Key takeaways
- Express Entry: DELF and DALF cannot replace an approved test. IRCC’s French options are TEF Canada and TCF Canada only
- Your test results must be less than 2 years old when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you submit your application for permanent residence
- Francophone Mobility (LMIA exemption code C16): you must prove speaking and listening at Canadian Language Benchmark (NCLC) level 5 or higher. You do not need to prove reading or writing
- IRCC says proof “can include” TEF or TCF speaking and listening results, written confirmation of a program in French from a college or university, or other documents that show education in French
- IRCC does not name DELF or DALF on either page, and does not say whether a DELF or DALF diploma counts. The officer decides
The short answer
| Program | Is DELF or DALF named by IRCC? | What IRCC says |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry | No | You must take an approved language test. For French, only TEF Canada or TCF Canada |
| Francophone Mobility work permit | No | Proof “can include” TEF or TCF results, a written confirmation from a French-language program, or other documents that show education in French |
For Francophone Mobility, “can include” means the list is not closed. IRCC does not say whether a DELF or DALF diploma is accepted, so we cannot say it is accepted or refused. The officer decides.
Express Entry: only TEF Canada and TCF Canada for French
IRCC says: “You must prove your language skills by taking an approved language test.” The approved tests are:
- English: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, PTE Core
- French: “TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français” and “TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français”
See IRCC’s language testing page for Express Entry.
Results must be less than 2 years old
Your test results must be less than 2 years old when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you submit your application for permanent residence. IRCC says: “If you apply for permanent residence with language test results that have expired, we’ll refuse your application.”
TEF Canada: enter the right score
IRCC says your language level is based on the “Équivalence ancien score” (previous score equivalency) column. Enter only the scores from that column. Do not enter the “Score / 699” column, because “They aren’t compatible with our system at this time.”
Minimum French levels (all 4 abilities)
| Express Entry program | Minimum French level |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC), TEER 0 or 1 work | NCLC 7 |
| CEC, TEER 2 or 3 work | NCLC 5 |
| Federal Skilled Worker (first official language) | NCLC 7 |
| Federal Skilled Trades: speaking and listening | NCLC 5 |
| Federal Skilled Trades: reading and writing | NCLC 4 |
Francophone Mobility: more flexible proof
This work permit is for applications on or after June 15, 2023. IRCC’s eligibility page says you must:
- prove that your speaking and listening skills in French are at an intermediate level, equivalent to NCLC level 5 or higher,
- live and work in 1 of the 9 provinces or 3 territories outside Quebec,
- have a job offer in any TEER category, except primary agriculture in TEER 4 and 5.
Your employer uses LMIA exemption code C16 and pays a $230 (CAD) employer compliance fee.
What counts as proof
IRCC’s apply page says proof can include:
- speaking and listening Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) or Test de connaissance du français (TCF) results,
- a written confirmation from a college or university for a program in French, such as a transcript or an official letter of completion,
- other documents that show education in French.
IRCC adds: “You don’t need to prove you can read or write in French to be eligible for this LMIA exemption.” The French version of the page is also available: IRCC, Mobilité francophone.
What this means for you
- You plan to apply to Express Entry: a DELF or DALF result will not work as your language result. You need TEF Canada or TCF Canada, and the results must be less than 2 years old at both steps.
- You plan to use Francophone Mobility: start with the proof IRCC names, which is TEF or TCF speaking and listening results or French-education documents. A DELF or DALF diploma is not named, so IRCC may or may not accept it. The officer decides.
- You have DELF or DALF and want Express Entry later: you will still need TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
What to do next
- Decide which program you want to use.
- For Express Entry, book TEF Canada or TCF Canada and plan the date so your results stay valid.
- For Francophone Mobility, collect the proof IRCC lists and read the apply page before your employer submits the offer.
- Compare your levels with the NCLC minimums above.
Related reading: Express Entry draw #450 for French-proficient candidates and French outside Quebec in the Atlas.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use DELF or DALF for Express Entry?
No. IRCC’s approved French tests for Express Entry are TEF Canada and TCF Canada only.
How long are Express Entry test results valid?
They must be less than 2 years old when you complete your profile and when you submit your permanent residence application.
Does Francophone Mobility need reading and writing?
No. You need speaking and listening at NCLC 5 or higher.
Does IRCC accept a DELF or DALF diploma for Francophone Mobility?
IRCC does not say. Its pages do not name DELF or DALF. They say proof “can include” the items listed, so the officer decides.
Sources
- IRCC: Language testing for Express Entry
- IRCC: Francophone Mobility, eligibility
- IRCC: Francophone Mobility, apply
- IRCC: Mobilité francophone, présenter une demande
Facts as provided in our research brief dated October 21, 2026.
This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. For your situation, consult a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or lawyer.
