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Canada · French test

TEF and TCF scores required for Canada immigration

It depends on the program. IRCC doesn’t set one overall TEF score required for Canada immigration: it sets an NCLC level for each skill, and the same levels apply to TCF Canada. Federal skilled workers need NCLC 7 in all four skills, and citizenship needs NCLC 4 in listening and speaking. French also earns up to 50 extra CRS points, as of October 2026.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

What TEF score is required for Canada immigration programs?

For the Federal Skilled Worker Program, IRCC gives a second official language a minimum of CLB or NCLC 5. Your results must be less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you submit your application; IRCC refuses applications with expired results.

ProgramMinimum French level
Federal Skilled Worker Program (French as first official language)NCLC 7 in all four skills
Canadian Experience Class, TEER 0 or 1 jobNCLC 7 in all four skills
Canadian Experience Class, TEER 2 or 3 jobNCLC 5 in all four skills
Federal Skilled Trades ProgramNCLC 5 in speaking and listening, NCLC 4 in reading and writing
Convert your scores to NCLC →

Extra CRS points for French

  • 25 points: NCLC 7 or higher in all four French skills, with CLB 4 or lower in English or no English test.
  • 50 points: NCLC 7 or higher in all four French skills and CLB 5 or higher in all four English skills.

A second official language also earns points in the core CRS factors. Without a spouse or partner, each skill is worth 1 point at level 5 or 6, 3 at level 7 or 8 and 6 at level 9 or higher, up to 24 in all.

French-language draws

French-language proficiency is one of IRCC’s current categories for category-based Express Entry draws. To be eligible you need at least NCLC 7 in all four skills, and you must meet the rest of the instructions for that round. IRCC announces categories in advance and gives full details with each round.

What level do you need for Canadian citizenship?

If you’re 18 to 54, you must show you can speak and listen at CLB or NCLC 4 or higher. Reading and writing don’t count.

IRCC accepts TEF Canada at B1 or higher in listening and speaking (for tests from July 1, 2012; older tests need level 3 or higher) and TCF Canada at B1 or higher. Send your results even if they’ve expired. A diploma, transcript or certificate from a secondary or post-secondary program taught in English or French can count instead of a test.

The cheaper TEF test for citizenship →

Other programs and Quebec

For a Francophone Mobility work permit, IRCC asks for NCLC 5 or higher in speaking and listening. Other programs set their own levels, so check IRCC for yours. Quebec’s own immigration process has its own versions, TCF Quebec and TEFAQ, and it also recognizes TEF Canada and TCF Canada.

TCF Quebec and TEFAQ →
Sources: IRCC · Le français des affaires · McGill School of Continuing Studies and 8 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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