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French test for Canadian citizenship: what level IRCC actually asks for

If you are 18 to 54, you must prove Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB/NCLC) level 4 or higher in speaking and listening, in English or French. But when the proof is a French test, IRCC's list asks for CEFR level B1 or higher in listening and speaking on the TEF Canada, TCF Canada, TEFAQ, TEF IRN or TCF Québec. On the TCF Canada, B1 in speaking starts at 6 out of 20 in France Éducation International's table, which is higher than the 4 out of 20 that NCLC 4 alone would suggest. Other proofs also count: a diploma from a program taught in English or French, or a LINC/CLIC certificate at CLB 4.

The rule, and the catch

IRCC's citizenship language page sets the general rule: applicants aged 18 to 54 prove "Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) Level 4 or higher" in speaking and listening, in English or French.

The catch is in how a French test counts. IRCC's step-by-step pages list the accepted French tests and the level each needs:

Proof Level IRCC lists Abilities
TEF Canada, TEFAQ, TEF IRN (formerly "TEF pour naturalisation"), TCF Canada, TCF Québec B1 or higher (B2, C1 or C2) Listening and speaking
DELF B1 or higher As listed by IRCC
DALF Any result As listed by IRCC
LINC or CLIC certificate (government-funded classes) CLB 4 or higher Speaking and listening
Diploma, transcript or certificate from a secondary or post-secondary program taught in English or French Completed program n/a

So with a French test, don't aim for "NCLC 4". Aim for B1 in both listening and speaking.

In IRCC's words (citizenship language-proof wizard, step 5, page dated September 26, 2025), the accepted French tests need "B1 or higher (B2, C1 or C2)" in listening and speaking. The two official sources don't say the same thing: CCI Paris Île-de-France's TEF Canada page says an NCLC 4 minimum is required for the 2-module citizenship version. IRCC decides your application, so B1 is the safer target (checked November 1, 2026).

What B1 means on the TCF Canada and TEF Canada

TCF Canada, speaking (France Éducation International's table, with the NCLC that IRCC uses):

TCF speaking score (/20) CEFR level (FEI) NCLC
4–5 A2 4
6 B1 5
7–9 B1 6
10–13 B2 7–8

A speaking score of 4 or 5 out of 20 is NCLC 4 but CEFR A2, below the B1 that IRCC lists for the TCF. The safe target in speaking is 6 out of 20 or more.

TEF Canada: CCI Paris Île-de-France's results page says your certificate shows the CEFR level for each ability alongside the score and NCLC, so read the level printed on your certificate for listening and speaking. For citizenship, CCI offers a 2-module TEF Canada with just listening and speaking.

Score tables for all abilities: TCF Canada score chart and TEF Canada score chart.

Which proof do you already have?

IRCC's pages walk through the options in this order. Work down the list:

  1. You studied in English or French (secondary or post-secondary): your diploma, transcript or certificate can be your proof.
  2. You sent language test results with your permanent residence application: IRCC accepts a copy of those results "even if they're expired", as long as they meet the level (B1 or higher in listening and speaking for TEF Canada and TCF Canada).
  3. You took LINC or CLIC classes: a certificate showing CLB 4 or higher in speaking and listening (for training on or after November 1, 2012, include a copy).
  4. You took a provincial adult language program in one of six provinces: some program certificates count; IRCC lists them by province.
  5. None of these: take an accepted test. For French: TEF Canada, TEFAQ, TEF IRN, TCF Canada or TCF Québec at B1 or higher in listening and speaking, or a DELF B1 or higher, or any DALF.

What B1 speaking sounds like

Example written by Niveau7 (not a real candidate), answering a TCF Canada Task 1 question from our bank, tcf1-003: « Où habitez-vous ? Décrivez-moi votre quartier. »

  • A2-like answer: « J’habite à Ottawa. Mon quartier est bien. Il y a un parc. » Short, correct, but no detail or linking.
  • B1-like answer: « J’habite à Ottawa, dans le quartier de Vanier, depuis trois ans. J’aime bien mon quartier parce qu’il est calme et qu’il y a un grand parc où je vais courir le samedi. Par contre, il manque une épicerie près de chez moi, alors je fais mes courses en voiture. » Connected sentences, a reason, a detail and a contrast.

The citizenship test level is lower than Express Entry's NCLC 7, but the speaking test format is the same full test. Know the format before you book: TCF Canada speaking, TEF Canada speaking, or compare them in TEF vs TCF. If you're working in Canada on French first, see also Francophone Mobility (NCLC 5).

Practise for B1 speaking with Niveau7

Practise the TEF or TCF speaking test with Niveau7 Do the speaking tasks out loud, on the real clock, with an AI examiner who plays the part and never helps. Right after: an estimated NCLC (an estimate, not an official result), a level for each of the six criteria in Niveau7's report, and your three most useful fixes, on your own sentences. 7 days free, then a weekly or monthly plan, cancel anytime. Start your free week

Frequently asked questions

What French level do I need for Canadian citizenship?

If you're 18 to 54, IRCC's rule is CLB/NCLC 4 or higher in speaking and listening. When you prove it with a French test such as TEF Canada or TCF Canada, IRCC's list asks for CEFR B1 or higher in listening and speaking.

Is NCLC 4 on the TCF Canada enough for citizenship?

Not necessarily. On the TCF Canada, NCLC 4 in speaking (4 or 5 out of 20) is CEFR A2 in FEI's table, while IRCC's list asks for B1 or higher on the TCF Canada. B1 in speaking starts at 6 out of 20.

Which French tests are accepted for citizenship?

TEF Canada, TEFAQ, TEF IRN, TCF Canada and TCF Québec (B1 or higher in listening and speaking), DELF (B1 or higher) and DALF (any result), according to IRCC's language-proof pages.

Can I use the TEF Canada results I used for permanent residence?

Yes, if they meet the level. IRCC asks for a copy of the results you submitted for permanent residence, even if they're expired.

Is there a shorter TEF for citizenship?

Yes. CCI Paris Île-de-France offers a 2-module TEF Canada (listening and speaking) for citizenship applications.

Who doesn't need to prove language for citizenship?

IRCC's rule applies to applicants aged 18 to 54. Applicants outside that age range don't submit language proof.

Sources

Last checked: November 1, 2026.

Niveau7 is an independent practice tool. It is not affiliated with France Éducation International (TCF Canada), CCI Paris Île-de-France (TEF Canada) or IRCC.