TEF Canada Results
You have taken TEF Canada. Now comes the waiting, then a certificate with several numbers per skill. Here is when your results arrive, which numbers matter for IRCC, and what to do next.
In this guide
When do TEF Canada results arrive?
Le français des affaires, the organisation that runs the TEF, gives two different estimates on its own website: its certificate page says results are sent within 1 to 10 business days, while its TEF Canada page says about 2 to 4 weeks after your exam has been received and corrected. Some centres quote around two weeks. Plan for up to four weeks, especially if you have an immigration deadline.
- You receive an email with a link to an online digital safe.
- You download your certificate (attestation) from there.
- No paper certificate is issued.
Not received anything? Check your spam or junk folder first. If it is still missing, contact your test centre: it is your main point of contact for results.
Timelines can change, so check the provider’s page and your centre’s information.
What the certificate shows
Your attestation is personalised with your photo and signature. For each of the four skills, it shows:
- the points you obtained;
- the level reached;
- a description of what you can do in French at that level.
You will also see more than one score per skill. This is where many candidates make a costly mistake.
The key rule: use the « Équivalence ancien score » column
For your Express Entry profile, IRCC asks you to enter the figures from the « Équivalence ancien score » column (old score equivalency), whatever your test date. Do not enter the « Score / 699 » figures: they can produce an incorrect NCLC level.
| NCLC | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 and above | 316–360 | 263–300 | 393–450 | 393–450 |
| 9 | 298–315 | 248–262 | 371–392 | 371–392 |
| 8 | 280–297 | 233–247 | 349–370 | 349–370 |
| 7 | 249–279 | 207–232 | 310–348 | 310–348 |
| 6 | 217–248 | 181–206 | 271–309 | 271–309 |
| 5 | 181–216 | 151–180 | 226–270 | 226–270 |
| 4 | 145–180 | 121–150 | 181–225 | 181–225 |
Source: IRCC, Language test equivalency charts (« Équivalence ancien score » column), reviewed in October 2026. Our TEF Canada scores guide explains both columns in detail and includes a calculator.
Your certificate number
Your certificate number has two parts separated by a hyphen. According to the TEF provider, the part before the hyphen is the number IRCC asks for, and the part after it is your PIN. Copy it carefully when you fill in your profile.
How long are results valid?
Two years. For Express Entry, your results must be less than two years old when you create your profile and when you submit your application for permanent residence. The provider stores certificates for ten years, but download and keep your own copy.
Can you retake TEF Canada?
Yes, as many times as you want, but you must wait 20 days between two tests. Plan your retake around your application deadlines.
What to do next
- Download and save your certificate in two places.
- Convert each skill to NCLC with the « Équivalence ancien score » table.
- Find your lowest skill. It usually decides whether you reach a threshold such as NCLC 7.
- If you are one level short, focus your next preparation on that single skill before retaking.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get TEF Canada results?
Usually between a few business days and about four weeks: the provider’s own pages give both 1 to 10 business days and about 2 to 4 weeks. Results arrive by email, with a link to download your certificate.
Do I get a paper certificate?
No. The certificate is digital only.
Which score do I enter in Express Entry?
The « Équivalence ancien score » figures for each skill.
How long must I wait to retake TEF Canada?
20 days between two tests.