Understanding French Proficiency Levels for PR in Canada

When you start preparing for French exams like TEF or TCF, you often hear terms like A1, B2, or C1. But what do these levels really mean? And how do they connect with Canada’s immigration system (CLB/NCLC)? Let’s make it simple for you!

Understanding French Proficiency Levels (DELF/DALF)

French language levels are officially described using the CEFR scale: Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This scale has 6 levels which are used globally to understand a learner’s level. Let’s learn more about them:

A1 (Beginner): You can introduce yourself, ask simple questions, and understand basic phrases. Think of it as basic survival French for tourists.
A2 (Elementary): You will be able to handle daily tasks like shopping, ordering food, and basic conversations about your family or job or some common topics like weather, education (basic sentences).
B1 (Intermediate): This level is often called the “threshold level”. You become an intermediate speaker of the language. You will be able to deal with a lot of daily-life situations, give reason for your opinions and describe experiences.
B2 (Upper Intermediate): In this, you will be able to understand complex texts, participate in discussions on familiar topics, and express ideas clearly. This is where many professional and immigration tests set their bar.
C1 (Advanced): You can use French effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes. Complex reasoning, subtle nuances, and fluent conversation become possible.
C2 (Mastery): You’re near-native. You understand virtually everything and can express yourself spontaneously and precisely.

You can also check out details from the official site for more details: France Éducation International – https://www.france-education-international.fr/en/diplome/delf-tout-public?langue=en

French Levels and Canadian Immigration

What is TEF, TCF or CLB/NCLC?

For Canada immigration, language proficiency isn’t measured by A1, B2, etc… Neither are DELF and DALF exams valid for Canadian immigration.

Two of the most recognized French proficiency exams for immigration purposes are the TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français) and the TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français).

To measure if you have adequate knowledge of English or French, Canadian government uses:

Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English
Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) for French

CLB/NCLC is the official standard used in Canada to describe, measure and recognize how well adult immigrants can communicate in their second language. This standard is used to make sure everyone is evaluated the same way.

When you take TEF Canada or TCF Canada, your scores get converted into NCLC levels, which range from 1 to 12. For Express Entry and other immigration streams, you usually need at least NCLC 7 (equivalent to B2 level skills) to qualify for points.Here’s a simplified table:

For TEF CANADA

For TCF CANADA:

To see the official site, click on: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/standard-requirements/language-requirements/test-equivalency-charts.html

Why CLB 7 is important?

To apply for PR in Canada through programs like Express Entry, candidates usually need to demonstrate proficiency in language at which is CLB 7 or higher.
🡪 CLB 7 (B2 level in French) is considered the minimum threshold to be eligible for skilled immigration. This level ensures that applicants can communicate effectively in workplace situations, handle day-to-day conversations, and integrate into Canadian society.
🡪 With CLB 7, candidates receive extra points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which boosts their chances to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

What’s Tested in TEF/TCF?

Both TEF and TCF evaluate your skills in:

Reading (Compréhension écrite)
Listening (Compréhension orale)
Speaking (Expression orale)
Writing (Expression écrite)

To reach NCLC 7 or above, you should aim to:

Understand news articles and detailed texts.
Write structured letters, emails, or essays.
Speak clearly about familiar and even abstract topics.
Follow conversations in standard spoken French.

Ready to Boost Your French? If you’re aiming for Canada PR through TEF or TCF, understanding these levels is the first step. Need guided help with your preparation? Book a consultation call with us.To learn more about which exam you should go for, read:
https://learnfrenchwithanks.com/tef-vs-tcf-which-french-exam-should-you-take-for-canada-pr/