TEF Canada results usually arrive in about 2 weeks, and TCF Canada results in about 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the centre and whether you tested on paper or computer. Neither test centre sends anything to IRCC: you type your scores and attestation number into your Express Entry profile, then upload a copy of the attestation with your PR application.
Key takeaways
- TEF Canada: about 2 weeks, per Le français des affaires. Some centres quote 3–6 weeks.
- TCF Canada: FEI aims for 15 working days after it receives the papers, 10 if you tested on computer.
- Results come by email or an online portal as a PDF attestation. Nothing is mailed to IRCC.
- You enter the scores in your Express Entry profile yourself. TEF uses the ancien score.
- Results are valid for 2 years from the test date, not the result date.
On this page
TEF Canada results take about 2 weeks. TCF Canada results take about 2 to 4 weeks. The exact wait depends on your centre and on whether you sat the paper or computer version. And there is no step where the centre sends your result to IRCC. You enter it in your Express Entry profile yourself.
How long do TEF Canada and TCF Canada results take?
#| Exam | Official figure | What centres report |
|---|---|---|
| TEF Canada | "Within approximately 2 weeks" (Le français des affaires) | About 2 weeks at many centres; Vancouver 3–4 weeks, Calgary up to 6 |
| TCF Canada (computer) | 10 working days after FEI receives the session materials | About 2 weeks at AF Toronto |
| TCF Canada (paper) | 15 working days after FEI receives the session materials | About 4 weeks at AF Toronto |
How do you receive your results?
#You get an email from Le français des affaires (CCI Paris Île-de-France) with a link to a secure online space where you download your attestation as a PDF. Some centres also email it to you.
Your attestation shows a /699 score and an "Équivalence ancien score" for each skill. IRCC uses only the ancien score. See TEF /699 vs ancien score before you type anything.
FEI creates a TCF-Candidat account for you after registration and emails you a link to set a password. Your results appear there and you download the attestation, which carries QR codes used to check it is genuine. Some centres also email the PDF.
Listening and reading are out of 699, writing and speaking out of 20. Turn them into NCLC levels with the TCF score converter.
How do you send TEF or TCF Canada results to IRCC?
#You don’t send them, and the centre doesn’t either. IRCC checks your result against the test body when it processes your application. Your job is to enter it correctly and upload it at the right moment.
- 1Enter the result in your Express Entry profileChoose TEF Canada or TCF Canada, then enter the test date, the result date, the certificate or attestation number and the four scores exactly as printed. For TEF, type the ancien score, never the /699 number.
- 2Check the NCLC levels IRCC showsThe profile converts each skill to NCLC. If a level looks lower than you expected, re-check which column you copied.
- 3Upload the attestation with your PR applicationAfter an invitation to apply, upload a clear copy of the full attestation in the language test section of your e-application.
- 4Keep it valid until you submitIt must still be within 2 years of the test date when you create your profile and when you submit your PR application.
What does the timeline look like from test to profile?
#From exam day to Express Entry
- Exam dayYou sit the testThis date starts the 2-year validity clock.
- Week 1–2Papers are markedTCF papers travel to FEI first; computer sessions go faster.
- Week 2–4Attestation arrivesBy email or online portal. Download and store the PDF safely.
- Same dayUpdate your profileEnter the scores. If you reach NCLC 7 in all four, the French bonus and draw eligibility apply straight away.
- After an ITAUpload the attestationAttach it to your PR application while it is still valid.
Check how long your result will stay valid:
Validity rules are explained in full in how long TEF and TCF results are valid.
What if your results are late?
#- Wait for the quoted time plus a week before chasing. TCF counts working days from receipt, not from your exam.
- Contact your centre first. It knows when the papers were shipped. The test body usually won’t deal with candidates directly.
- Check your spam folder and the TCF-Candidat or TEF online space. Results sometimes land there without an extra email.
- Don’t enter estimated scores in your profile. Enter only what is on the attestation.
- Myth
The test centre sends my result to IRCC.
FactNo. You enter the result in your Express Entry profile and upload the attestation with your PR application.
- Myth
My 2 years start when I get my result.
FactThey start on the test date. Waiting 4 weeks for a result uses up 4 weeks of validity.
- Myth
For TEF, I should enter the /699 scores.
FactIRCC uses only the "Équivalence ancien score". Entering /699 numbers is a common and costly mistake.
Check yourself
1 of 3.Who sends your TEF Canada result to IRCC?
2 of 3.FEI’s 15 working days for TCF Canada are counted from…
3 of 3.Your result validity starts on…
Questions people ask
About 2 weeks according to Le français des affaires, though some centres quote 3 to 6 weeks. Ask your centre for its usual turnaround when you book.
FEI aims for 15 working days after it receives the session materials, or 10 working days for computer-based multiple-choice papers. In practice that is about 2 weeks (computer) to 4 weeks (paper).
You don’t send it. Enter the test date, result date, attestation number and scores in your Express Entry profile, then upload a copy of the attestation with your PR application.
You need valid language results to complete an Express Entry profile. Wait for the attestation, then enter the exact scores printed on it.
In your TCF-Candidat space, which FEI sets up after you register. Some centres also email the PDF attestation.
Terms in this guide
Each one is defined in plain English in the TEF & TCF Canada glossary.
Sources
- Le français des affaires: Your TEF Canada journey
- France Éducation international: TCF Canada
- Alliance Française de Toronto: TCF Canada information
- IRCC: Language testing for Express Entry
Rules and fees change. Always confirm with IRCC and your test centre before you pay.
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