The TEF Exam: French proficiency and Express Entry

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If you are planning to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry, you will have to prove that you can communicate in at least one of Canada’s official languages, either English or French. The only accepted exam for proving French-language proficiency in Express Entry is the Test d’Évaluation du Français (TEF Canada). French-speakers have several advantages in the Express Entry system.

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What is the TEF exam?

All immigrants applying through the Express Entry system must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French. The Test d’Évaluation du Français (TEF Canada) is the only exam for proving proficiency in French, so if you want to claim points for French, you must take this exam.

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The TEF test examines four different abilities in French: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The exam is offered in many countries around the world, however spaces are often limited, so interested candidates should register in advance.

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Express Entry includes three different immigration programs, each having a different minimum requirement for language (see below). However, Express Entry is highly competitive, so candidates who score higher than the minimum will have a greater chance of success.