How to Use Your TEF Results for Canada PR?

Are you working toward Canadian Permanent Residency (PR)? If you’ve taken the TEF Canada, you’ve already completed an important step. Your French exam results are part of Canada’s points‑based immigration system, especially through the Express Entry pathway.

Here’s a clear, step‑by‑step guide on how to use your TEF results in your Canada PR application.

1. Convert TEF Scores into CLB Levels

The first and most important thing to know is that Canadian immigration authorities (IRCC) do not use your raw TEF score (out of 699 or 450). 

Instead, your scores are converted into the official Canadian standard: the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels (or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens - NCLC, for French).

Your TEF certificate will detail your score in each of the four modules:

• Listening Comprehension (Compréhension Orale)
• Reading Comprehension (Compréhension Écrite)
• Written Expression (Expression Écrite)
• Oral Expression (Expression Orale)

The CLB conversion shows if you qualify and how many points you get. Let’s break it down:

TEF Canada CLB Conversion Guide

Here’s how the mapping works for each skill area:

Listening, Speaking, and Writing

The CLB conversion applies the same way for the three modules: Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Here’s how your scores convert to CLB levels: 

• 181–225 → CLB 4
• 226–270 → CLB 5
• 271–297 → CLB 6
• 298–371 → CLB 7
• 372–398 → CLB 8
• 399–450 → CLB 9
• 451–495 → CLB 10–12

Reading

The Reading module CLB conversion works a little differently. Here’s how your scores translate into CLB levels:

• 121–150 → CLB 4
• 151–180 → CLB 5
• 181–206 → CLB 6
• 207–232 → CLB 7
• 233–247 → CLB 8
• 248–262 → CLB 9
• 263–300 → CLB 10–12

2. Meet the Minimum Program Requirements

The minimum required CLB level for your French test depends entirely on the immigration program you are applying for.

For Express Entry Candidates 

Express Entry manages applications for three main federal economic programs.

For Quebec Immigration

For Quebec’s immigration programs, such as the Regular Skilled Worker Program, the accepted language tests can differ. Quebec often relies on the TEFaQ or other recognized exams. 

Even so, TEF Canada results are usually accepted and converted into the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC), the French equivalent of Canada’s language benchmarks.

3. Turn Your Test Score Into CRS Points

This is where your TEF results truly shine, especially if you are also proficient in English. In the Express Entry system, strong French skills can increase the points you receive.

They contribute to two main areas of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS):

1. Primary Official Language Points: You can choose French as your first official language. The higher your CLB level (particularly CLB 9 and above), the more points you earn.
2. Second Official Language Bonus Points: If you also take an approved English test (such as IELTS or CELPIP) and reach at least CLB 5 in all four abilities, your French results unlock additional bonus points.

Here’s a table that shows how your French test scores translate into points:

In summary, reaching CLB 7 in French is required to earn bonus points, and CLB 9 gives you an incredible advantage.

4. Submit Your Results

Your TEF results are valid for two years from the date of the test. To submit your results, during this period, create your online profile in your IRCC secure account on Canada’s official immigration site (Canada.ca). Sign in with a GCKey or a Sign‑In Partner, then start an Express Entry profile.

When you create your online profile, you will input your raw TEF scores for each of the four abilities. The system will automatically convert these into your CLB level and calculate your corresponding CRS score.

If your score is high enough, you will receive an Invitation to apply for Permanent Residence.

When submitting your full PR application, you must upload the official Attestation de résultats (Statement of Results) from your TEF Canada test as part of the supporting documents.

Do not have your results sent directly to IRCC. You must submit a copy with your online application.

Conslusion

Your TEF Canada results are arguably one of the most powerful documents in your Canadian Permanent Residency application package. 

The difference between a solid CLB 7 and an excellent CLB 9 in French can add up to 50 CRS points! So it’s the difference between getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) or staying in the pool. 

In short, strong French scores can be the boost that moves your profile to the top of the list.

FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about this topic: