France or Canada — which French level do you actually need?
Two countries, two goals, and at least three different measuring scales. Nour walks you through what each pathway really asks for — no guessing, no inflated promises.
Try the first unit freeWhich French level for which pathway?
There is no single French level for immigration. France and Canada ask for different levels, measured on different scales, for different files. As a rough guide from this page’s own benchmarks: A2 or B1 is often requested for a residence permit (depending on the permit) or a work file in France, B2 is currently required for French naturalization, and NCLC 4 and NCLC 7 are the Canadian benchmarks for citizenship and for the French-language bonus points in Express Entry.
This page helps you recognise your situation, find the exact requirement and plan the route. Requirements change, so confirm with your prefecture, the consulate or IRCC or Québec before you rely on any figure.
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Two countries, three different scales
France uses the European CEFR scale (A1 to C1) — the same one this course is built on, and the one behind the DELF and DALF diplomas. Canada's federal government uses its own scale, the NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens). Quebec's own selection programs use yet another scale, the échelle québécoise. The three are related but not identical — a level on one doesn't automatically translate to the same number on another.
Which level unlocks which real pathway
These are real, current benchmarks — always confirm the exact figure with your prefecture, consulate, or IRCC/Québec file before relying on it, since requirements do change.
Often requested for a multi-year residence permit or an employer-sponsored work file in France.
Currently required, oral and written, for French naturalization.
The minimum for Canadian citizenship (ages 18-54), proven via an approved test or diploma.
The benchmark that earns the French-language bonus points in Express Entry — roughly comparable to CEFR B2.
DELF/DALF vs. TCF/TEF — not the same thing
DELF (A1-B2) and DALF (C1-C2) are diplomas — pass a level once, and the certificate is valid for life. TCF and TEF are scored tests — your score expires (commonly around two years) and gets converted into a CEFR-equivalent band. France mostly asks for one or the other; Canada's federal programs almost always want a dated TCF Canada or TEF Canada score converted to the NCLC, not a DELF/DALF diploma.
The NCLC and Quebec's own scale — don't mix them up
If your goal is Canada, know there isn't one Canadian French scale — there are two. The federal government (citizenship, Express Entry) scores you on the NCLC. Quebec's own selection programs, for those applying to settle specifically in Quebec, use a separate scale — the échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français — which is not the same numbering as the NCLC. A file built for a federal program and a file built for a Quebec-specific program can ask for genuinely different things — always check which scale the program you're applying to actually uses.
Which situation are you in?
Each pathway has its own level, scale and proof. Find yours, then check the official source.
A residence permit or work file in France
Since 1 January 2026, a first multi-year residence card generally asks for A2 French and a first ten-year resident card for B1, with exemptions (for example some protection statuses, some students and some age groups). Work files and other permits can differ. Check your prefecture and service-public.gouv.fr.
French naturalization
B2 is the current requirement, oral and written. Plan early: reaching B2 from zero takes about 11 to 13 months with consistent study, according to our timeline.
Canadian citizenship
NCLC 4 in speaking and listening is the minimum for applicants aged 18 to 54, proven with an approved test or diploma.
Express Entry, French-language points
NCLC 7 is the benchmark most candidates target, roughly comparable to B2. The proof is a dated TCF Canada or TEF Canada result.
Quebec programs
Quebec uses its own scale, the échelle québécoise, not the federal NCLC. Read the rules of the specific Quebec program.
Common mistakes
- Assuming one French level fits every file. France, Canada and Quebec all differ.
- Taking a DELF or DALF for a Canadian federal program that asks for a recent TCF Canada or TEF Canada score.
- Using a TCF or TEF result after its validity window. Confirm the exact window with the program.
- Mixing up NCLC, the Quebec scale and CEFR. They are related but separate.
- Booking an exam before your level is close to the one your file asks for.
- Paying anyone who promises a guaranteed permit, visa or job. Nobody can guarantee one.
A route from your level to your file
A simple order that keeps you on track:
- 1
Name your pathway
Decide whether it is a French permit, naturalization, Canadian citizenship, Express Entry or a Quebec program.
- 2
Find the official requirement
Note the level or score, the accepted exams and how long a result stays valid.
- 3
Measure the gap
Take the free level test to see how far you are from the level you need.
- 4
Close the gap every day
Study daily, review and speak out loud with Nour. See the timeline page for realistic durations.
- 5
Book the right exam
Take the exam your file names, at an official center, and leave time before your deadline.
- 6
Keep your documents organised
Keep results, certificates and validity dates together before you apply.
What Lerniyo actually gives you
- A full A1 → C1 French curriculum, explained in Arabic or Darija, not in a third language
- A mock exam at each level, styled like the DELF/DALF/TCF/TEF format
- Real speaking practice with Nour, not just multiple-choice drills
Lerniyo prepares your French — it doesn't issue a DELF, DALF, TCF, or TEF certificate, and it isn't affiliated with France Éducation international, the CCI Paris Île-de-France, IRCC, or the Quebec government. For Canada or France, your official file always goes through their real channels.
Frequently asked questions
Is a DELF diploma enough to immigrate to Canada?
Usually not on its own for federal economic programs — Express Entry's French-language points come from a dated TCF Canada or TEF Canada score converted to the NCLC, not from a DELF/DALF diploma. Some other proofs are still accepted for some purposes — always check the specific program's current rules.
Do I need B2 to move to France, or just to become French?
B2 is specifically the current naturalization requirement. Many residence permits and work files ask for less — often B1, sometimes A2 — so check what your specific situation requires before assuming you need B2.
Is Quebec's scale the same as the federal NCLC?
No — they're related but separately maintained. A Quebec-specific program is scored on the échelle québécoise, not the NCLC.
Does Lerniyo prepare me for the TEF or TCF specifically?
Lerniyo's mock exams are styled in the format of DELF/DALF/TCF/TEF at each CEFR level so you know the type of tasks to expect, but registering for and sitting the real TCF/TEF happens through the official test centers, not through Lerniyo.
Which French level do I need for Canada?
It depends on the program: NCLC 4 for citizenship, and around NCLC 7, roughly B2, for the French-language bonus points in Express Entry. Quebec programs use their own scale. Check the program.
How long does it take to reach B2?
About 11 to 13 months from zero with consistent daily practice, according to Lerniyo’s estimates, assuming some prior French exposure.
Can I use a DELF diploma for France?
A DELF is often accepted as proof of level in France, but each file names its accepted proofs. Check your file.
Does Lerniyo help with the visa or permit?
No. Lerniyo prepares your French to the level you need. The decision on a permit, visa or citizenship belongs to the authority, and nobody can guarantee it.