Quebec runs its own immigration system requiring French proficiency. Federal Express Entry also runs French category-based draws at significantly lower CRS cutoffs. TEF Canada and TCF Canada are the designated tests.
IRCC runs category-based Express Entry draws for candidates with NCLC 7+ in French. These draws have historically had much lower CRS cutoffs than general rounds, making French proficiency a powerful strategic lever for candidates who can demonstrate bilingual ability.
Quebec's PEQ requires French proficiency demonstrated through TEF Canada, TCF Canada, or approved Quebec French coursework. The PEQ is a faster pathway than federal programs for graduates of Quebec institutions and workers with Quebec experience.
Both are accepted by IRCC for federal programs and by Quebec's MIFI. TEF is more structured and predictable; TCF is adaptive. Both convert to the same NCLC scale. Choose based on format preference.