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French

Canada PR · Quebec · Citizenship · NCLC 7+ Target

Master French.
Unlock Canada the Smart Way.

AI-scored, fast results, globally recognised. PTE Academic is the smart choice for Australia PR, UK visas, and university admissions. We get you 65+ on your first or second attempt.

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80%

Success Rate

3K

Students Passed

50 +

Average Score

Exam at a Glance
  • Duration - TEF Canada or TCF Canada (IRCC accepted)
  • Module - Listening · Reading · Writing · Speaking
  • Score Range - NCLC 1 to 12 (converted from raw TEF/TCF)
  • Accepted For - Express Entry, PNP, Citizenship, Quebec
  • Score Valid - 2 years from test date
  • Results - Approx. 2 weeks after test date

What is French for Canada

French is Not Just a Language. It is Your Immigration Advantage.

Canada has a constitutional commitment to bilingualism and is actively expanding Francophone immigration outside Quebec. This means French speakers get dedicated Express Entry draws with lower CRS cut-offs and up to 50 bonus CRS points. Even if English is your primary language, learning French gives you a significant competitive edge.

Up to 50 Bonus CRS Points

Achieve NCLC 7 or above in all four skills and earn up to 50 additional CRS points. This can be the difference between receiving an ITA and waiting indefinitely.

Lower CRS Cut-offs for French Draws

French-language Express Entry draws typically require CRS scores of 379 to 481, compared to 520 to 550 or more for general draws. A massive advantage for qualified candidates.

Quebec and Francophone PNP Pathways

French proficiency is mandatory for Quebec immigration and opens dedicated PNP streams in New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba, and other provinces actively recruiting French speakers.

Who Needs CELPIP?
  • Students applying to US universities (most Ivy League accepted)
  • Canada study permit applicants (400+ universities accept DET)
  • UK University admissions (130+ UK universities accept DET)
  • Australia & New Zealand University applicants
  • Ireland student visa applicants (DET officially accepted)
  • Anyone who wants fast, affordable English certification
Express Entry Minimum

You need NCLC 7 in all four skills to qualify for the French-language CRS bonus. Most competitive profiles target NCLC 9 to 10 to maximise points and qualify for category-based French draws.

TEF vs TCF

Which Test Should You Choose?

Both are accepted by IRCC. The right choice depends on how you prefer to be tested.
Factor TEF Canada TCF Canada Which to Choose
Administered By CCI France Canada France Education International Both are IRCC accepted
Duration Approx. 2 hours Approx. 2 hours 47 minutes TEF if you prefer shorter format
Test Format Paper-based at authorised centres Computer-based at authorised centres TCF if comfortable with computers
Listening Format 40 multiple choice questions 39 multiple choice questions Similar, slight edge to TCF
Reading Format 40 multiple choice questions 39 multiple choice questions Similar difficulty
Writing Format Two writing tasks, scored out of 699 One message task, scored out of 20 TEF writing is more detailed
Speaking Format Oral interview with examiner Three-part oral production exercise TEF if stronger in conversation
Score Scale 0 to 699 per section 0 to 699 (listening and reading), 0 to 20 (writing and speaking) Both converted to NCLC by IRCC
Results Timeline Approx. 2 weeks Approx. 2 weeks Same
Score Validity 2 years from test date 2 years from test date Same
NCLC 7 Listening Score 434 to 461 out of 699 458 to 502 out of 699 Refer IRCC official equivalency table
NCLC 7 Reading Score 434 to 461 out of 699 453 to 498 out of 699 Refer IRCC official equivalency table
NCLC 7 Writing Score 428 to 471 out of 699 10 to 11 out of 20 Refer IRCC official equivalency table
NCLC 7 Speaking Score 456 to 493 out of 699 10 to 11 out of 20 Refer IRCC official equivalency table
Best For Candidates who prefer structured paper format and shorter overall duration Candidates comfortable with digital testing and longer sessions Speak to a LinguoPrep advisor
Format and Duration
TEF CanadaPaper-based, approx. 2 hours
TCF CanadaComputer-based, approx. 2 hrs 47 min
VerdictTEF if you prefer shorter and paper format
Speaking Format
TEF CanadaOral interview with examiner
TCF CanadaThree-part oral production exercise
VerdictTEF if stronger in conversation with a person
NCLC 7 Score Needed
TEF Listening434 to 461 out of 699
TCF Listening458 to 502 out of 699
TEF Writing428 to 471 out of 699
TCF Writing10 to 11 out of 20
Results and Validity
TEF CanadaApprox. 2 weeks, valid 2 years
TCF CanadaApprox. 2 weeks, valid 2 years
VerdictIdentical. Both accepted equally by IRCC.
Both TEF Canada and TCF Canada are officially accepted by IRCC for Express Entry, PNP, and citizenship applications  ·  NCLC 7 score thresholds updated December 2023  ·  Always verify current score equivalency on the official IRCC website before registering

score breakdown

Understanding NCLC Levels

Both TEF Canada and TCF Canada are scored and converted to NCLC levels 1 to 12. Each of the four skills is assessed and converted independently. Your lowest skill score determines your immigration eligibility.

