The Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is the national standard Canada uses to measure, describe, and recognise French and English proficiency. Every TEF Canada and TCF Canada result is converted to CLB levels — one per skill. IRCC evaluates each skill independently; your lowest CLB level sets your overall immigration language proficiency.
CLB 4 — A2 on CEFR
Basic communication about yourself, your work, and your immediate environment. Read very short simple texts. Understand slow, clear French directly addressed to you. Minimum for Canadian citizenship (speaking and listening only).
CLB 5 — A2 to B1 transition
Handle routine transactions and simple everyday situations. Write short simple messages. Understand the main point of clear speech on familiar topics. Qualifies for the Francophone Mobility work permit. Adds 25 bonus CRS points when English is your first official language.
CLB 6 — B1 on CEFR
Handle most everyday situations in a French-speaking environment. Write coherent texts on familiar and some unfamiliar topics. Understand main ideas of standard French on work, school, and leisure topics. Qualifies for many Provincial Nominee Programs.
CLB 7 — B2 on CEFR
Interact spontaneously with native speakers. Understand complex texts on concrete and abstract topics. Write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects. Minimum for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Unlocks the full 50 bonus CRS points when English is your first official language.
CLB 8 — B2+ on CEFR
Strong professional proficiency. Regular French interaction presents no difficulty. CLB 8 maximises language points in most federal immigration programs.
CLB 9–10 — C1 on CEFR
Near-advanced proficiency. Speak fluently and spontaneously with minimal word-searching. Maximises CRS scoring for French as a first official language.
