TEF Canada vs TCF Canada: Fees, Scores and PR Benefits

TEF Canada and TCF Canada are both accepted French tests for Express Entry. For an applicant in India, the useful choice is the test format you can perform well in, an available examination centre and a realistic application timeline. Choosing a test name alone does not create an immigration advantage.

Requirements and provider information checked on 28 October 2026. This guide compares the examinations. Our Canada PR through French guide covers the wider eligibility and CRS planning.

Choose the Canada version before paying

IRCC lists TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Do not assume a different French qualification or course certificate is interchangeable. For immigration, plan for reading, listening, writing and speaking. The TEF provider requires all four immigration components on the same day.

How TEF Canada or TCF Canada can help your Canada PR profile

An approved French result can help in three distinct ways: language points within CRS, an additional French-language bonus, and eligibility for French-language category rounds. Neither examination receives preferential treatment simply because of its name; the achieved benchmark levels and your full profile determine the benefit.

These are alternative bonus amounts, not 25 plus 50. Core language points are calculated separately; the total gain depends on existing results, spouse factors and applicable limits. Do not assume that starting French automatically adds 50 points.

For French-language category selection, the minimum is NCLC 7 in each of the four abilities, plus the requirements of the particular round. You must first qualify for Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class or Federal Skilled Trades. Candidates are then ranked by CRS. A strong result in three skills cannot compensate for a fourth below the required benchmark. Category eligibility does not guarantee an invitation or PR approval.

French can also be your first official language where the programme permits it. For Federal Skilled Worker, the first-language minimum is NCLC 7 in every ability; the other programme requirements still apply. English is therefore not universally compulsory, but qualifying English results matter for the 50-point bilingual bonus. This guide concerns federal Express Entry planning, not a separate Quebec immigration assessment.

What scores reach NCLC 7?

*TEF figures use IRCC’s previous-score equivalency, not the separate score out of 699. These are the minimums reaching NCLC 7; higher benchmark results can also meet the threshold. They are not a total pass mark to average across skills. Source: IRCC’s language conversion tables, checked on 28 October 2026.

TEF Canada vs TCF Canada: examination format

TEF details are from CCI Paris Île-de-France; the TCF format shown is published by Alliance Française de Bangalore. These are component durations, not a promise about how long you will spend at the centre. Check-in and the allocation of speaking appointments can make the day longer.

Compare the productive tasks, not just the clock

TEF writing includes continuing an article and presenting a justified viewpoint. Its speaking sections involve obtaining information and persuading an interlocutor. TCF has three tasks in each productive component. Practise both formats under timed conditions before choosing. Our recommendation is to compare your weakest skill and response style rather than assume fewer questions means an easier examination.

A practical decision exercise: complete a representative listening and reading practice, then have your writing and speaking assessed against the chosen format. Record where you lose time and which task instructions you misunderstand. This gives a more useful preparation plan than an online claim that one test guarantees a target score.

Scores and validity: avoid an expensive reporting mistake

French levels use NCLC benchmarks, and each ability is assessed separately. For TEF Canada, IRCC currently instructs applicants to enter the “Équivalence ancien score” values, not the separate “Score / 699” figures. Using the wrong column can affect the application.

IRCC requires results less than two years old both when completing the Express Entry profile and when submitting the PR application. Include possible waiting and document-preparation time in your plan; taking a test very early can create expiry pressure later.

Fees and booking in India

The following are published centre-specific examples checked on 28 October 2026. They are not a single all-India tariff.

Jaipur’s tariff is stated as effective from 1 January 2026. The examination charge covers the listed test components. Do not treat it as a package including French tuition, study materials, travel, accommodation, another attempt, consultancy services or Canada PR application charges. Budget those separately where needed. Fees and booking terms can change for later sessions.

Delhi estimates its TCF official certificate in 2–4 weeks; this is an estimate, not a guaranteed result date. It requires a valid passport for registration and examination. Delhi restricts refunds, with an exception when the centre cancels; Jaipur’s published TEF conditions state no refund or transfer of fees. Keep these centre-specific conditions in your budget.

Budget for a possible further attempt and travel without assuming that a new seat will be immediately available. Registration, refund and result-delivery arrangements should be part of your decision before payment.

How Peerless can help you plan

Peerless Immigration Services can review how a French result would fit your existing Canada PR profile and help you identify the evidence and timing dependencies. This is profile planning, not a promise of a test score, invitation or visa. For wider budgeting, read our Canada PR cost guide.

Source basis: IRCC accepted tests and validity; TEF Canada format; TEF registration terms; TCF Bangalore format; TCF Delhi fees and conditions; TEF Jaipur tariff; IRCC CRS criteria; IRCC category requirements.

Call +91-8595010514 or email info@peerlessimmigration.com.

Discuss Your Canada PR Language Plan

Frequently asked questions

How can these tests help Canada PR?

Qualifying French scores can contribute language points, support an additional 25- or 50-point French bonus under the applicable conditions, and establish French-category language eligibility. Overall Express Entry eligibility still matters.

Do I automatically get 50 extra CRS points?

No. The 50-point bonus requires NCLC 7+ in all four French abilities and CLB 5+ in all four English abilities. It is not awarded for enrolling in a test or course.

Which test is easier or gives more points?

Neither test name brings extra CRS points. Compare the formats through timed practice; equivalent benchmark results are assessed under the same immigration rules.

How much do TEF Canada and TCF Canada cost in India?

The checked examples are ₹26,000 for four-module TEF Canada at Jaipur, including 18% GST, and ₹26,000 for TCF Canada at Delhi, including GST. These are local tariffs, not nationwide prices.

Can I use the TEF score out of 699 in Express Entry?

IRCC currently specifies the “Équivalence ancien score” column. The NCLC 7 TEF thresholds in this guide use that previous-score scale.

Does paying for or passing a French test guarantee PR?

No. You still need programme eligibility, valid evidence and an invitation where required. A test fee pays for an examination, not an immigration outcome.