Each entry explains the term, why it matters to you and, where relevant, the most common misunderstanding. French terms are kept as headwords.
Language levels
NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens)
The Canadian language-level standard (French version), levels 1 to 10. The immigration system looks only at this, not at your sense of being “B2”. Why it matters: the French bonus points for Express Entry require NCLC 7. This is a hard line; missing it by 0.5 is not enough. Common misunderstanding: NCLC is not an exam score but a level obtained by conversion. On the TEF, different score ranges can land on the same level.
CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks)
The Canadian language-level standard (English version), also 1 to 10. NCLC and CLB correspond one to one. Why it matters: under the French bonus rules, your English must reach CLB 5 to earn the full 50 points.
CECRL / CEFR (Cadre européen commun de référence pour les langues)
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: six levels from A1 to C2, the standard used worldwide in language teaching. Why it matters: our course levels, textbooks and end-of-course standards all follow the CECRL. It is not the same system as NCLC/CLB; a conversion is needed. Common misunderstanding: B2 does not automatically equal NCLC 7. B2 describes a level; NCLC 7 is a converted exam result. They are closely related but not identical.
A1 / A2 / B1 / B2 / C1 / C2
- A1: greet people, introduce yourself, ask simple questions
- A2: manage shopping, ask for directions, talk about the past
- B1: tell a story coherently, express simple opinions
- B2: argue about a controversial topic, read long texts
- C1: handle academic and professional settings fluently and accurately
- C2: close to a native speaker
Exams
TEF Canada
A French test run by the CCI Paris Île-de-France, in four parts: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Accepted for Canadian immigration; results are valid for 2 years. Why it matters: it is one of the two routes for federal Express Entry. Common misunderstanding: the TEF and the TEF Canada are not the same exam. For immigration you need the TEF Canada.
TCF Canada
Run by France Éducation international, also in four parts. Accepted for Canadian immigration; valid for 2 years. Why it matters: you choose between it and the TEF Canada; they carry the same weight. Common misunderstanding: the TCF Canada has no separate grammar and vocabulary section; its pace is faster than the TEF and it has more questions.
TEFAQ
The Quebec version of the TEF. Only listening and speaking are compulsory; reading and writing are optional. Why it matters: only useful if you go through a Quebec immigration program.
TCFQ
The Quebec version of the TCF, with the same structure as the TEFAQ: listening and speaking are compulsory.
DELF (Diplôme d’études en langue française)
A diploma issued by the French Ministry of National Education, in four levels from A1 to B2. Valid for life. Why it matters: for studies, professional recognition and jobs. Common misunderstanding: the DELF does not earn Canadian immigration points. This is the costliest misunderstanding: some people spend a year preparing, then find out that immigration requires the TEF.
DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française)
The level above the DELF, with C1 and C2, also valid for life.
CO / CE / EE / EO
Abbreviations for the four parts of a French exam:
- CO = Compréhension orale (listening)
- CE = Compréhension écrite (reading)
- EE = Expression écrite (writing)
- EO = Expression orale (speaking)
Immigration
Entrée express (Express Entry)
Canada’s federal online system for skilled immigration. You enter a pool first, then invitations go out in order of score. Why it matters: the vast majority of French-speaking immigrants use this route.
CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System)
The Express Entry scoring system, out of 1,200 points. Age, education, language and work experience each count for a share. Why it matters: the higher your score, the sooner you are invited. French can add up to 50 points.
ITA (Invitation to Apply)
You can only submit a permanent residence application after receiving an ITA, which is valid for 60 days. Common misunderstanding: an ITA is not permanent resident status; it only means “you may now apply”.
Tirages par catégorie (category-based selection)
Each year IRCC designates a few priority categories and sends invitations, by score, only within the category. French-language ability is one of them. Why it matters: this is the greatest value of French: you are no longer competing with everyone, but with people who speak French.
Résidence permanente (PR, Permanent Residence)
Canadian permanent resident status; this is not citizenship. You must meet the residency obligation to renew the card.
PNP (Provincial Nominee Program)
Programs through which each province selects its own immigrants. A nomination adds extra CRS points. Why it matters: some provinces have a stream reserved for French-speaking applicants.
CSQ (Certificat de sélection du Québec)
To use Quebec’s programs, you must first obtain the CSQ, which usually includes an interview in French.
EIMT / LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)
An assessment an employer must obtain before hiring a foreign worker. Why it matters: most work permits require an LMIA, a long and costly process. French speakers have a route without an LMIA (see the next entry).
Mobilité francophone (Francophone Mobility)
A work permit stream that allows a Canadian employer to hire French speakers without an LMIA. Why it matters: if you want to work first and immigrate later, this is far more realistic than finding an employer willing to go through an LMIA.
IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)
The Canadian department that sets all immigration policy.
CRIC / RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant)
A licensed immigration consultant. Only licence holders may give immigration advice for a fee. Why it matters: we do not give immigration advice, only language training. For an application, go to a licensed professional.
Courses and teaching
Test de classement (placement test)
The level assessment before you enrol, which decides your starting level. Ours is free, lasts 40 minutes (30 minutes written and 10 minutes speaking), is held on site or online, and needs no prior enrolment. Why it matters: forming classes without a test means everyone starts on the same page.
Heure de cours (class hour)
At our school, 1 class hour = 60 minutes. Some schools count 45 minutes, so ask before comparing prices.
Demi-niveau (half-level)
A level split into two parts, like A1.1 and A1.2. You see your progress every 30 hours, instead of waiting 60 hours to know where you stand.
Module
A teaching unit within a course, usually 4 to 6 hours. Each module has a grammar point, communication tasks and a vocabulary theme.
Petit groupe (small group)
At our school, 4 to 8 people. The limit of 8 is not about the room: it ensures everyone gets speaking time in every class.
Cours particulier (one-on-one)
Individual teaching. Good for filling gaps, not for complete beginners (who need conversation with peers more).
Examen blanc (mock exam)
A practice exam with the length, interface and procedure of the real one. Why it matters: $42 per exam; enrolled students get one free each month. Results are given the same day, with a skill-by-skill review.
Examen blanc vs. official exam
What we run is a practice exam, not an official exam; we are not an exam centre. The difference is important.
Administration
Permis d’études (Study Permit)
Permission to study in Canada for the long term. Whether a language course requires a study permit depends on the length of the course and your status. Reminder: short language courses (usually under 6 months) follow different rules from longer programs; ask a licensed professional.
Permis de travail (Work Permit)
Permission to work in Canada. It can be open or employer-specific; most require an LMIA or a specific exemption.
HST (Harmonized Sales Tax)
Ontario’s sales tax, at a rate of 13%. Why it matters: our prices are shown before tax; 13% HST is added at checkout.
In brief
If you only want three things:
- Immigration points require NCLC 7, which corresponds roughly to our B2 courses.
- The DELF does not earn immigration points; you need the TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
- 1 class hour = 60 minutes; compare prices on the same basis.
