TL;DR
A TCF Canada score report is valid for 2 years from the date the results are issued. For Express Entry, IRCC requires TCF Canada or TEF Canada results that are less than 2 years old when you create your profile and again when you apply for permanent residence. For the PSTQ, Québec accepts results that are 2 years old or less on the date of the application.
Validity, application by application
| Application | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry (TCF Canada, TEF Canada) | Results less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you apply | IRCC |
| Québec skilled worker selection (PSTQ) | Results 2 years old or less on the date of the application | Gouvernement du Québec |
An expired result cannot be extended: you have to retake the test. Keep in mind both the date on your score report and the date you plan to apply.
Express Entry: a double condition
For Canada, IRCC's rule covers two moments. Your results must be less than 2 years old when you fill in your Express Entry profile, and still less than 2 years old when you apply for permanent residence after an invitation. A test that is valid when you create your profile may no longer be valid when you apply.
You take the TCF Canada in March 2026: your results must still be less than 2 years old when you apply, so before March 2028.
Your profile stays in the pool for a long time without an invitation: keep an eye on the date of your results, because you may need to retake the test before applying.
Plan your test in four steps
- Set the approximate date you will create your Express Entry profile or apply.
- Work backwards: leave time to receive your results, without taking the test many months too early.
- If your score is not enough, plan a second attempt: on the TCF Canada, you must wait 20 days between two sittings, and re-marking has been suspended since September 1, 2026.
- Keep a digital copy of your score report and note its date in your calendar.
Taking a test in France?
Preparing for a test in France? This article also exists in French.
Frequently asked questions
Is my TCF Canada still valid for my permanent residence application?+−
How long do I have to wait before retaking the TCF Canada?+−
Can an expired result be extended?+−
How old can my results be for Québec?+−
What score would you get in writing?
Write a TCF task and get an estimated level based on the official criteria. With the 14-day free trial. How we check the correction