DELF and DALF for Canadian immigration: what IRCC and Québec accept

DELF and DALF for Canadian immigration are not accepted for Express Entry, which names only TEF Canada and TCF Canada as French tests [1]. They are accepted as French proof for Canadian citizenship [6][7] and for Québec’s skilled worker program [8].

This page sets out where DELF and DALF count, from the official pages only. For the 2 French tests that Express Entry does accept, read the TEF Canada guide and the TCF Canada guide. DELF results are written with the CEFR letters, and French levels explained says what each letter means. For every other French exam, see French exams: the full list.

Do DELF and DALF count for Canadian immigration?

Not for Express Entry, but yes for citizenship and for Québec’s skilled worker program. The table below gives the answer for each program, as each official page lists it.

The split is simple. The federal economic programs above ask for a TEF Canada or TCF Canada result read as a Canadian level (NCLC) [1][2][3]. Citizenship and Québec accept a wider set of French diplomas and tests [6][8].

Is DELF accepted for Express Entry?

No, DELF is not an accepted French language test for Express Entry. IRCC’s Express Entry page lists the approved language tests, and for French it names 2: TEF Canada and TCF Canada [1]. DELF and DALF do not appear on that page [1].

IRCC tells you to “schedule your test with an agency approved by IRCC” [1]. Your result is then read as an NCLC level in each of 4 abilities: speaking, listening, reading and writing [1]. For Express Entry, results must be less than 2 years old when you complete your profile and when you apply for permanent residence [1].

So if you hold a DELF and want French counted in Express Entry, you need a TEF Canada or TCF Canada result as well [1]. Choosing between them? Read TEF vs TCF Canada.

Do other economic programs accept DELF?

No, not in the 2 other economic programs we opened. Both list the same 2 French tests as Express Entry.

• Atlantic Immigration Program. The French tests listed are TEF Canada and TCF Canada [2]. The minimum is CLB 5 (NCLC 5) for a job offer in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3, and CLB 4 for TEER 4, in all 4 abilities [2]. Results must be less than 2 years old when you apply [2].
• Francophone Community Immigration Pilot. The French tests listed are TEF Canada and TCF Canada [3]. The page asks for “a minimum score of NCLC 5 in all 4 abilities” and results less than 2 years old when you apply [3].

Neither page mentions DELF or DALF [2][3].

Does a DELF or DALF diploma count for Canadian citizenship?

Yes. IRCC lists both as accepted French proof for citizenship [6][7]. Applicants aged 18 to 54 must show they can speak and listen at CLB 4 or higher, in English or French [4].

IRCC’s citizenship language pages are split into steps. DELF and DALF appear on step 5, which lists the tests IRCC accepts if you take one [6]. Here is what that list says for French [6]:

Two details matter. The DELF row names no skills, while the TEF and TCF rows say listening and speaking [6]. And IRCC’s help centre answer on the same question also names DELF and DALF, gives no levels, and adds: “We don’t accept any other third-party test results, even if they’re similar” [7].

The other steps cover other kinds of proof:

• Step 1: proof that you completed or are attending a secondary or post-secondary program taught in English or French, in or outside Canada. A diploma, transcript or certificate is accepted, with a certified translation if it is in another language [4].
• Step 2: the test results you gave for permanent residence. That page names TEF Canada and TCF Canada for French, at B1 or higher [5].
• Steps 3 and 4: government-funded language training and some provincial programs. Neither page mentions DELF or DALF.

Does Québec accept DELF and DALF?

Yes, for the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (Skilled Worker Selection Program). Québec’s page lists DELF and DALF among the accepted French tests and diplomas, both issued by France Éducation international [8]. The same list names TCF-Québec, TCF-Canada, TCF, TEFAQ, TEF Canada and TEF [8].

The page sets these rules [8]:

• “For DELF and DALF, full digitization of the diploma is required.”
• “You must take these tests in a centre approved by the organization that provides them.”
• “Your results must be two years or less from the date you apply for permanent selection.”
• You submit one of the listed documents “even if French is your mother tongue”.

Québec’s page gives no minimum DELF or DALF level itself. It points to a separate French-only document of correspondence tables [8]. That document is not covered here.

What are DELF and DALF?

DELF and DALF are French diplomas: DELF is the Diplôme d’études en langue française and DALF is the Diplôme approfondi de langue française [6][7]. Québec’s page names France Éducation international as the body that issues both [8]. IRCC’s citizenship page describes DELF results with the CEFR letters B1, B2, C1 and C2 [6].

The official DELF and DALF page sets the levels, the format and how results are issued [9]. That page refused our access, so this guide does not repeat those details. Open it before you book.

Four plain French words help when you read these pages: le diplôme (the diploma), le certificat (the certificate), le niveau (the level) and le résultat (the result). Say them aloud once.

See also: DELF A1 sample papers, DELF A2 sample papers, DELF B1 sample papers, DELF B2 practice papers, and DALF C1 and C2.

Common mistakes

• Using a DELF for Express Entry. The approved French tests are TEF Canada and TCF Canada [1].
• Assuming citizenship and Express Entry accept the same proof. Citizenship lists DELF and DALF; Express Entry does not [1][6].
• Treating a DELF as a step 1 diploma. Step 1 is about a secondary or post-secondary program taught in English or French [4]. IRCC lists DELF with the tests on step 5 [6].
• Sending a partial scan to Québec. Québec asks for full digitization of the DELF or DALF diploma [8].
• Forgetting Québec’s 2-year rule. Results must be 2 years old or less when you apply for permanent selection [8].
• Relying on a guide, including this one. IRCC and Québec update their pages. Compare their dates with the date at the top of this page.

Sources