TEF Canada remains an IRCC-approved French test, but test-use rules and emphasis have shifted in 2025.
Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) still accepts TEF Canada as one of the approved language tests for Express Entry and other immigration streams; test results must be under two years old when you use them for an application. This basic acceptance and the two-year validity rule remain central to applicants’ planning.
Most Up-To-Date TEF Canada Changes (2025)
#1 Micro Trottoir
Before there were only 4 options:
A. Pour
B. Contre
C. Pour Dans les certaines Conditions
D. Ne se prononce pas
Now there are only 3 options :
A. Pour
B. Contre
C. Ne se prononce pas
- For the Micro-Trottoir tasks (short on-street interview clips where you listen and answer a question): the number of answer-choices has been reduced from 4 options to 3 options only.
- The change is part of a broader simplification in the listening section: for example, some interview segments now allow a second listening (“double listening”) as of September 2025.
- Fewer answer choices → slightly better chances of selecting the correct answer (statistically) and less confusion from distractors.
- But: the change doesn’t mean it’s easier per se — you still need strong listening and comprehension, just less “noise” from distractor options.
- If your current practice materials still use 4 options for micro-trottoirs, you should update them (or at least simulate with 3 answer choices) so your exam-practice matches the real format.
- Because the listening format changed, preparation should include mock tests with the 3-option format and ideally with the new double-listening feature for interview clips.
#2 Changes Questions 23 to Questions 28 Audio Clip Plays Twice (2 times)
The number of questions are six but Audios are three and these three audios are long it’s kind of like an interview, discussions or mini reports. Now onwards, these three Audios will be repeated twice. Not only these Audios will be played twice but also the duration of these Audios have become a lot shorter than 2 minutes.
Based on available announcements:
- Listening Section Simplification
Starting September/October 2025 the listening comprehension part has been updated: there are fewer multiple-choice answer options and in some items a “double listening” (i.e., audio played twice) is now permitted.
- Fewer
answer-options → less distractors.
- Some listening items allow a second play of the audio.
- Registration
/ Result Timelines / Administrative Updates
Some guides mention faster result-delivery and more streamlined registration conditions in 2025.
#3 TEF Canada Results Changes
As of October 2025, the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de Paris Île-de-France (CCIP), which administers the TEF Canada, officially announced a faster results-delivery schedule:
Results are now released within 1 to 10 business days after you complete the test.
What This Means For Candidates
- Faster Immigration Applications
You can now include your French-language results in your Express Entry, PR, or study-permit file much sooner.
→ Great news if your CRS score or eligibility depends on TEF Canada results. - Digital-First Certificates
Most centers now deliver an electronic certificate (PDF link) via the official TEF candidate portal or by email—no longer by post.
You can download and print it immediately for your records or upload directly to IRCC. - Result Validity Unchanged
The validity period remains two years from the test date.
Only the speed of release changed, not how long results stay valid. - Center-to-Center Variation
While the official guideline is “1 to 10 business days,” smaller or partner centers might need slightly longer to transmit data to CCIP, so always confirm your expected delivery window at registration. - Reissue & Verification
Candidates can still request an attestation or duplicate certificate from the CCIP if needed. The online verification portal remains active for IRCC and institutions to authenticate your results.
#4 TEF Canada Retake Policy
Previously you had to wait for 30 days but now under the new standards you can retake the test after 20 days. As of October 2025, the TEF Canada retake policy has officially been updated, and now candidates only need to wait 20 days before retaking the test, instead of the previous 30-day waiting period.
Previous Policy
- Candidates were required to wait 30 days between two TEF Canada exam sessions.
- This rule was implemented to ensure fairness, prevent memorization of recent test content, and allow time for score processing.
New Policy (Effective October 2025)
- Under the new standards, candidates may retake the TEF Canada after just 20 days.
- The change
was introduced to support students, immigrants, and professionals who need
quick results for applications to:
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- Quebec immigration programs
- University and job applications in francophone regions