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French test for Canadian citizenship: accepted tests and the level you need

If you are 18 to 54, a Canadian citizenship application needs proof that you can speak and listen in English or French at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB/NCLC) level 4 or higher. This guide covers the French route: which tests IRCC accepts, the level it lists for each, and the proof you may already have.

By Certloom Learning, publisher of NCLC Ready. Checked against the official sources listed at the end.

1 The short answer

For a French test, IRCC lists the minimum as level B1 or higher in listening and speaking on TEF Canada, TEF IRN, TCF Canada or TCF Québec. Reading and writing are not part of the citizenship requirement. DELF needs B1 or higher, and any DALF result is accepted. Applicants under 18 or 55 and older do not submit language proof.

2 French tests IRCC accepts for citizenship

This is IRCC’s list for third-party French tests (step 5 of its language-proof tool). All of them are taken in French.

TestResult IRCC asks for
TEF CanadaB1 or higher in listening and speaking
TEF IRN (Intégration, Résidence et Nationalité; formerly “TEF pour naturalisation”)B1 or higher in listening and speaking
TCF CanadaB1 or higher in listening and speaking
TCF QuébecB1 or higher in listening and speaking
DELFB1 or higher
DALFAll results accepted

IRCC states the general requirement as CLB/NCLC 4 and lists the test minimums as CEFR levels (B1, B2, C1, C2). Use the level in this table for a French test result.

3 Check the proof you already have first

IRCC’s tool walks through other kinds of proof before third-party tests. You may not need to book a new test if one of these applies:

  • Education in English or French: A secondary or post-secondary diploma, transcript or certificate from studies in English or French.
  • The test you took for permanent residence: If you sent language test results with your PR application, IRCC checks them against the citizenship level. TEF Canada taken on or after July 1, 2012 needs B1 or higher in listening and speaking; TEF Canada taken on or before June 30, 2012 needs level 3 or higher in listening and speaking; TCF Canada needs B1 or higher.
  • LINC or CLIC training: Government-funded language classes for newcomers (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada, or Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada).

4 Citizenship and Express Entry use French results differently

Express Entry converts all four abilities (listening, reading, writing and speaking) to NCLC levels with IRCC’s equivalency charts, and accepts only TCF Canada and TEF Canada for French. Citizenship looks at listening and speaking only, and accepts a longer list of French tests and diplomas.

If you already took TCF Canada or TEF Canada for Express Entry and sent the results with your PR application, check step 2 of IRCC’s tool before booking anything new.

French and Express Entry pointsTCF Canada or TEF Canada?

5 Practising listening and speaking

Both NCLC Ready apps follow the format and timing of their test’s listening and speaking sections. The speaking practice gives AI feedback and an estimated level, which is not an official result. Free 10-question reading samples for each test are on this site.

Try 10 free TCF Canada questionsTry 10 free TEF Canada questions

Questions people ask

What level do I need on TCF Canada for citizenship?

IRCC lists B1 or higher in listening and speaking for TCF Canada. The same level applies to TEF Canada, TEF IRN and TCF Québec.

Do reading and writing scores matter for citizenship?

No. The citizenship requirement covers speaking and listening. For French tests, IRCC asks for B1 or higher in listening and speaking.

Can I reuse the French test from my PR application?

Possibly. If you sent TEF Canada or TCF Canada results with your PR application, IRCC’s step 2 lists the level they must show: B1 or higher (listening and speaking for TEF Canada taken from July 1, 2012). Check that step before booking a new test.

Who does not need language proof for citizenship?

IRCC asks for language proof from applicants aged 18 to 54. Applicants outside that age range do not submit it.

Is NCLC Ready an official test or affiliated with IRCC?

No. NCLC Ready is an unofficial practice app published by Certloom Learning. Scores in the app are estimates, and only an official test result or other proof IRCC accepts counts for your application.

Practise with NCLC Ready

One app for each test, with the real format and timing, AI feedback on writing and speaking, and an estimated NCLC level for each skill. Scores in the apps are estimates, never official results.

Official sources

Checked against official sources on .

  • TCF Canada format and scoring

    The four sections and their timing, the writing and speaking tasks, how scores convert to NCLC, booking, results and a study plan.

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  • TEF Canada format and scoring

    The four tests and their timing, the two scores on your certificate and which one IRCC uses, NCLC ranges and a study plan.

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  • NCLC and CLB conversion tables

    IRCC’s charts for both tests, the scores that reach NCLC 7, 8 and 9, and how NCLC and CLB relate.

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  • TCF Canada or TEF Canada?

    The two tests side by side: format, speaking tasks, scoring, results, retakes, and how to decide which to book.

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  • French and Express Entry points

    Minimum levels by program, CRS points per ability, the 25 or 50 additional points for French and French-language draws.

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