Compare
TEF Canada vs TEFAQ
Both come from CCI Paris Île-de-France and use the same section formats. The difference is who accepts them, and that decides which one you should book.
| TEF Canada | TEF Québec (TEFAQ) | |
|---|---|---|
| Accepted by IRCC (federal immigration) | Yes | No |
| Accepted by Québec (MIFI) | Yes, if less than 2 years old | Yes, since 2006 |
| Tests | All four on the same day (two for citizenship) | 1 to 4, depending on the Québec program; each can be taken on its own |
| Section formats | Reading 40 questions/60 min, listening 40/40 min, writing 60 min, speaking 15 min | Same |
| Validity | 2 years | 2 years |
Which should you take?
- Only Québec, and only some skills needed? TEFAQ lets you take just the tests your Québec program asks for.
- Federal immigration, or not sure yet? TEF Canada. CCI Paris Île-de-France says TEFAQ isn’t recognized by IRCC for immigrating to Canada, while a TEF Canada under 2 years old is recognized by Québec.
- Both Québec selection and later federal steps? One TEF Canada can cover both while it’s valid.
More on Québec’s rules: French for Québec immigration.
Questions people ask
+Can I use TEFAQ for Express Entry?
No. CCI Paris Île-de-France says TEFAQ isn’t recognized by IRCC for immigrating to Canada. Use TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
+Does Québec accept TEF Canada?
Yes. A TEF Canada certificate less than two years old is recognized by Québec’s immigration ministry.
+Is TEFAQ easier than TEF Canada?
The section formats are the same. TEFAQ is modular, so you may take fewer tests, but each test is the same length.
Sources
- TEF Québec (TEFAQ): learn more (Le français des affaires) · checked October 26, 2026
- TEF Canada: learn more (Le français des affaires, CCI Paris Île-de-France) · checked October 26, 2026
- TEF Canada: taking the test (Le français des affaires) · checked October 26, 2026
- Knowledge of French: Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) (Gouvernement du Québec, quebec.ca) · 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
- French tests for Québec immigrationFrench tests for Québec immigration: which TEF and TCF versions Québec accepts, the 2-year rule, approved centres, and why TEF or TCF Canada covers both.
- 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.
- 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.