Immigration

TEF Canada Guide

TEF Canada and TCF Canada are the two French tests recognized by IRCC for Express Entry, PNP, and citizenship. Scores are converted to CLB levels: and CLB levels determine your CRS points.

The four sections

TEF Canada tests all four language skills. CLB scores from each skill contribute independently to your immigration application.

Listening

Compréhension de l'oral

~40 questions · ~40 minutes · audio plays ONCE

Question types

Main idea
Specific detail
Speaker attitude / tone
Implied meaning

Strategy

Take notes as you listen: you only hear the audio once. Write key words, numbers, names, and opinions. For attitude questions, listen for tone, not just words.

💡 Daily habit: listen to Radio-Canada news or podcasts. Practice noting key information in French while you listen.

Reading

Compréhension de l'écrit

~50 questions · ~60 minutes · multiple texts

Question types

Main idea
Explicit detail
Vocabulary in context
Inferred meaning

Strategy

Read the question first, then scan the text for the answer. Eliminate distractors: they often use words from the text in a misleading way.

💡 Daily habit: read Le Devoir or Radio-Canada articles in French. Guess the meaning of unknown words from context before looking them up.

Writing

Expression écrite

2 tasks · ~60 minutes total

Question types

Task 1: short informal text (~60–80 words)
Task 2: formal structured text (~120–150 words)

Strategy

Plan Task 2 before writing (2–3 minutes). Stay on topic: pertinence is the most critical criterion. Use connectors (de plus, cependant, par conséquent) to show organization.

💡 Practice writing formal letters and informal messages under timed conditions. Learn the standard formal opening and closing formulas.

Speaking

Expression orale

4 tasks · ~15 minutes · recorded

Question types

Monologue on a given topic
Interactive exchange (simulated)
Responding to a scenario
Giving an opinion / argument

Strategy

Your responses are recorded: there is no live examiner. Speak clearly and at a steady pace. Stay on topic. Organize your ideas before speaking: state your position, give a reason, give an example.

💡 Practice speaking on everyday topics out loud for 2–3 minutes. Record yourself on your phone and listen back to catch filler words and hesitations.

TEF Canada scores → CLB levels

Approximate score ranges. Official conversions are published by the test providers. CLB 7 (★) is the Express Entry FSW minimum in all four skills.

CLB Level	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
CLB 12Near-native	393–400	263–277	393–450	393–450
CLB 11Advanced+	371–392	248–262	371–392	371–392
CLB 10Advanced	349–370	233–247	349–370	349–370
CLB 9Upper-intermediate+	328–348	217–232	328–348	328–348
CLB 8Upper-intermediate	298–327	201–216	298–327	298–327
CLB 7 ★FSW minimum	249–297	181–200	271–297	271–297
CLB 6Intermediate	217–248	163–180	241–270	241–270
CLB 5Low-intermediate	181–216	136–162	206–240	206–240

* Score ranges are approximate. Verify current conversions on the official TEF Canada website before your application.

Express Entry CRS points for French

French proficiency can add significant points to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The bonus depends on your CLB level and whether you also have strong English.

French only (no English test)

CLB 7–8 in all skills

Up to 15 points (single) / 7 points (with Anglophone spouse)

French only (no English test)

CLB 9+ in all skills

Up to 25 points (single) / 12 points (with Anglophone spouse)

French + strong English (CLB 5+)

CLB 7–8 in French skills

Up to 25 points (single) / 12 points (with Anglophone spouse)

French + strong English (CLB 5+)

CLB 9+ in French skills

Up to 50 points (single) / 25 points (with Anglophone spouse)

Note: CRS points are subject to change. Always verify current point values on the official IRCC website before planning your application.

Informal vs. formal — writing task register

TEF Canada Task 1 is informal (tu, casual tone). Task 2 is formal (vous, professional tone). Using the wrong register is one of the most common scoring errors.

Function	Task 1 — Informal	Task 2 — Formal
Formal salutation	Salut [Prénom],	Madame, Monsieur,
Opening	Je t'écris parce que…	Je me permets de vous contacter afin de… / Suite à…, je vous transmets…
Adding a point	Aussi,	De plus, / En outre, / Par ailleurs,
Concession	Mais…	Cependant, / Néanmoins, / Toutefois,
Conclusion	En tout cas…	Pour ces raisons, / En conclusion, / À la lumière de ces éléments,
Formal closing	Bonne journée!	Dans l'attente de votre réponse, veuillez agréer mes cordiales salutations.

Want the full interactive course?

The French for Canadian Tests course covers TEF Canada in depth: CLB levels, Express Entry strategy, and test preparation for all four skills.

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