Your questions, answered
Frequently Asked Questions: French Classes Across Canada
Group classes, private lessons, TEF/TCF prep, and how it all connects to your Canadian immigration plan. The answers, all in one place.
French Programs
How long does it take to learn French?
Students starting from zero typically reach conversational French (B1) in 6 months with our My French Transformation program, or CLB 7, the level most immigration candidates target, in 12 months total (6 months of foundations + 6 months of TEF/TCF exam prep). The pace depends on how much time you can give it each week, and students who already know some French move faster.
What is the "My French Transformation" program?
My French Transformation is our intensive 6-month program that takes complete beginners through 6 levels to a confident A2-B1 speaker. You get two live classes a week (90 minutes each) with a native French teacher, an online platform with recordings and homework, weekly video challenges, and access to French community events. It's everything you need to build a strong foundation before TEF/TCF exam prep.
What's the difference between each of the 6 levels?
My French Transformation builds from zero to roughly A2-B1 across 6 levels, each with its own focus:
- Level 1: greetings, self-introductions, and simple everyday interactions, built for absolute beginners.
- Level 2: everyday situations like ordering at a restaurant, with practical dialogue and core grammar.
- Level 3: talking about future plans and describing situations in more detail using future tenses.
- Level 4: narrating the past, sharing stories, memories, and habits with past tenses.
- Level 5: the conditional, plus conversation topics like technology, music, and literature.
- Level 6: the subjunctive mood, the final step to sounding natural before TEF/TCF prep.
How do I know which level to join?
Take our free French Level Test and it will point you to the right starting level. If you've studied French before and think Level 2 or higher is a better fit, contact us and we'll confirm the right starting point before you register.
What materials are included, and is there an extra cost?
Everything is included in the price. There are no add-ons. You get the online platform (class recordings, homework, worksheets), weekly video challenges, invitations to student-only events, and a curated list of French movies, shows, books, and podcasts for immersion between classes.
How often do group classes meet, and how long is each class?
Twice a week, 90 minutes per session, live with a native French teacher: 3 hours of instruction a week, plus homework and self-study on the platform. We encourage a little French every day (the video challenges help) to keep momentum between classes.
What's the maximum class size?
We cap group classes at 16 students so everyone gets real speaking time with the teacher in every class.
What happens if a class falls on a statutory holiday?
No live class that day. Instead you get a self-study assignment on the platform (lesson + homework) covering the same material, and your teacher answers any questions about it in the next session.
What if I miss a class?
Live classes are not recorded, but the platform has a self-study lesson covering the same material, so you can catch up on your own schedule. Message your teacher directly, or reach us through the Contact page if you need extra help catching up. Classes are non-refundable, so we'd rather help you catch up than have you fall behind.
Are classes online, in-person, or both?
Both. Online classes run everywhere in Canada: live on Zoom, cameras on, fully interactive, with the same curriculum and teachers as in person. In-person classes are currently open in Vancouver, and in Calgary for Levels 1-3. Private lessons run online everywhere. Pick your city at the top of the page to see what's open near you.
Do you offer French classes in every Canadian city?
Not yet everywhere. Online classes are open to students anywhere in Canada, and we're adding city-specific pages (with local scheduling and, where possible, in-person options) one by one: Calgary, Toronto and Edmonton are live today, with more cities rolling out. Use the city selector at the top of any page to see what's available where you are.
Immigration & CLB
What is CLB 7, and why does it matter for immigration?
CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks) is the scale IRCC uses to measure your French. CLB 7 lines up with CEFR B2 and is the level most Express Entry candidates aim for. Reach it in French and you get extra CRS points, plus access to French-specific draws with lower cutoffs.
How many CRS points can French add to my Express Entry profile?
Up to 50 points if you reach CLB 7 or higher in French across all four skills and have at least CLB 5 in English. Even CLB 5-6 French is worth 4 points on its own. On top of the points, strong French opens dedicated Express Entry draws that regularly clear at lower CRS scores than the general pool.
