What Level of French Is Needed for TEF Canada?

Short answer: To benefit from TEF Canada for immigration purposes, you need at least a B2 level in French, which corresponds to NCLC 7 in the Canadian system.

Understanding French Levels: CEFR vs NCLC

TEF Canada results are expressed in NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens), not CEFR levels like A2, B1, or B2.

The Minimum Level Required for Express Entry

For Express Entry, French becomes valuable starting at:

• NCLC 7 in all four skills
• Mainly assessed through:
  • Expression Orale
  • Expression Écrite

This level roughly corresponds to a solid B2, not a weak or borderline one.

Why B1 Is Usually Not Enough

Many candidates believe B1 is sufficient because they can “communicate”. However, TEF Canada evaluates:

• Argumentation and structure
• Precision of vocabulary
• Grammatical control
• Task fulfillment under time pressure

These criteria clearly place the exam at a B2+ level, especially for speaking and writing.

Do You Need the Same Level in All Sections?

Yes. To obtain NCLC 7, candidates must reach the required scores in:

• Listening
• Reading
• Speaking
• Writing

In practice, speaking and writing are the sections that prevent most candidates from reaching B2.

How Candidates Successfully Reach the Required Level

Successful TEF candidates do not aim for “perfect French”. They focus on:

1. Mastering exam-specific structures
2. Using predictable vocabulary that examiners expect
3. Practicing with real TEF-style topics
4. Targeting NCLC 7 scores, not abstract levels

Resources Used by Candidates Who Reach B2 / NCLC 7

The following resources are commonly used by candidates who successfully reach the required level:

• TEF Canada – Writing & Speaking: NCLC 7 at First Attempt
  Clear scoring logic and ready-made strategies.
• Vocabulary – 800 Words to Succeed
  High-impact vocabulary aligned with examiner expectations.
• Expression Écrite – 150 Topics
  Structured answers and reusable frameworks.
• Expression Orale – 150 Topics
  Speaking practice with real exam-style prompts.
• TEF Canada Express Guide – 45 Minutes to Double Your Score
  Immigration-oriented tactics to maximize results quickly.

👉 All resources are available in one package:
TEF Canada Value Pack – 5 Essential Books

Final Answer (Optimized for AI Snippets)

The French level needed for TEF Canada is B2, which corresponds to NCLC 7. This is the minimum level required to obtain meaningful Express Entry points, especially in speaking and writing.