Language tests for Canada and Quebec: which to take and when, by goal
A language test that works for one step does not necessarily work for another. The test a university requires, the one Express Entry accepts and the one Quebec's Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) recognizes form three different lists. This guide compares them using official IRCC and Government of Quebec pages, so you take the right test at the right time, without paying for a test that will not be accepted.
By the numbers
Four uses, four different rules
First, admission: the university or college sets its own language requirements, and accepted tests or exemptions vary. Second, the study permit: the IRCC page listing documents for an application (page of October 6, 2026) does not mention a language test. Third, Express Entry (federal immigration): a specific, closed list of tests. Fourth, Quebec's PSTQ: another list, broader for French.
Plan in order. A test taken for admission is not necessarily usable later for immigration.
For admission: see the institution's page
Each institution determines the language proof it accepts and any exemptions, often based on the language of instruction of your previous studies. We cannot sum these rules up in one: consult the official page of each program. Our Canada orientation tool links to each institution's page and flags when conditions are “to be checked”.
Express Entry: the tests IRCC accepts
According to the IRCC page (updated October 16, 2026), the approved English tests are the CELPIP-General, the IELTS in its General Training version (the One Skill Retake is not accepted) and the PTE Core. The approved French tests are the TEF Canada and the TCF Canada.
Results must be less than 2 years old at two moments: when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you submit your permanent residence application. An application with expired results is refused. If your results may expire before you apply, the page suggests retesting, applying before expiry, or declining the invitation and returning to the pool. You must book the test with an IRCC-approved organization and pay its fees, the amount of which is not stated on the page.
Quebec's PSTQ: accepted proof of French
According to the Government of Quebec's page on knowledge of French for the PSTQ (updated November 28, 2025), the accepted tests and diplomas are, from France Éducation international: TCF-Québec, TCF-Canada, TCF, DALF and DELF; from the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce: TEFAQ, TEF Canada and TEF. Accepted secondary school diplomas are the French general, vocational or technological baccalauréats, the CESS of the French Community of Belgium and the maturité certificate of a school in a French-speaking Swiss canton. For the regulated professions stream, professional order documents are also accepted.
Results must be two years old or less at the application date. The page asks for a complete scan of the results certificate, and full digitization of the diploma for the DELF and DALF. Results are converted using Quebec's Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français according to a correspondence table published in French. The page does not set a single minimum level: check the grid and stream you are targeting.
A point that concerns Moroccan bac holders
The list of accepted diplomas on this Quebec page names French, Belgian and Swiss baccalauréats, but not the Moroccan baccalauréat. It also states that proof must be provided even if French is your mother tongue, and that the ministry may interview you to verify your declared level. Plan for a recognized French test rather than counting on your studies to exempt you.
Which test if you aim for both routes?
The TEF Canada and the TCF Canada appear on both the Express Entry list and the PSTQ list. If you want to keep both options open, one of these two tests is the only one covering both lists. A TCF-Québec or TEFAQ appears only on the PSTQ list. Before booking, check that the chosen test matches the step you plan to take first.
For English, only IRCC's three tests are retained for Express Entry; they do not count for the PSTQ proof of French.
The calendar: the 2-year validity changes everything
Because results expire after 2 years, a test taken too early may be out of date when you file. For a student, the useful moment is often near the end of the program, when you become eligible for a route to permanent residence. A test taken years earlier for admission will generally no longer serve. Note the expiry date as soon as you receive your results.
And for France?
Campus France's rules are different: the TCF TP, DELF B2 or DALF are accepted there, with a TCF of at least 400 points recommended. They are detailed in our guide on the Campus France Morocco procedure. A test taken for France is not automatically valid for Express Entry.
Mistakes to avoid
Booking a test without checking it is on the list for the target step. Taking the test too early and watching it expire before you apply. Choosing the IELTS Academic instead of General Training for Express Entry. Counting on your Moroccan baccalauréat to be exempt from the PSTQ proof of French. Paying an intermediary for preparation or a “guaranteed test”: see our guide on immigration fraud.
Official sources consulted
IRCC: “Approved language tests — Express Entry” (page of October 16, 2026) and “Documents required for a study permit” (page of October 6, 2026); Government of Quebec: “Demonstrate your knowledge of French — Skilled Worker Selection Program” (updated November 28, 2025). Consulted on October 26, 2026. Test lists and rules may change: check them on the official pages before booking a test.