Does IELTS count as proof of my French?
No. IELTS only tests English. For French, IRCC accepts two exams: TEF Canada and TCF Canada. You'll need one of those, not IELTS, to claim French-language points.
Starting from zero, how long until I'm ready for CLB 7?
Plan for about 12 months: 6 months building your foundation (My French Transformation, Levels 1-6) followed by 6 months of focused TEF/TCF exam prep. If you already speak B1-level French, exam prep alone usually takes 3-6 months.
TEF/TCF Preparation
What are the TEF and TCF exams?
TEF Canada (Test d'Évaluation de Français) and TCF Canada (Test de Connaissance du Français) are the two French-proficiency exams IRCC accepts for immigration. Both cover listening, reading, writing, and speaking, stay valid for 2 years, and convert to CLB levels for your application.
TEF Canada or TCF Canada: which should I take?
Either is equally accepted by IRCC and scored on the same CLB scale, so it often comes down to availability or personal preference. We prepare you for both through the same program, so you don't have to decide right away. We'll help you pick closer to your exam date.
Is TEF prep different from TCF prep?
Not really. The French skills are identical, only the exam format differs. Our TEF/TCF Prep program covers both, with format-specific exam strategy layered in during your final weeks of prep.
How long does exam prep take?
It depends on where you're starting:
- Complete beginner (A0): about 12 months (6 of foundations + 6 of exam prep).
- Basic French (A2): roughly 8-9 months.
- Intermediate (B1): 3-6 months of focused exam prep.
Do I need to already speak French to start?
No. If you're starting from zero, begin with My French Transformation (6 months, Levels 1–6) to build your base, then move into TEF/TCF Prep. Both phases run back-to-back as one continuous path.
How do I register for the actual TEF or TCF exam?
We prepare you for the exam, but we're not an official test centre. Register directly with an authorized centre:
- TEF Canada: through lefrancaisdesaffaires.fr
- TCF Canada: through France Éducation International
Private Lessons
How are private lessons customized?
We start with a quick assessment of your level and goals, then build a plan around it. With no prior French, you follow the French Transformation curriculum. Already at B1+? You choose conversation and grammar work, or focused TEF/TCF prep. See our Private Classes page for the full breakdown.
How flexible is private-lesson scheduling?
Fully flexible. You pick the days and times. We suggest a regular weekly slot (once or twice a week) so it becomes a routine and progress stays steady, but the schedule is always yours to set.
Is there a minimum number of lessons I have to book?
No fixed minimum, though 2 sessions a week tends to produce the fastest progress. Packages come in 1, 4, 8, or 12 lessons, each 60 or 90 minutes. Pick what fits your schedule and budget.
What does a private lesson cost?
Pricing depends on the package length and lesson duration, and whether you're focused on general French or TEF/TCF prep specifically. Full pricing is on our Private Classes page.
Are materials included in private lessons?
Yes. Everything tailored to your plan (worksheets, practice tests, exam-specific resources for TEF/TCF prep) comes at no extra charge.
What's the cancellation policy for private lessons?
Give us at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule without charge. Cancelling inside that window means the session is billed as taken. That keeps your teacher's schedule workable for everyone.
Policies & Enrollment
What's the cancellation/refund policy for group classes?
Because groups are capped at 16 seats, registrations are treated as final once a class fills. If you cancel more than 7 business days before your program starts, you can choose to postpone up to 6 months, convert 75% of what you paid into credit toward private classes (valid 6 months), or take a 50% refund within 5 business days. Cancelling within 7 business days of the start date is non-refundable, and once the program begins no refunds are issued. Full terms: Terms and Conditions.
How do I enroll?
Choose your city (top of any page, or the city selector), then pick your program and preferred schedule, online or in person where available. Not sure which program fits? Join our free weekly Q&A masterclass or contact us and we'll point you to the right one.
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