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TEF vs TCF – Which French Test Should You Take for Canada PR if You Live in BC?

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    Fleetwood Immigration
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Introduction

If you’re living in British Columbia (Surrey, Vancouver, Abbotsford, Kelowna, etc.) and thinking about Canada PR through Express Entry, you’ve probably heard people say: “Just learn French, you’ll get extra points.”

They’re not wrong.

  • IRCC gives up to 50 additional CRS points if you reach NCLC 7 or higher in French on all four skills, even when French is your second language.
  • There’s now a dedicated French-language proficiency category in Express Entry, where you must have at least NCLC 7 in French to be considered for those targeted draws.
  • These French-focused draws often invite candidates at lower CRS cut-offs than many general draws, which is a big deal if your CRS is stuck in the low–mid 400s.

To access those advantages, IRCC requires you to prove your French with an approved language test — and that’s where TEF Canada and TCF Canada come in.

TEF Canada and TCF Canada: The Two Approved French Tests

For Express Entry, category-based draws, and many other PR pathways, IRCC accepts only specific French tests:

  • TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français pour le Canada)

    • Designed to measure general French proficiency for immigration and citizenship.

  • TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada)

    • Another standardized French test accepted by IRCC, developed by France Éducation International.

From IRCC’s perspective, both TEF Canada and TCF Canada are equally valid. There is no official preference for one test over the other.

Test Format: What You Actually Have to Do

Both TEF Canada and TCF Canada test the same four skills:

  • Listening
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Speaking

TEF Canada - Overview

  1. Listening comprehension: Content: 40 multiple choice questions. Duration: 40 minutes.
  2. Reading comprehension: Content: 40 multiple choice questions. Duration : 60 minutes.
  3. Written expression: Content: 2 exercises. Duration: 60 minutes.
    • Section A: Write the continuation of an article (80 words minimum). Duration 25 minutes.
    • Section B: Express and justify a point of view (200 words minimum). Duration 35 minutes.
  4. Oral expression: Content: 2 sections. Duration: 15 minutes.
    • Section A: Obtaining information. Duration 5 minutes.
    • Section B: Expressing an argument to convince. Duration 10 minutes.

TCF Canada - Overview

The TCF Canada is made up of 4 mandatory tests that assess general French language skills:

  1. Listening comprehension: Exam room test: 39 multiple choice questions (4 possible answers, only 1 correct answer). Duration: 35 minutes.
  2. Reading comprehension: Exam room test: 39 multiple choice questions (only 1 correct answer possible). Duration : 60 minutes.
  3. Written skills: Exam room test: 3 exercises. Duration: 60 minutes.
  4. Verbal skills: Individual test one-on-one with an examiner: 3 exercises. Duration: 12 minutes (2 of which are for preparation). The TCF Canada lasts for a total of 2 hours 47 minutes.

In practice, both exams:

  • Use a mix of multiple-choice items (especially for listening and reading), plus
  • Short written tasks and a face-to-face speaking component.

NCLC 7 and CRS Points: What Score Should You Aim For?

To benefit from the French-language Express Entry category, you must score at least NCLC 7 in all four abilities in French.

Separately, to get additional CRS points for French, IRCC awards:

  • 25 extra CRS points if you have strong French and weaker English, or
  • 50 extra CRS points if you have strong French and at least CLB 5 in English.

IRCC publishes conversion charts that show how TEF/TCF scores map to NCLC levels. You compare your results to those charts to see your official NCLC level.

Availability in British Columbia and Nearby Provinces

Test centres and dates change frequently, but in general:

  • TEF Canada and TCF Canada are offered through approved exam centres, often Alliance Française or similar institutions across Canada.
  • Seats can fill quickly in big cities like Vancouver, so many candidates in BC:
    • Book months in advance, or
    • Travel to other provinces if local dates are limited.

TEF vs TCF: Which Is Better for You?

Since IRCC treats them equally, your choice is practical and personal.

TEF Canada may be better if:

  • TEF dates are easier to book in or near BC.
  • You already have TEF practice materials or have taken a TEF-style test before.
  • Your friends/mentors in Canada PR groups are already using TEF resources and can share tips.

TCF Canada may be better if:

  • TCF test dates are sooner or closer to you.
  • You like the idea of a slightly shorter test time (around 2 h 47).
  • Your language school or online course is geared around TCF-style exercises.

5-Step Checklist for Candidates Choosing a French Test

  1. Clarify your immigration plan

  2. Check your current CRS score

    • Use an online CRS calculator and see how +25 or +50 points for French would change your chances.

  3. Look up TEF Canada and TCF Canada test dates near BC

    • Compare cost, travel, and timing for each test.

  4. Plan a realistic preparation window

    • Many candidates need months of consistent study to reach NCLC 7–8 in French, especially while working or studying full-time.

  5. Book a consultation with an immigration professional

Need more information? Please contact us through our official website.