Guide · Citizenship
French for Canadian citizenship
What IRCC asks for
- Who: citizenship applicants aged 18 to 54.
- Level: CLB or NCLC 4 or higher in speaking and listening. Reading and writing aren’t assessed for this.
- Proof: IRCC first checks whether you studied in English or French (secondary or post-secondary). If not, a third-party test result like TEF Canada or TCF Canada works.
- Old results: for citizenship, IRCC asks you to include your test results even if they’re expired.
TEF Canada for citizenship
TEF Canada has a citizenship version with just two tests: listening (40 questions, 40 minutes) and speaking (15 minutes). CCI Paris Île-de-France states the level as CLB 4 in both. IRCC’s citizenship page lists the TEF Canada result needed as B1 or higher in listening and speaking for tests taken on or after July 1, 2012.
TCF Canada for citizenship
IRCC’s citizenship page lists the TCF Canada result needed as B1 or higher. TCF Canada has four compulsory tests, and France Éducation international says Canadian authorities accept no exemptions, so plan for all four.
| TEF Canada | TCF Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Tests to take for citizenship | Listening + speaking | All four |
| Result IRCC lists | B1 or higher in listening and speaking | B1 or higher |
| Practise here | Listening practice | Reading practice |
Score converter
Your TEF Canada scores as NCLC levels
Enter the “Équivalence ancien score” column from your TEF Canada results, not the score out of 699: that’s the one IRCC uses for Express Entry.
From IRCC’s official equivalency table. Your official result is the one on your test report.
How to get ready
- Train your ear with short announcements and conversations: our listening practice starts at A2.
- Practise speaking out loud with a timer: see the TEF Canada speaking tasks.
- Book at an approved centre: TEF Canada centres or TCF Canada centres.
Questions people ask
+What French level do I need for Canadian citizenship?
CLB/NCLC 4 or higher in speaking and listening if you’re 18 to 54. IRCC’s page lists TEF Canada (since July 1, 2012) at B1 or higher in listening and speaking, and TCF Canada at B1 or higher.
+Which TEF Canada tests do I need for citizenship?
Two: listening (compréhension orale) and speaking (expression orale).
+Can I use an expired test result for citizenship?
IRCC asks you to include a copy of your test results even if they’re expired.
+Do I need a test if I studied in French?
Maybe not. IRCC accepts proof of a secondary or post-secondary program taught in English or French, such as a diploma or transcript.
Sources
- Language proof for citizenship, step 1 (IRCC, canada.ca) · checked October 26, 2026
- Language proof for citizenship, step 2: test results (IRCC, canada.ca) · checked October 26, 2026
- TEF Canada: learn more (Le français des affaires, CCI Paris Île-de-France) · checked October 26, 2026
- TEF Canada: understanding your results (Le français des affaires) · checked October 26, 2026
- TCF Canada: épreuves obligatoires (France Éducation international) · checked October 26, 2026
Updated October 26, 2026. Not affiliated with CCI Paris Île-de-France (TEF), France Éducation international (TCF) or IRCC.
Keep going
- TEF Canada listening practice: compréhension oraleFree TEF Canada listening practice: French announcements and dialogues read aloud, four-option questions and English explanations, from A2 to C1.
- TEF Canada speaking: expression oraleTEF Canada expression orale: 15 minutes with an examiner. Section A asks for information, section B argues to convince. Practice prompts and tips inside.
- TEF Canada vs TCF CanadaTEF Canada vs TCF Canada side by side from the official formats: question counts, timing, scoring, retake waits, citizenship tests and results timing.
- TEF Canada: the complete guideTEF Canada explained: the four tests, timing, the 0–699 score and NCLC levels, how booking works, results in 1–10 business days, and 2-year validity.