What is TCF Canada?
Checked November 3, 2026
TCF Canada is France Éducation international’s French test for IRCC files (Express Entry, citizenship, some work permits). It has four mandatory tests over 2 h 47, each result becomes an NCLC level, and results are valid for 2 years.
Who uses it
TCF Canada is a version of the TCF built for Canadian files. You take it when an application asks you to prove your level in French.
| Application | Role of TCF Canada |
|---|---|
| Express Entry | Accepted test for French, as first or second official language. NCLC 7 in all four skills adds bonus CRS points |
| Canadian citizenship, ages 18 to 54 | One way to prove speaking and listening at NCLC 4 or more |
| Post-graduation work permit, Francophone Mobility | Accepted proof of French (details) |
| Québec immigration | Québec has its own rules (TCF Canada or TCF Québec) |
It is not compulsory for everyone. English-speaking candidates can use an English test instead. See is TCF Canada mandatory.
What the exam looks like
| Test | Time | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 35 min | 39 multiple-choice questions |
| Reading | 60 min | 39 multiple-choice questions |
| Writing | 60 min | 3 tasks to write |
| Speaking | 12 min | 3 tasks with an examiner |
All four are mandatory. Listening, reading and writing can be on paper or on computer, depending on the centre. Speaking is always face to face. The full breakdown is in the exam format.
How the result works
There is no pass or fail. Listening and reading get a score from 100 to 699, and writing and speaking a mark out of 20. IRCC then converts each skill into an NCLC level, the French version of the Canadian Language Benchmarks. For example, NCLC 7 starts at 458 in listening, 453 in reading and 10 out of 20 in writing and speaking. Every band is in the score chart.
Results are published within 15 working days of FEI receiving the session material, and the attestation is valid for 2 years from its issue date.
Writing is the hardest skill to judge on your own. Write one task and see whether it lands near 10 out of 20 before you book.
Price and booking
Each centre sets its own price (what it costs), and you book with the centre directly (how to register).
TCF Canada or another test?
TEF Canada is the other French test IRCC accepts for Express Entry (how they compare). Other TCF versions, such as TCF tout public, are a different exam, and for Express Entry you need TCF Canada (the difference).