What TCF Canada scores do I need for a PGWP?

For NCLC 7: listening 458, reading 453, writing 10, speaking 10. For NCLC 5: listening 369, reading 375, writing 6, speaking 6.

Can I use a TCF Canada result older than two years?

No. The result must be less than two years old when you submit the PGWP application.

TCF Canada Language Requirements for a PGWP

Yes. IRCC accepts TCF Canada as French-language proof for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). For applications on or after November 1, 2024, bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and other university program graduates generally need NCLC 7 in all four abilities; college, polytechnic, and other non-university program graduates generally need NCLC 5. Eligible flight school graduates are exempt from the language requirement.

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Who needs NCLC 7 or NCLC 5

Bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and other university program graduates generally need French NCLC 7. College, polytechnic, and other non-university program graduates generally need NCLC 5. Use IRCC's current category for your credential rather than relying only on a school's everyday name.

Minimum TCF Canada scores

NCLC 7 requires listening 458, reading 453, writing 10, and speaking 10. NCLC 5 requires listening 369, reading 375, writing 6, and speaking 6. You must meet the applicable level in all four abilities; one higher score cannot offset a lower ability.

Application date and flight school exception

PGWP applications submitted before November 1, 2024 did not have this language requirement. It generally applies to applications submitted on or after that date. Eligible flight school graduates do not need to meet the language requirement.

Result validity and upload

Your language test result must be less than 2 years old when you submit the application. The document checklist may label language proof as optional, but you must include it when your study-program category requires it.

Frequently asked questions

Is TCF Canada accepted for a PGWP?: Yes. IRCC accepts TCF Canada as French-language proof for a post-graduation work permit application.
Does a PGWP require NCLC 7 or NCLC 5?: University programs generally require NCLC 7 in all four abilities. College, polytechnic, and other non-university programs generally require NCLC 5.
What TCF Canada scores do I need for a PGWP?: For NCLC 7: listening 458, reading 453, writing 10, speaking 10. For NCLC 5: listening 369, reading 375, writing 6, speaking 6.
Can I use a TCF Canada result older than two years?: No. The result must be less than two years old when you submit the PGWP application.

Official source

2026-08-22.

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