French Test for Canada PR in 2025: Complete Guide & Tips

As one of Canada’s official languages, French holds great importance in the country’s bilingual identity. French language proficiency tests are crucial for Canadian PR applications in 2025. Whether taking TEF Canada or TCF Canada, a strong French score can significantly boost your Express Entry points and immigration chances.

French-speaking immigrant targets for regions outside Quebec are set to hit historic highs. In 2025, IRCC aims for 8.5% (29,325) of French-speaking permanent residents, increasing to 9.5% (31,350) in 2026, and reaching 10% (31,500) by 2027.

These ambitious targets, which exceed the previous plan’s goals of 7-8%, reflect Canada’s growing commitment to Francophone immigration and cultural diversity.

This guide covers everything you need to know about French language testing requirements, exam formats, and preparation strategies.

Why French Language Proficiency Matters?

For many aspiring Canadian permanent residents, demonstrating French language proficiency has become increasingly valuable. Whether you’re applying through Express Entry, PNP, or other immigration streams, a strong French test score can significantly boost your chances.

CRS Score Boost

A good French test score for Express Entry can earn you up to 50 extra points! These additional points can give you an edge when it comes to receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Francophone Immigration Category-Based Selection

Canada has introduced targeted Express Entry draws for French-speaking candidates. These category-based selection rounds prioritize applicants with strong French language skills, even if their overall Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is lower than other applicants.

More Immigration Pathways

Certain provinces, like Quebec, have immigration pathways that require French language skills. By taking an Express Entry French test, you can qualify for these provincial programs, increasing your chances of a PR.

More Career Opportunities

Mastering French doesn’t just help your immigration process. It can also increase your career prospects across Canada, particularly in provinces like Quebec and New Brunswick. In fact, many employers, especially in the federal government, prefer bilingual candidates!

Overlooked Non-PR Benefits

Beyond helping your application, learning French makes it easier to fit in and access local services in provinces like Quebec, where a majority of the population uses French every day.

Available French Tests for Canadian Immigration

Two tests are officially recognized for Canadian immigration purposes:

• Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF Canada)
• Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF Canada)

Both tests evaluate four language abilities: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

TEF Canada

The Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF) is a widely accepted language test that assesses your ability to communicate in French. Administered by France Education International, the TEF is officially recognized by the IRCC.

This French test for Canada covers all the key areas of language proficiency – listening, reading, writing, and speaking – and results are measured on a scale of 0+ (beginner) to level 6 (expert).

TEF French Test Structure for Express Entry

For immigration purposes, you’ll need to complete all four sections, which take a total of 2 hours and 55 minutes:

1. Reading Comprehension (Compréhension écrite)

• Duration: 1 hour
• Format: 4 sections with 40 multiple-choice questions
• Scoring: +1 point for correct answers, 0 points for wrong/blank answers
• Objective: Evaluates your ability to understand written documents
• Total Questions: 40

2. Listening Comprehension (Compréhension orale)

• Duration: 40 minutes
• Format: 4 sections with 40 multiple-choice questions
• Scoring: +1 point for correct answers, 0 points for wrong/blank answers
• Objective: Measures your ability to understand spoken French
• Total Questions: 40

3. Written Expression (Expression écrite)

• Duration: 1 hour total
• Section A (25 minutes): Write an article continuation (minimum 80 words)
• Section B (35 minutes): Express and justify a viewpoint (minimum 200 words)
• Objective: Assesses your written French communication skills

4. Oral Expression (Expression orale)

• Duration: 15 minutes total
• Section A (5 minutes): Information gathering
• Section B (10 minutes): Presenting and defending an argument
• Objective: Evaluates your spoken French communication abilities

Test scores are valid for 24 months from the date of the exam.

TEF Test Structure for Canadian Citizenship

For those applying for citizenship, the test is a bit shorter, with just two sections (55 minutes total):

Test Considerations

The TEF is available in both paper-based and computer-based formats, and results are valid for two years. However, when taking a French test for Express Entry, you must complete all sections on the same day for your results to be valid.

If you are not happy with your score, you can retake the TEF as many times as you like, but be aware that some centres may impose a waiting period between tests.

Learn More about Language Requirements for Express Entry

TEF Test Centres and Costs

The TEF is available at certified test centres worldwide, including locations in Canada, Europe, Asia, and Africa. To find a test centre near you, visit the official TEF website or check with Alliance Française branches in your region.

• Availability: Test dates depend on the centre, so it’s best to book early as spots fill quickly. Some centres offer both in-person and online formats.
• Costs: The TEF test typically costs between CAD $300 and $400. However, fees can vary by location and format. Check with your chosen test centre for exact pricing.

