TCF Canada vs TCF Québec, and TEF Canada vs TEFAQ: Which Test Do You Need?

IRCC (Express Entry). IRCC's language testing page lists two approved French tests: TEF Canada and TCF Canada. No other French test is on the list. Your results must be less than 2 years old when you complete your profile and again when you apply. Source: IRCC, Language testing for Express Entry, page modified October 16, 2026, checked November 2, 2026.

Québec (MIFI). For the Québec Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), Québec's immigration ministry accepts the TCF-Québec, TCF-Canada, TCF, TEFAQ, TEF Canada and TEF, plus the DELF and DALF diplomas. Results must be two years old or less on the date you apply, and only results issued by the test providers count. Source: Gouvernement du Québec, PSTQ: knowledge of French, last updated November 28, 2025, checked November 2, 2026.

Each Québec program sets its own rules: which skills you must test and the level you need. Check the page for your program on Québec.ca before you book. Rules can change, so check again just before you apply.

Both tests are run by France Éducation international and use the same four types of task. The difference is who accepts the result and how many tests you must take.

Sources: France Éducation international, TCF Canada · France Éducation international, TCF Québec · UQAM, an approved TCF Québec centre. Full TCF Canada details: TCF Canada exam format.

TCF tout public (often written just "TCF") is the general version of the test. Québec lists it for the PSTQ, but IRCC does not list it for Express Entry. If your booking page does not say TCF Canada, it is not the test IRCC accepts.

Le français des affaires (CCI Paris Île-de-France) now calls the TEFAQ TEF Québec. You will see both names. The tasks are the same as in the TEF Canada. Again, the difference is who accepts it and how many tests you take.

Sources: Le français des affaires, TEF Canada · Le français des affaires, TEF Québec, both checked November 2, 2026. Full TEF Canada details: TEF Canada exam format. For the TEFAQ modules in detail, read TEFAQ explained.

TEF IRN is a different test for France: residence permits and French nationality. It is shorter (for example, 20 reading questions in 30 minutes) and is scored out of 349. It is not on IRCC's list for Express Entry. Source: Le français des affaires, TEF IRN, checked November 2, 2026.

1. 1Decide where the result goes. IRCC (Express Entry), Québec (MIFI), or both. If there is any chance you will use Express Entry, book TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
2. 2Read the exact test name on the booking page. Many centres offer several versions on the same page. Look for the word Canada in the name. "TCF", "TCF Québec", "TEF Québec" and "TEF IRN" are not accepted for Express Entry.
3. 3Book all four skills for Express Entry. A Québec booking with only listening and speaking will not give you a full result for IRCC.
4. 4For TEF Canada, take every test on the same day. Le français des affaires says all tests must be taken on the same day for the certificate to be recognised by Canadian authorities.
5. 5Ask the centre to confirm by email which version you are booked on before you pay. Registration fees are usually not refunded if you change your mind.
6. 6Plan for the two-year limit. Both IRCC and Québec want results that are recent on the day you apply. See how long results are valid.

Step-by-step booking guides: how to book the TEF Canada · how to book the TCF Canada.

Because the Canada and Québec versions use the same task types, the preparation is the same. Learn the format of your test, practise each task under time, and get feedback on your writing and speaking.

Not sure between TEF and TCF? Read TEF Canada vs TCF Canada, then try the free TEF Canada practice test and TCF Canada practice test.

Frenchly is an independent practice tool. It is not affiliated with Le français des affaires, France Éducation international, IRCC or the Gouvernement du Québec, and it does not guarantee any score or immigration result.