New Changes in TEF Canada 2025: Complete Updated Guide (New Format, Changes, and Prep Tips)

by | Oct 2, 2025 | Blog, French Learning Tips, How to Learn French

The TEF Canada (Test d’Évaluation de Français) is a French language proficiency test recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It is required for many immigration pathways, including Express Entry, French-speaking programs, and provincial nominee streams. Achieving a good score can also give you up to 50 additional CRS points under Express Entry.

In 2025, TEF Canada has introduced a few important updates, from faster result delivery to changes in listening questions, that test takers must know. This guide covers everything: format, scoring, registration, new rules, and practical tips to succeed.

IMPORTANT: While there are a few updates in 2025, they’re quite minor and nothing to worry about. Unlike December 2023, when many candidates panicked unnecessarily, this time the changes don’t call for alarm. The overall structure, scoring, and expectations remain exactly the same. In fact, the adjustments are designed to make things easier, quicker result delivery, a shorter gap before retakes, and a few small tweaks in the listening section. If you’ve been preparing with recent study material, your strategy is already on track. The purpose of this article is simply to keep you informed about these small improvements so you feel confident moving forward.

  1. Test Format (Updated a bit for 2025)

To be valid for Canadian immigration, you must take all four modules on the same day:

Section

Duration

Details

Listening (Compréhension Orale)

~40 minutes

Multiple-choice questions. Now includes micro-interviews and street surveys with slightly updated formats as explained further in this article.

Reading (Compréhension Écrite)

~60 minutes

Multiple-choice questions with realistic, everyday texts.

Writing (Expression Écrite)

60 minutes

Two tasks: Task A (~80 to 120 words, short writing), Task B (~200 to 295 words, argumentative letter).

Speaking (Expression Orale)

15 minutes

Face-to-face interview with an examiner: Part A (asking for information), Part B (arguing/persuading).

Key 2025 Listening Changes

  • Micro-trottoir (street survey): Only 3 answer options are now given instead of 4, making it clearer and less confusing. Easy, right?

     

  • Interview segments: You now get a double listening, the audio will be played twice, to answer more confidently. Woohoo!!

     

Validity

  • The TEF Canada certificate is valid for 2 years.

     

  • Your results must still be valid at both the time of application and while IRCC processes your file.

     

  1. Registration and Test Centers
  • TEF Canada is organized by CCI Paris Île-de-France and offered in over 500 official centers worldwide.

     

  • Registration requires:

     

    • Valid ID (passport recommended)

       

    • Payment of exam fees (varies by country and center)

       

    • Choosing your test date and center

       

  • On exam day: arrive on time with valid ID, no notes or external materials allowed.

     

  1. New Rules in TEF Canada 2025: Here are the latest updates for candidates:
  1. Faster Results

    • Attestations (certificates) can now be delivered in just 1 to 10 business days in some centers. Yippee!

       

    • This is a major improvement compared to the standard 2 to 3 weeks.

       

  2. Reduced Retake Interval

    • The gap between two test attempts has been reduced from 30 days to 20 days. Again in your favour!!

       

    • ⚠️ Expert Advice: Even though you can now officially retake after 20 days, most candidates benefit from waiting about a month. It gives you time to rebuild confidence, review weaknesses, and make real progress.

       

  3. Listening Adjustments

    • Micro-trottoir (street survey) questions: now only 3 answer choices.

       

    • Interview sections: audios are played twice instead of once, making it less stressful.

       

These updates make TEF Canada more accessible, less ambiguous, and faster in terms of results.

  1. Preparation Tips for TEF Canada 2025
  1. Know the new format: Practice with mock tests that include 3-option listening questions and double listening.

     

  2. Build listening skills: Use French podcasts, radio, and news. Include Quebec French, as Canadian accents may appear.

     

  3. Practice reading under time limits: Skim and scan texts quickly to get main ideas and details.

     

  4. Work on writing daily: Practice short and long tasks. Learn how to structure an argumentative essay with clear intro, body, and conclusion.

     

  5. Improve speaking with role-plays: Record yourself, practice everyday questions, and work on persuasive arguments.

     

  6. Simulate full test conditions: Do practice exams timed exactly like the real test.

     

  7. Use the retake wisely: If you didn’t succeed, wait long enough (ideally 30 days) before retaking.

     

  8. Stay calm on exam day: Sleep well, arrive early, and focus on clarity over perfection.

     

The TEF Canada 2025 comes with updates designed to help candidates: faster results, shorter waiting periods, and clearer listening tasks. However, success still depends on consistent practice, smart preparation, and familiarity with the exam format.

If your goal is Canadian immigration, aim for CLB 7 or higher in all four sections. Take advantage of the new changes, but prepare strategically to maximize your chances of success.

Click here to take a look at the complete course content to prepare for TEF/TCF Canada.

At LingoRelic Language Academy, we specialize in helping students prepare for TEF Canada, TCF Canada, DELF, and DALF with personalized coaching. Whether you are aiming for CLB 7 for immigration or higher levels for career growth, our expert trainers guide you with strategies, practice, and feedback that actually work. To inquire about our online French coaching, WhatsApp us at +91-9056131830.