OuiPR / TCF Canada validity
How long is TCF Canada valid? The 2-year rule with examples
For IRCC, TCF Canada results must be less than 2 years old at two moments: when you complete your Express Entry profile, and when you submit your application for permanent residence. If they expire before you apply, IRCC refuses the application.
The rule in short
IRCC's page on language testing for Express Entry says your test results must be less than 2 years old when you:
- complete your Express Entry profile, and
- submit your application for permanent residence.
The second point is the one people forget. A result can be valid on the day you create your profile and expired by the time you get an invitation and apply. IRCC says that if you apply with expired results, it will refuse your application.
Last day to use your result: examples
IRCC does not say on that page which date starts the 2 years. Use the date on your result and, to be safe, treat the earlier date as the start if you see two. The table below is our own calculation of "less than 2 years" from the date on the result. It is not an IRCC table.
| Date on your result | Last day it is less than 2 years old | Safer target for your application |
|---|---|---|
| 15 January 2026 | 14 January 2028 | 14 December 2027 |
| 10 March 2026 | 9 March 2028 | 9 February 2028 |
| 30 June 2026 | 29 June 2028 | 29 May 2028 |
| 31 October 2026 | 30 October 2028 | 30 September 2028 |
Source: IRCC, language testing for Express Entry (canada.ca), "less than 2 years old" rule, checked 1 November 2026. Dates are our calculation. Confirm your own dates on canada.ca before you apply.
The "safer target" is one month earlier. Documents, medical exams and other steps can take time, so a margin protects you. It is our advice, not an IRCC rule.
What to do if your result will expire soon
IRCC says to check that your results will still be valid when you plan to apply. If they will expire first, you have three options:
- Take the test again. A new result starts a new 2-year period. See how TCF Canada fees work before you pay for a retake.
- Apply before the results expire.
- Decline the invitation and go back into the pool to be considered in the future.
A simple example
Say your result is dated 10 March 2026. You complete your profile in April 2026, so the result is valid for the profile. If you are invited in 2027 and apply before 9 March 2028, it is still valid for the application. If the invitation comes late in 2027 and you cannot finish your documents in time, you may need a new test, or you may need to decline and wait for a later round.
Waiting for an invitation is the risky part, because you cannot control when it comes. So do not count only from the day you book the exam. Count from the day you expect to apply.
How to plan your exam date
Work backwards from the day you want to apply. Your result must be valid on that day, not only today.
- Check your score first. Put your scores in the score calculator to see your NCLC levels.
- Do not rush the exam. If writing or speaking is weak, a second exam costs money and starts the clock again. Practise writing before you book.
- Keep the date of every result. Write it in your notes with the last safe day from the table.
The full format and score chart are on our TCF Canada exam page. To practise a timed answer, use the writing mock exam.
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How long is TCF Canada valid?
For IRCC, your results must be less than 2 years old when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you submit your application for permanent residence.
What happens if my TCF Canada result expires?
IRCC says that if you apply with expired language test results, it will refuse your application.
Can I use an old result if I am invited later?
Only if it is still less than 2 years old on the day you apply. If not, you can take the test again, apply before it expires, or decline the invitation.
Does the 2 years start on the exam date or the result date?
The IRCC language testing page does not say. Use the earlier date to be safe and check with IRCC if you are close to the limit.
Do I need a new test for my profile and again for my application?
You need a result that is less than 2 years old at both moments. One result can cover both if it is still valid when you apply.
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