The French Level for the Francophone Mobility Work Permit

IRCC's eligibility page says that if you apply on or after June 15, 2023, you must prove that your speaking and listening in French are at an intermediate level. IRCC says this is equal to NCLC 5 or higher. NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens) is the French name for the Canadian Language Benchmarks. NCLC 5 and CLB 5 are the same level.

IRCC's application page is clear about the other two skills: you do not need to prove you can read or write in French for this work permit. The job itself does not need to be in French either. IRCC's instructions to officers say the language of work does not need to be French.

Many older articles still say you need NCLC 7 in all four skills. That was the rule before June 15, 2023. Always check the date on what you read, and check IRCC's own pages before you apply.

IRCC's application page says you must submit documents that prove you can speak and listen at NCLC 5 or higher. It lists these examples:

• Speaking and listening results from the TEF (Test d'évaluation de français) or the TCF (Test de connaissance du français).
• A written confirmation from a college or university for a program in French, such as a transcript or an official letter of completion.
• Other documents that show education in French.

You upload your proof of French in the Client information field of your application.

IRCC's instructions to officers say this list is not complete ("can include, but is not limited to"). The officer decides if your evidence is enough. If the officer is not satisfied, they may ask for more evidence, such as TEF or TCF results, or ask you to do an oral assessment.

When you renew this work permit, the same instructions say a new language test result is not needed, unless the officer has concerns.

IRCC's Francophone Mobility pages do not publish a score table. IRCC does publish one for the TEF Canada and TCF Canada on its Express Entry language-testing page. These are the score ranges for NCLC 5 in the two skills this permit asks about:

A score above these ranges is a higher NCLC level, which also meets "NCLC 5 or higher". A score below them is NCLC 4 or lower. Each skill is read on its own scale, so check listening and speaking separately. For the full charts, see TEF Canada scores to NCLC and TCF Canada scores to NCLC, or enter your scores in the NCLC calculator.

IRCC's pages for this permit say "TEF or TCF" and do not name a version. Ask your test centre which version fits your plans before you book. Frenchly's NCLC figures are estimates to help you plan. Only your official results and the IRCC officer decide.

IRCC accepts more than one kind of proof, so a test is not the only way. Here is how we would think about it. This is our view, not an IRCC rule:

• You studied in French at a college or university. IRCC names a transcript or a letter of completion as examples. That may be enough, but the officer decides.
• You studied in French at school, or in another way. IRCC accepts "other documents that show education in French". It is harder to know how an officer will read them.
• You learned French in another way. A TEF or TCF result is the clearest proof, because it shows an NCLC level for each skill on paper.

If you take a test, book it early. Centres set their own dates and result times. See how to book the TEF Canada and how to book the TCF Canada.

This work permit is a temporary permit. It is not permanent residence. If you later apply through Express Entry, the language rules are different:

• All four skills. Express Entry uses results for reading, writing, listening and speaking.
• Approved tests only. For French, IRCC's Express Entry page lists the TEF Canada and the TCF Canada.
• Results must be recent. IRCC requires results to be less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you apply. See how long TEF and TCF results stay valid.
• Higher levels count for more. The French bonus in the CRS needs NCLC 7 or higher in all four skills. See how many CRS points French is worth.

If you think you will create an Express Entry profile within 2 years, ask your test centre whether to sit all four skills now. One test may then serve both purposes. Check IRCC's rules for each program before you decide.

1. 1Learn the format. Read the TEF Canada speaking guide or the TCF Canada speaking guide. Each test has its own tasks and timing.
2. 2Practise listening under time. The TEF and TCF reading and listening guides explain the question types.
3. 3Try a timed test. Use the free TEF Canada practice test or TCF Canada practice test.
4. 4Check your level. Put your practice scores in the NCLC calculator to see an estimate for each skill.
5. 5Speak every day. Short answers out loud, on everyday topics, build the habit you need on test day.

French is only one part of this permit. You also need a job offer that meets IRCC's rules, and your employer has steps to take before you apply. For example, IRCC's instructions say the job must be in a province or territory outside Quebec. Read IRCC's eligibility page and application page for the full list.

Frenchly is a French exam practice app. We are not immigration advisers. For advice on your own case, speak to a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.