TCF Canada vs TCF Québec: Which Should You Choose?

TCF Canada is primarily the FEI version used to prove French to IRCC and has four mandatory tests. TCF Québec is designed for Québec MIFI files and lets candidates choose 1 to 4 modules according to the program. Québec's official requirements list both TCF-Canada and TCF-Québec as accepted tests, so choose from the target program's required abilities and current document rules rather than the test name alone.

Start with the authority receiving your file

For Express Entry, federal economic immigration or relevant citizenship processes, TCF Canada is the FEI version presented for IRCC. TCF Québec is designed for an immigration file to Québec's MIFI. Québec program pages also list TCF-Canada, so check the target program before paying.

TCF Canada: four mandatory tests

TCF Canada includes listening, reading, writing and speaking for about 2 hours 47 minutes: 39 listening questions in 35 minutes, 39 reading questions in 60 minutes, 3 writing tasks in 60 minutes and 3 speaking tasks in 12 minutes. For immigration, one module does not replace the complete version required.

TCF Québec: four selectable modules

The 2026 FEI candidate manual describes four modules and lets candidates take 1, 2, 3 or 4. Its complete four-test presentation totals about 2 hours 22 minutes: 29 listening questions in 25 minutes, 29 reading questions in 45 minutes, 3 writing tasks in 60 minutes and 3 speaking tasks in 12 minutes. Confirm the real paper or computer format with the approved centre.

Results, centre and validity

FEI generally sends results to the centre within 15 working days after receiving the session materials; the certificate is valid for two years from its issue date. Register with an approved provider centre and confirm date, location, delivery format, fee and required abilities.

Reuse practice without mixing the submission

Timed listening and reading sets and the three expression tasks can support either format. At registration and submission, use the exact version and abilities required by the target program. Site practice does not replace MIFI, IRCC or FEI eligibility decisions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference?
TCF Canada is the IRCC version with four mandatory tests; TCF Québec targets MIFI files and lets candidates choose 1 to 4 modules.
Does Québec accept TCF Canada?
Québec official pages list both TCF-Canada and TCF-Québec; check the target program's required abilities.
How long is the complete TCF Québec?
The 2026 FEI candidate manual presents about 2 hours 22 minutes for all four tests; confirm the session format with the centre.
Can I take only speaking?
TCF Québec is modular and allows 1 to 4 tests, but your target program decides which abilities you must submit.
How long are the results valid?
The FEI certificate is generally valid for two years from issue; verify the program rule when you submit.

Official source

2026-08-23.

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This page provides educational information only and is not legal or immigration advice.