French B2+ opens the doors to Canada for you 

Written by Gabriela Estrada

Speaking French has become the trend among foreigners interested in Canada. Those who are fluent in French may find the immigration process much easier than through other channels, provided they can demonstrate their proficiency through the TEF or TCF exams.

These tests do not assess a person’s proficiency in French based solely on their ability to carry on a satisfactory conversation, but rather on their mastery of verb tenses and their ability to summarize and structure their answers. 

This is essential to meet the government's requirements.

If your language proficiency is intermediate-advanced (B2+), you are close to being able to immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry system, except to Quebec. However, you must be able to demonstrate this with the TEF and/or the TCF.

Today I'll give you some tips on how to prepare for these tests so you can ensure a good score under the Express Entry system.

TEF and TCF Preparation for Express Entry

From the perspective of the French language, the key to success in the Canadian immigration process lies in the French-speaking community, but this depends on being able to demonstrate the required level for the "Francophone Proficiency"category, where CRS scores are typically lower than in the general or skilled-trade draws.

The key is to have a thorough understanding of the format of each exam. Otherwise, the score you receive on the TEF/TCF could be lower than the French speaker’s actual level of the French speaker, and that would affect the score, which in turn determines the candidate’s eligibility in the Express Entry system.

Learn about the TEF/TCF format and ensure a good score

To demonstrate your level of French to the Canadian government, you must take one of the two official tests. Either one is acceptable for Express Entry.

Format of the French Proficiency Test (TEF) - More Traditional

The TEF Canada (Test de Évaluation du Français) is ideal for those who prefer a more traditional format. Its oral test is based on everyday situations and role-plays. It includes the following specific sections:

• Listening Comprehension: 40 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes to assess comprehension of conversations, announcements, and speeches.
• Reading Comprehension: 40 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes to assess comprehension of a variety of texts.
• Written Expression: 60 minutes, with two tasks: summarizing/restructuring information and arguing a point of view on a topic.
• Oral Expression: 15 minutes, divided into two sections: gathering information/asking questions in a simulation and presenting/defending a point of view.

Format of the Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF) - Shorter version

The TCF Canada (Test de Connaissance du Français) is preferred by many because of its progressive question structure (from easiest to hardest) and a slightly shorter format. For economic immigration (Express Entry), the TCF Canada version is the most relevant.

The TCF consists of four required tests that assess general proficiency in the French language:

• Listening Comprehension: Group test—39 multiple-choice questions (4 answer choices, only one correct). Duration: 35 minutes.
• Reading Comprehension: Group test—39 multiple-choice questions (4 answer choices, only one correct). Duration: 60 minutes.
• Written Expression: Group test—3 exercises. Duration: 60 minutes.
• Oral Expression: In-person individual test with an examiner; 3 tasks. Duration: 12 minutes (including 2 minutes of preparation time).

Its total running time is 2 hours and 47 minutes.

NCLC Score 7/CLB 7: Required for the "Francophone Proficiency" category draw

In Canada, the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) is used to measure English proficiency, and the Canadian Language Proficiency Levels (NCLC) for French. 

Both are equivalent. For practical reasons, both English and French are usually grouped under the acronym CLB.

For the Francophone Proficiency category draws, the minimum qualifying score is NCLC 7/CLB 7 in all 4 skills. The level NCLC 7 is considered the entry threshold for B2 (Upper-Intermediate/B2.1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages—CEFR), while levels NCLC 8 and 9 fully consolidate the advanced B2 and C1 levels. 

Clarification: The CLB 5 is a B1 (lower-intermediate). In Express Entry, it only counts toward extra points for bilingualism, but it does not qualify you for the Francophone category. For this level, there is the Mobilité Francophone immigration pathway. 

Showcase your true level of French on the test

To improve your French is is recognized by the Canadian government, you must be familiar with the formats of the TCF and TEF tests. To this end, there are preparation courses designed to help you become familiar with them.

By certifying your French at a level NCLC 7/CLB 7 (intermediate-advanced B2), you not only qualify for the exclusive Express Entry draws, but you also unlock a bonus of up to 50 additional points on your profile if you already have a basic level of English (CLB 5).

Once you have secured this score, you can focus with peace of mind on the rest of the basic requirements, which you should handle with a regulated consultant or a Canadian lawyer.

French-Speaking Immigration 2026: Lower Scores

The Canadian government has set a goal of reaching a 9% target for Francophone immigration outside Quebec. That is why IRCC conducts large-scale draws under the "Francophone Proficiency", where CRS scores are typically much lower than in the general or skilled worker draws.

What is your current level of French? Take our Free French Placement Test and find out how much more you need to reach those extra 50 points.

Learn with us

On Planeta Immiland, we offer preparation courses to help you successfully pass the TEF/TCF international exams and speed up your immigration process. 

We are the first language school in Canada to specialize in this field. We are accredited by Languages Canada, and our teachers are certified to use the best teaching methods to help you improve your language skills while navigating the immigration process.

Our programs are designed to support you at every stage of your journey:

🍁 English and French courses.

📚 Preparation for international exams.

🎓 Programs focused on academic and immigration goals.

🌎 Conversation activities to build your confidence in real-life situations.

Visit our online academy and find out which exam is right for you: https://www.planeta-immiland-education.com/ 

If this article was helpful to you, share it with anyone who wants to travel, study, work, or simply connect with people from all over the world.

Remember: Having a thorough understanding of the TEF/TCF format and demonstrating the required proficiency level speeds up the immigration process under the Francophone Proficiency category of Express Entrycategory.

See you in the next blog post, where we'll continue to explore how languages can open the door to new international experiences and opportunities!

With love, 

Planeta Immiland Education