IRCC: Express Entry and federal immigration
- TCF Canada
- Accepted
- DELF · DALF
- Not accepted
IRCC accepts two French tests: TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Results must be less than 2 years old.
Compare French tests
TCF Canada vs DELF and DALF
TCF Canada is a test built for Canadian immigration. DELF and DALF are lifelong French diplomas. Both come from France Éducation international, but only one counts for Express Entry.
Quick answer
For Express Entry and other federal immigration, take TCF Canada: IRCC accepts TCF Canada and TEF Canada for French, not DELF or DALF. DELF and DALF are lifelong diplomas, useful for study, work and Québec immigration, which accepts both.
Side by side
The main differences at a glance.
| Feature | TCF Canada | DELF · DALF |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A test that measures your level | A diploma for one level that you pass or fail |
| Levels | One test for all levels | DELF: A1, A2, B1, B2 · DALF: C1, C2 (one exam per level) |
| Result | Scores per skill, converted to NCLC | Pass or fail, scored out of 100 |
| Pass mark | No pass mark: you get your level | 50/100, with at least 5/25 in each skill |
| Skills tested | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking |
| Speaking | Face to face with an examiner | Face to face with an examiner |
| How long it lasts | IRCC accepts results for 2 years | The diploma does not expire |
| Express Entry (IRCC) | Accepted | Not accepted |
| Québec skilled workers (PSTQ) | Accepted | Accepted |
Who accepts what
Québec: Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)
- TCF Canada
- Accepted
- DELF · DALF
- Accepted
Québec accepts TCF Canada, TCF Québec, DELF, DALF, TEF Canada and TEFAQ, among others. Results must be 2 years old or less when you apply.
Which should you take?
Choose TCF Canada if…
- You are applying through Express Entry or another federal program
- You need an NCLC level in each skill, for CRS points or the French bonus
- You want one test that places you at any level
Choose DELF or DALF if…
- You want a French diploma that never expires
- You need French for study or work, not federal immigration
- You are applying to Québec and want a diploma Québec also accepts
Applying to Québec? Check which proof your program accepts and how recent it must be before you book.
TCF vs DELF/DALF: common questions
Can I use DELF or DALF for Express Entry?
No. For French, IRCC accepts TEF Canada and TCF Canada only. A DELF or DALF diploma does not count for Express Entry.
Does a DELF or DALF diploma expire?
No, the diploma does not expire. But an immigration program can still ask for recent results: Québec's skilled worker program asks for results two years old or less when you apply.
Does Québec accept DELF and DALF?
Yes. Québec's Skilled Worker Selection Program accepts DELF and DALF, as well as TCF Canada, TCF Québec and TEF Canada, among others.
Are DELF, DALF and TCF from the same organisation?
Yes. France Éducation international runs TCF Canada and DELF and DALF.
Which is harder?
They work differently. With TCF Canada, you get a level whatever your result. With DELF or DALF, you choose one level and must pass it.
Sources: IRCC, Express Entry language testing (2026); Gouvernement du Québec, PSTQ knowledge of French (2025). Rules can change: check the official pages before you book.
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