What is the TEF Canada? A Comprehensive Guide for 2026

If you've spent any time researching the Canadian immigration process, you've seen the acronym TEF Canada (Test d’Évaluation de Français pour le Canada). But what exactly is it, who needs it, and why is it so important for your application?

In this guide, we’ll strip away the jargon and give you the facts about the TEF Canada.

The Definition: What is it?

The TEF Canada is an international benchmark test that measures your level of knowledge and skills in French. It was created by the CCI Paris Île-de-France and is officially recognized by:

• IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) for Permanent Residency applications (Express Entry).

Who Needs to Take It?

Generally, there are two groups of people who take the TEF Canada:

1. Francophones: People whose first language is French and want to use it as their primary language in Express Entry.
2. Anglophones/Allophones: People who speak English or other languages and want to claim "Bonus Points" for being bilingual.

Note: As of 2026, the "French-speaker category" in Express Entry draws is one of the fastest and lowest-score pathways to Permanent Residency. This has made the TEF Canada more popular than ever.

The Four Mandatory Sections

To use the TEF for immigration, you must take all four sections in a single session:

1. Compréhension Orale (Listening): 40 minutes – 60 questions. Tests your ability to understand spoken French in various contexts (news, radio, daily life).
2. Compréhension Écrite (Reading): 60 minutes – 50 questions. Tests your ability to read everything from short ads to complex analytical articles.
3. Expression Écrite (Writing): 60 minutes – 2 tasks. Tests your formal writing and argumentation skills.
4. Expression Orale (Speaking): 15 minutes – 2 tasks. A face-to-face (or online) interview with an examiner involving roleplays.

The Scoring: From Points to CLB

The TEF doesn't give you a "Pass" or "Fail" grade. Instead, it gives you a score for each section, which is then converted into an NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens) or CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) level.

For most Express Entry draws, the "magic number" is CLB 7. Achieving a CLB 7 in all four sections can grant you up to 50 additional points on your CRS score, even if French is your second language.

Where Can You Take the TEF Canada?

The test is held at approved centers worldwide. Centers are usually located within:

• Alliance Française branches.
• Institut Français locations.
• Private language schools and universities.

Pro Tip: Seats for the TEF Canada fill up fast—especially in major hubs like Dubai, Lagos, New Delhi, and Toronto. We recommend booking at least 2 months in advance.

Validity

Your TEF Canada results are valid for two years from the date of the exam. If your immigration process takes longer, you may need to retake the test.

How to Get Started?

The TEF is not a test of "how much French you know," but "how well you can use French in specific situations."

• Step 1: Determine your target CLB level.
• Step 2: Take a diagnostic test to see where you stand.
• Use a dedicated platform like PrepMyFrench to practice the specific tasks required by the CCI Paris Île-de-France.