TCF Canada

Along with the TEF, the IRCC accepts the TCF Canada (Test de Connaissance du Français), another French language test. Like the TEF, the TCF evaluates reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. However, there are a few differences:

The TCF has a different scoring system and is measured against the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

TCF Canada Test Structure

The TCF Canada lasts for a total of 2 hours and 47 minutes:

TCF Test Centres and Costs

The TCF is available at certified test centres worldwide, including locations in Canada, Europe, Asia, and Africa. To find a test centre near you, visit the official TCF website or check with Alliance Française branches in your region.

• Availability: Test dates depend on the centre, so it’s best to book early as spots fill quickly. Some centres offer both in-person and online formats.
• Costs: The cost of the TCF-Canada exam is CAD $390. Transfers or cancellations are possible up to 15 days before the exam date. After this date, no refund can be offered. A fee of CAD $75 will be deducted from the refund.

French Language Test Scoring Levels

Your score on the French test for Canada Express Entry is measured against the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) – Canada’s official benchmark for assessing French language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They range from NCLC 1 (basic ability) to NCLC 12 (expert proficiency).

TCF Canada Results and NCLC Levels

When you look at TEF or TCF exam reports, you’ll see letters like A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2.

• A1-A2 (Basic Proficiency): These levels are too low to get good scores for immigration.
• B1 (Intermediate): This level might meet some requirements but is not ideal for high scores.
• B2 (Upper-Intermediate): This level is often the minimum needed for competitive scores.
• C1-C2 (Advanced): These levels are excellent and will greatly boost your immigration application.

These letters correspond to different levels of French proficiency, but they can sometimes be confusing because one letter might cover multiple NCLC levels. So, for immigration purposes, it’s better to focus on the actual scores rather than just the letters.

French Language Requirements for Canada PR

For most federal immigration programs, you’ll need a minimum NCLC 7 on a French test for Canada Express Entry. This corresponds to a B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

CRS Points Per NCLC Level

If you have an NCLC 7 or higher in all four French language skills, you can get and additional:

• 25 CRS points if you didn’t take an English test or scored CLB 4 or lower
• 50 CRS points if you scored CLB 5 or higher in all four English skills

Preparing for the French Test for Canada PR

Getting ready for the French test for Canadian immigration may seem overwhelming, but with the right resources and strategies, you can improve your French skills in no time. There are plenty of tools out there, from language courses to practice tests. Here are some options that can help every skill level.

For Beginners

If you’re just starting with French, focus on building your foundation in vocabulary and grammar. Use tools like:

For Intermediate Learners

At this level, you can focus on improving your fluency and comprehension by:

For Advanced Speakers

If you’re comfortable with French, focus on refining your skills and preparing for the TEF/TCF test format by:

For All Skill Levels

For more focused learning, consider enrolling in French classes or hiring a tutor. Professional support can be just the boost you need to do well on your French test for PR! This is especially true when tackling tricky areas of French grammar, like numbers, singularity, plurality, and gender. Finally, try to dedicate time every day to practicing. Ultimately, consistency will build your fluency, setting you up for success on your French Test.

Targeted Express Entry Draws for French Speakers

In 2023, the IRCC introduced category-specific draws for Express Entry and, with it, different CRS cutoffs. Take a look at the minimum CRS score ranges of the most recent 2024 – 2025 draws:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 539 – 547
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 705 – 816
• General Draws: 529 – 530
• French Language Proficiency: 338 – 478

Without a doubt, the French draw stands out with the lowest CRS cutoff. What’s more, French-specific draws are held regularly. Based on past trends, these draws typically happen once a month. However, the frequency may change depending on immigration targets and labour market needs.

Nevertheless, French proficiency draws are worth pursuing. Not only do they create new opportunities, but they also make the PR process more accessible.

Proving your French proficiency is more than meeting a requirement. It’s an investment into your future. From boosting your CRS score to unlocking career opportunities, taking French tests for Express Entry can set you apart as a strong candidate.

Get in touch with Elaar Immigration today! We’ve helped clients like you successfully navigate the PR process, including targeted French-speaking draws. As one happy client shared:

“Thank you, Keshav and the team at Elaar, for helping me get my PR through the French Targeted Draw for Express Entry. I consulted quite a few businesses for my PR process but didn’t feel confident until I came across Elaar Immigration. Merci, Elaar!”

Let us guide you every step of the way, ensuring your application is clear, complete, and done right—giving you the best chance to succeed. Please feel free to contact us for a consultation.