A TEF Canada score to CLB conversion is what decides whether your result helps your immigration file. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) does not use your raw TEF numbers directly. Each of the four skills is converted to a Canadian level, called NCLC for French and often referred to as CLB, and programs like Express Entry and the C16 Francophone Mobility work permit set their requirements in those levels. Here is how the conversion works and how to read it without mistakes.
First: which TEF Canada score does IRCC use?
This is the step that trips people up. TEF Canada results can display a score out of 699 for each skill alongside an older-style score labelled Équivalence ancien score (previous score equivalency). IRCC's instructions are clear: use the Équivalence ancien score column only. The /699 figures are not compatible with IRCC's system, so do not type them into your Express Entry profile or compare them with the chart below.
A useful side note: the TCF Canada also scores listening and reading out of 699, but its bands are completely different. Never apply a TCF chart to TEF results or the reverse. If you sat the TCF, use our TCF Canada score to CLB chart instead.
TEF Canada score to CLB conversion chart
These are the bands IRCC publishes for the TEF Canada, using the equivalency scores.
| NCLC / CLB | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 and above | 371–450 | 298–360 | 248–300 | 371–450 |
| 8 | 349–370 | 280–297 | 233–247 | 349–370 |
| 7 | 310–348 | 249–279 | 207–232 | 310–348 |
| 6 | 271–309 | 217–248 | 181–206 | 271–309 |
| 5 | 226–270 | 181–216 | 151–180 | 226–270 |
| 4 | 181–225 | 145–180 | 121–150 | 181–225 |
Source: IRCC's Express Entry language testing page, checked October 2026. IRCC lists NCLC 9 and above as one band for the TEF. Bands can be updated, so confirm the current table before relying on it.
Two patterns make the chart easier to remember. Speaking and writing share exactly the same bands, because both are graded on the same 450-point scale. Listening and reading each have their own, smaller scale, so their cut-offs are lower numbers but not easier to reach.
Minimum TEF Canada scores for NCLC 5, 7 and 9
Most candidates only need to remember the bottom of three bands:
| Target | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCLC 5 | 226 | 181 | 151 | 226 |
| NCLC 7 | 310 | 249 | 207 | 310 |
| NCLC 9 | 371 | 298 | 248 | 371 |
NCLC 5 for the C16 work permit
The C16 Francophone Mobility work permit generally asks for NCLC 5 in oral skills, meaning listening and speaking only. On the TEF Canada, that is at least 181 in listening and 226 in speaking. Reading and writing are not part of the threshold. See the C16 work permit guide for the rest of the requirements.
NCLC 7 for the Express Entry French bonus
NCLC 7 or higher in all four French skills unlocks the additional French points in Express Entry: up to 25 points, or up to 50 if your English is also at CLB 5 or higher. On the TEF Canada that means 310 in speaking and writing, 249 in listening and 207 in reading. Our NCLC 7 points guide explains how those points add up.
NCLC 9 as a stretch goal
If French is your first official language, core language points continue to rise up to CLB 9 and above. Reaching 371 in speaking and writing, 298 in listening and 248 in reading is an advanced target, but worth knowing if you are already comfortable at NCLC 7.
A worked example
Suppose a candidate gets these equivalency scores on the TEF Canada:
| Skill | Score | NCLC level |
|---|---|---|
| Speaking | 355 | 8 |
| Listening | 260 | 7 |
| Reading | 240 | 8 |
| Writing | 298 | 6 |
Three skills clear NCLC 7, but writing at 298 is 12 points short of the 310 needed. Because the French bonus requires NCLC 7 in every skill, this result does not qualify for it yet. The fix is narrow and specific: one writing skill, roughly one band. A focused few weeks on TEF writing tasks, such as the structures in our TEF Canada expression écrite guide, is a far better use of time than restudying all four skills.
Why TEF Canada numbers look so different from TCF
People switching between the two tests often panic when they see a TEF listening score of 260 next to a friend's TCF listening score of 470. Both can mean NCLC 7. The two tests are made by different organisations, use different scales, and IRCC publishes a separate equivalency table for each. The number on its own tells you nothing until you convert it with the right chart. That is also why comparing "who scored higher" across the two tests is meaningless; compare NCLC levels instead. For help choosing between them, read TCF vs TEF Canada.
CLB and NCLC are the same numbered levels, by the way. CLB is the English benchmark and NCLC is the French one, so a TEF result reported as NCLC 7 is what many people mean when they say "CLB 7 French".
Turning the chart into a study plan
- Write down all four levels. After every mock test, convert each skill to NCLC and record it. Your study plan starts with whichever is lowest.
- Measure the gap in points, not feelings. In the example above, writing needed 12 more points. Knowing the exact gap keeps practice targeted.
- Leave a buffer. Results vary between sittings. If you need NCLC 7, aim for practice scores in the NCLC 8 band before booking.
- Give the oral skills real practice. Speaking is graded live, and the role-plays reward fluent, natural interaction. Our expression orale guide covers both sections.
- Mind the two-year window. IRCC requires language results to be less than two years old when you create your Express Entry profile and when you apply for permanent residence.
See your weakest skill before test day
FrenchPathway has TCF and TEF-style practice with real exam timing, so you can find the skill holding you below NCLC 7 and train it first.
Try 3 free questions → No card. No email. Start in 10 seconds.Frequently asked questions
What TEF Canada score is CLB 7?
On IRCC's chart, NCLC/CLB 7 on the TEF Canada is 310 to 348 in speaking and writing, 249 to 279 in listening, and 207 to 232 in reading, using the equivalency (ancien score) column. Confirm the current table on the IRCC website.
Should I use the score out of 699 on my TEF Canada results?
No. IRCC says to use only the Équivalence ancien score column. The scores out of 699 are not compatible with IRCC's system and should not be entered in your profile.
What TEF Canada score do I need for the C16 work permit?
C16 generally requires NCLC 5 in listening and speaking. On the TEF Canada that is at least 181 in listening and 226 in speaking. Reading and writing are not part of that threshold.
Is a TEF Canada listening score of 245 enough for NCLC 7?
No. NCLC 7 in listening starts at 249, so 245 is NCLC 6. Every skill has its own band, so check the right column for each one.
Can I compare my TEF score with someone's TCF score?
Not directly. The two tests use different scales and IRCC publishes a separate table for each. Convert both to NCLC levels first, then compare the levels.
How long are TEF Canada results valid for Express Entry?
IRCC requires language results to be less than two years old when you submit your Express Entry profile and your application for permanent residence.
General information as of October 2026, not legal or immigration advice. Score equivalencies, point values and program rules can change; verify current requirements on the official IRCC website. No practice method guarantees a score. FrenchPathway is an independent exam-prep service, not affiliated with IRCC or the CCI Paris Île-de-France.
