure (official format)

• Listening comprehension: 39 multiple-choice questions, 35 minutes.
• Reading comprehension: 39 multiple-choice questions, 60 minutes.
• Written skills: 3 exercises, 60 minutes.
• Verbal skills: one-on-one with an examiner, 3 exercises, 12 minutes (including preparation time for one task).

France Éducation international notes that you must contact an approved centre for dates and logistics; centres can also tell you whether the session is on paper or on a computer and what the cost is.

TCF Canada results timeline and validity

France Éducation international states that results are sent to the test centre within 15 working days from the date FEI receives the session papers, and you collect the certificate from the test centre. The same page says the certificate is valid for 2 years from the date the results were issued.

For IRCC programs (especially Express Entry), always plan around IRCC’s “less than 2 years old” requirement so your profile and application stay valid.

When TCF Canada is a good fit

• You like speaking tasks broken into three exercises and prefer a shorter speaking slot (12 minutes).
• You’d rather practice writing as a set of smaller exercises than two longer writing tasks.
• You want the flexibility of centres that may offer paper or computer delivery (depending on location).

To find a centre, use the official TCF test centre map from France Éducation international.

How to compare TEF vs TCF in a way that actually helps

1) Availability and location usually decide the winner

Both tests are accepted by IRCC, so the fastest route to a strong NCLC result is often the test you can book soon. Start by checking nearby centres for each test: find a TEF centre and find a TCF centre.

2) Match the speaking format to your comfort

Speaking performance can swing your overall outcome because you need NCLC targets in all four skills. TEF Canada uses two speaking sections (information + argument) over 15 minutes, while TCF Canada uses three speaking exercises over 12 minutes (with brief preparation time for one task). If you tend to warm up slowly, TEF’s longer interview may feel more forgiving; if you like fast, structured prompts, TCF’s three-part format may feel clearer.

3) Match the writing format to your training style

Writing prep is easiest when your practice mirrors test tasks. TEF Canada writing is two sections in one hour (including a longer opinion task), while TCF Canada writing is three exercises in one hour. If you’re building stamina for longer texts, TEF may align better. If you prefer mastering shorter, distinct formats, TCF can be a good fit.

4) Consider computer vs paper logistics

TEF Canada describes its reading/listening/writing components as computer-based. TCF Canada can be offered on paper or on a computer depending on the centre. If typing speed, keyboard layout, or accent characters worry you, confirm the delivery format with your chosen centre early.

5) Result timing can matter if you’re near a deadline

If you’re trying to enter the pool quickly (or retake before your previous results expire), official timelines can help you plan: TEF Canada states results are delivered within 1 to 10 business days, while TCF Canada states results go to the centre within 15 working days after FEI receives the papers. Real-world scheduling still depends on your local centre’s session dates and processing, so build a buffer.

Using IRCC equivalency charts (do this every time)

After your test, your job is to translate each skill into an NCLC level and verify that you meet the thresholds you’re aiming for (for eligibility, points, or French bonus points). IRCC publishes official tables to find your NCLC level for TEF Canada and TCF Canada.

Important: TEF tables depend on your test date

IRCC’s TEF Canada equivalency chart changes depending on when you took the test (for example, IRCC provides one set of ranges for tests taken after December 10, 2023, and another for tests taken between October 1, 2019 and December 10, 2023). Always use the correct table for your test date.

A practical decision checklist

1. Confirm your program: Read IRCC’s Express Entry language rules (or the rule page for your specific program) and confirm that TEF Canada or TCF Canada is accepted.
2. Choose your NCLC target: If your goal includes French bonus points, plan for NCLC 7 in all four French skills and check IRCC’s French additional points rules.
3. Check availability: Compare local dates using TEF test centres and the TCF test centre map. Pick the earliest realistic date you can prepare for.
4. Pick the format you’ll train: TEF Canada tasks are detailed on the official TEF examination page; TCF Canada tasks are described on the official TCF Canada page.
5. Plan around validity: Keep your results within IRCC’s 2-year rule for Express Entry by using the IRCC validity guidance and scheduling retakes well before expiry.

Prep resources (official, free, and worth using)

Use official materials so your practice matches the test style:

• For TEF Canada, start with the official TEF Canada preparation tools.
• For TCF, practice with official TCF question examples to get used to prompts and pacing.

Bottom line

From IRCC’s perspective, TEF Canada and TCF Canada are equally valid: both are accepted tests for French, both produce results that map to NCLC levels, and both can help you earn points and potentially qualify for French-focused pathways. Your best choice is the test you can schedule at a convenient approved centre and prepare for in a way that fits your speaking and writing strengths.

If you want one simple rule to follow: book the earliest test date you can realistically prepare for, then train specifically for that test’s speaking and writing tasks until you can hit your target NCLC level in all four skills.