LISTENING

NCLC 1 to 12

Comprehension orale

READING

NCLC 1 to 12

Comprehension ecrite

WRITING

NCLC 1 to 12

Expression ecrite

SPEAKING

NCLC 1 to 12

Expression orale

NCLC Level CEFR Immigration Use CRS Bonus Points
NCLC 4 B1 FSTP minimum (reading and writing only) Not eligible
NCLC 5 B1 FSTP speaking and listening minimum Not eligible
NCLC 6 B1 to B2 Entry level, some PNP streams Not eligible
NCLC 7 Minimum B2 Express Entry eligibility, French-language draws Up to 25 pts (second lang)
NCLC 8 B2 Express Entry, competitive PNP streams Up to 50 pts (first lang)
NCLC 9 to 10 Target C1 Maximum CRS points, Quebec selection, all PNPs Full 50 pts bonus
NCLC 11 to 12 C1 to C2 Near-native, citizenship, academic French Full 50 pts bonus
NCLC 4B1
Immigration UseFSTP minimum (reading and writing)
CRS BonusNot eligible
NCLC 5B1
Immigration UseFSTP speaking and listening minimum
CRS BonusNot eligible
NCLC 6B1 to B2
Immigration UseEntry level, some PNP streams
CRS BonusNot eligible
NCLC 7 MinimumB2
Immigration UseExpress Entry eligibility, French-language draws
CRS BonusUp to 25 pts (French as second language)
NCLC 8B2
Immigration UseExpress Entry, competitive PNP streams
CRS BonusUp to 50 pts (French as first language)
NCLC 9 to 10 TargetC1
Immigration UseMaximum CRS points, Quebec, all PNPs
CRS BonusFull 50 pts bonus
NCLC 11 to 12C1 to C2
Immigration UseNear-native, citizenship, academic French
CRS BonusFull 50 pts bonus
NCLC = Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (French equivalent of CLB)  ·  CEFR = Common European Framework of Reference  ·  All four skills must reach the threshold independently  ·  Scoring one skill below NCLC 7 forfeits all CRS bonus points  ·  Score valid 2 years from test date

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Zero to B2 Roadmap

We show you the exact month-by-month plan to go from complete beginner to NCLC 7 or higher.

Live Speaking Practice

The speaking module is where most students struggle. We do a live mock oral session with instant feedback.

Immigration-Focused Grammar

We teach French grammar structures that appear directly in the TEF and TCF Canada exams, not general conversational French.

Progres Tracking

Know exactly where you're improving and what needs attention next.

FAQ

Common French Test Questions

Both tests are officially accepted by IRCC for Canadian immigration and citizenship. TEF Canada is paper-based, approximately 2 hours long, and uses a score out of 699. TCF Canada is computer-based, approximately 2 hours 47 minutes long, and also uses a 0 to 699 scale. Both scores are converted to NCLC levels for immigration purposes. Choose the format that suits how you study and test best.
For the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC), you need a minimum of NCLC 7 in all four skills if French is your first official language. If French is your second language, the minimum is NCLC 5. For the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), the minimum is NCLC 5 for speaking and listening, and NCLC 4 for reading and writing. However, reaching only the minimum does not earn you any CRS bonus points. You must score NCLC 7 or above in all four skills to unlock French language bonus points. Most competitive profiles target NCLC 9 or 10 to maximise their CRS score.
You can earn up to 50 additional CRS points for French proficiency in Express Entry. The exact points depend on whether French is your first or second official language and whether you also have English proficiency. If French is your first language and you score NCLC 7 or higher, you earn points under the first official language category. If French is your second language (with English as your first), scoring NCLC 7 or higher in all four French skills adds up to 50 bonus points on top of your English points. This is one of the most powerful CRS point boosters available. French-language category-based draws have had cut-offs as low as 379 CRS, compared to 520 or higher for general draws.
Yes. Many of our students start with absolutely no French knowledge and achieve NCLC 7 or above. The key is consistent, structured preparation. At LinguoPrep, we begin with the foundations of French grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary, then move to immigration-focused content that mirrors exactly what appears in the TEF and TCF Canada. Starting from zero requires a longer preparation period, typically 12 to 18 months of consistent study to reach NCLC 7. If you already have some French (A2 level), this can be reduced to 6 to 12 months. If you are at B1, targeted preparation of 3 to 6 months is usually sufficient.

The time required depends on your starting level. As a general guide based on research and our student outcomes:

From zero (A0 level): 12 to 18 months of consistent study, approximately 600 to 800 hours.
From A2 level: 6 to 12 months with regular practice and targeted preparation.
From B1 level: 3 to 6 months with structured test-specific preparation.

These timelines assume consistent daily study. With LinguoPrep’s focused immigration-French curriculum, many students progress faster than these estimates because we eliminate the content that does not appear in the exam and focus entirely on what matters for your NCLC score.

LinguoPrep prepares students for both TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Our French programme covers all four skills across both test formats. Once you enroll, our advisor will assess your current French level, your immigration timeline, and your preferred exam format to recommend which test to take and when. The French language skills we build are identical for both exams. The final stage of preparation includes format-specific mock tests tailored to whichever exam you choose.