If you are applying to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry and want to prove your French, you will need an approved French test. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accepts two: TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Both are respected, both are recognised, and choosing between them mostly comes down to timing, test centres and personal preference.

What the two tests have in common

• Both tests are approved by IRCC for Express Entry.
• Both test all four skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing.
• Your scores on either test are converted to the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC), the French version of the Canadian Language Benchmarks.
• Results must be less than two years old on the day you create your Express Entry profile and on the day you submit your application.

TEF Canada at a glance

TEF Canada (Test d'évaluation de français) is run by the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It is offered at approved centres in Canada and around the world. When you check your TEF results against the IRCC conversion table, use the column marked « Équivalence ancien score ».

TCF Canada at a glance

TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français) is run by France Éducation international. It is also offered at approved centres in Canada and abroad. Listening and reading are multiple choice, while writing and speaking are assessed by trained examiners.

How to choose

• Check test dates near you. Seats can fill up quickly, so the test with the earliest available date at a centre close to you is often the best choice.
• Try practice materials for both. Each test has its own question style. Many candidates feel more comfortable with one format after a few practice sessions.
• Compare fees. Prices vary by centre, so check with the centres near you before you book.
• Know the score you need. Look up the NCLC level your program asks for, then work backwards to the score you need in each skill.

Why French can boost your application

Strong French skills can earn you extra points in Express Entry, and IRCC holds draws for candidates with French-language proficiency. Even if English is your first official language, adding a good French result can make a real difference to your profile.

Before you book

Immigration rules change, so always confirm the latest requirements on the official IRCC language testing page before you register for a test.

Prepare with Toyo

Toyo Educational Training & Counseling offers live online French classes and tutoring for adults and youth, including practice for speaking, listening, reading and writing. Book a free consultation to talk about your goals and the score you need.