TEF, TCF, DELF, TEFAQ, each maps to Canadian immigration differently. Real formats, exact CLB score thresholds, and what each exam is accepted for.
All four sections must be taken on the same day for TEF Canada and TCF Canada to be recognised by IRCC. Results are valid for exactly 2 years from issue date. A 30-day waiting period applies between retakes.
Test d'Évaluation de Français
Recognised by IRCC since 2002, administered by CCI Paris Île-de-France. Accepted for Express Entry, most Provincial Nominee Programs, and Canadian citizenship. All four sections must be taken on the same day.
Prepare for TEF Canada→Test de Connaissance du Français
Administered by France Éducation International. IRCC-recognised for the same immigration purposes as TEF Canada. Critical difference: Writing and Speaking are scored out of 20 — not 699. Most candidates are unprepared for this.
Prepare for TCF Canada→Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française
Issued by the French Ministry of Education. Valid for life, never expires. NOT accepted by IRCC for Express Entry CRS points. Recognised globally for academic admissions and professional credentials.
Prepare for DELF B1 / B2→Test d'Évaluation de Français adapté au Québec
Quebec-specific version of TEF. Required for PEQ and QSWP. Tests only Listening and Speaking, calibrated specifically to Quebec French accents, vocabulary, and civic contexts.
Prepare for TEFAQ→Calibrated scores per skill for each CLB level. Your lowest skill sets your immigration CLB level, there is no averaging. Source: CCI Paris Île-de-France TEF–CLB Correspondence Chart.
| CLB | CEFR | Reading /300 | Listening /360 | Writing /450 | Speaking /450 | Immigration use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 4 | A2 | 116–206 | 145–248 | 181–225 | 181–225 | Canadian citizenship (listening + speaking only). |
| CLB 5 | B1 | 181–206 | 181–248 | 226–270 | 226–270 | Francophone Mobility work permit. +25 bonus CRS points. |
| CLB 6 | B1+ | 207–232 | 249–279 | 271–309 | 271–309 | Many Provincial Nominee Program streams. |
| CLB 7 | B2 | 207–232 | 249–279 | 310–348 | 310–348 | Federal Skilled Worker. +50 bonus CRS points. French-language draws. |
| CLB 8 | B2+ | 233–247 | 280–297 | 349–381 | 349–381 | Maximises language points in most federal programs. |
| CLB 9 | C1 | 248–262 | 298–315 | 382–413 | 382–413 | Maximum CRS when French is first official language. |
| CLB 10+ | C1+ | 263+ | 316+ | 414+ | 414+ | Near-native. Highest CRS language scoring. |
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