Citizenship8 min read
French Test for Canadian Citizenship: TCF or TEF?
Proving CLB 4 French for citizenship: who must test (18–54), which TCF and TEF versions count, the B1 rule and a checker for your existing result.
Citizenship
French for Canadian citizenship, made simple
If you’re 18 to 54, you must prove CLB/NCLC 4 in listening and speaking. On the TCF Canada or TEF Canada, IRCC asks for B1 or higher in both. Here’s exactly what that means.
- listening and speaking
- B1
- age range
- 18–54
- reading and writing not needed
- 2 skills
Checker
Does your result count for citizenship?
Enter your TCF Canada or TEF Canada listening and speaking results to see if they meet IRCC’s rule.
Citizenship language checker
Enter your listening and speaking scores. These are the two skills IRCC checks for citizenship.
Your exam
/699
Needs 300 or more
/20
Needs 6 or more
Enter both scores to see your result.
Applicants aged 18 to 54 need proof of language. Expired TCF Canada or TEF Canada results are accepted.
Last verified Oct 5, 2026Sources:IRCC: proof of language for citizenship(opens in a new tab)
Independent tool, not affiliated with IRCC. Confirm on canada.ca before you apply.
TCF Canada
What IRCC asks for on the TCF Canada
| Skill | Level IRCC accepts | TCF score | What it sounds like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | B1 or higher | 300+ / 699 | You understand everyday conversations, messages and announcements. |
| Speaking | B1 or higher | 6+ / 20 | You can talk about yourself, your routine and plans, and ask simple questions. |
IRCC’s general rule is CLB/NCLC 4; for TCF Canada results it lists B1 or higher. On the TCF scale a speaking score of 4 or 5 is NCLC 4 but only A2, so it does not meet the B1 wording. Scores use France Éducation international’s CEFR bands.
TEF Canada
What counts on the TEF Canada
| What you need | |
|---|---|
| Tests to take | Only listening and speaking (the test owner offers a 2-test version for citizenship) |
| Level | B1 or higher in listening and speaking (IRCC). The test owner states at least NCLC 4 in both. |
| What to check | The CEFR level printed on your results for listening and speaking: it should be B1 or higher |
| Other TEF versions accepted | TEFAQ, and TEF Intégration, Résidence et Nationalité (formerly “TEF pour naturalisation”) |
Sources: IRCC citizenship language proof pages and Le français des affaires. Results you already sent IRCC for permanent residence can also be used; include a copy even if they have expired.
What to practise
Focus on listening and speaking
Which test? See which test to choose for citizenship.
- TCF Canada
Listening
Messages, appointments, announcements and everyday conversations.
TCF Canada listening practice - TCF Canada
Speaking
Talking about yourself, asking questions, giving a simple opinion.
TCF Canada speaking practice - TEF Canada
Listening
Announcements, voicemail, street interviews and radio, each played once.
TEF Canada listening practice - TEF Canada
Speaking
A phone call to get information and a conversation to convince a friend.
TEF Canada speaking practice
Your plan
Four weeks to feel ready
Week 1: find your level
Take the free listening and speaking practice.
Week 2: build everyday vocabulary
Home, work, health, transport: the topics of everyday conversations.
Week 3: speak every day
Record yourself for 2 minutes a day and improve with AI feedback.
Week 4: mock conditions
Do timed listening sets and full speaking tasks for your test.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Sources
Last verified Oct 5, 2026 against canada.ca and the test owners. How we check facts
- Citizenship: proof of languagecanada.ca (IRCC) (opens in a new tab)
- Citizenship: accepted language testscanada.ca (IRCC) (opens in a new tab)
- TCF CanadaFrance Éducation international (opens in a new tab)
- TEF CanadaLe français des affaires (opens in a new tab)
- TEF Canada: resultsLe français des affaires (opens in a new tab)
- Citizenship physical presence calculatorCount your 1,095 days and find your apply date
- Citizenship document checklistEverything for your Canadian citizenship application
- TCF Canada speaking practiceExpression orale · 3 tasks, AI examiner
- TEF Canada speaking practiceExpression orale · 2 sections, AI examiner
Scores & NCLC9 min read
NCLC 5 French: TCF and TEF Scores, B1 Level and What It Unlocks
NCLC 5 is about B1 French: TCF 369 listening, 375 reading, 6/20 writing and speaking. What it unlocks in 2026, and why Express Entry wants NCLC 7.
TCF vs TEF8 min read
TCF Canada vs TEF Canada: Which Is Easier for You? (Quiz)
TCF Canada and TEF Canada compared section by section: timings, writing and speaking tasks, scoring and who each suits. Take the quiz to choose.
Your next step
TCF Canada speaking practice
Expression orale · 3 tasks, AI examiner