What is CEFR?

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is the international standard for measuring language proficiency, developed by the Council of Europe. It uses a 6-level scale:

• A1 — Beginner (basic understanding of simple expressions)
• A2 — Elementary (can handle very routine communication)
• B1 — Intermediate (independent user, can handle most daily situations)
• B2 — Upper-intermediate (independent user, can engage in complex topics)
• C1 — Advanced (effective operational proficiency)
• C2 — Mastery (near-native fluency)

CEFR vs CLB — different scales, same purpose

Canadian immigration uses CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark, 1-12) for English and NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens, 1-12) for French.

CEFR maps to CLB/NCLC approximately:

CEFR	CLB/NCLC
A1	1-2
A2	3-4
B1	5-6
B2	7-8
C1	9-10
C2	11-12

When CEFR matters for Canadian immigration

• French tests: TEF Canada and TCF Canada both report results in CEFR-compatible bands and Canadian NCLC bands. When applying for Express Entry French-language category-based draws, you need NCLC 7+ (= CEFR B2+).
• Quebec immigration: Quebec's PEQ requires B2 French — directly using CEFR terminology.
• Foreign credential equivalency: when applying with foreign education or training, your foreign language certificates often report in CEFR.

CEFR is not directly accepted by IRCC for English

For English-language proof, IRCC requires IELTS General Training (band scores) or CELPIP-General (1-12). CEFR scores from European test centres are not directly accepted. You must take an IRCC-approved test.

Halani's note

CEFR is most relevant for our French-fluent applicants targeting the Express Entry French category-based draws — these have the lowest CRS cutoffs (379-410) of any draws. CEFR B2+ French is the entry point.