Are you planning to make Canada your new home or apply for a Canada PR visa through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or Regional Pilot Program? Demonstrating language proficiency in English or French is a crucial requirement for most Canadian immigration programs.
Why Language Proficiency Matters
Language proficiency is essential for effective communication in the workplace, community, and daily life in Canada. It ensures that newcomers can:
– Integrate into Canadian society seamlessly
– Participate in community activities and events
– Contribute to the workforce and achieve career goals
– Access essential services and benefits
Accepted Language Tests for Canada Immigration
To prove language proficiency, you can take one of the following approved language tests:
– IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
– CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
– TEF (Test d’évaluation de français)
– TCF (Test de connaissance du français)
1. International English Language Testing System (IELTS):
The IELTS General Training Test (GT) is widely accepted by IRCC Canada for Canadian immigration purposes. The score requirements in IELTS GT depend upon the program you are considering applying for.
The minimum IELTS score requirements for Canada PR through Express Entry
| IELTS Band Score | CLB Level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
| 6.0 | 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6.5 | 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7.0 | 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 8.0 | 10 | 8.5-9.0 | 8.0-9.0 | 7.5-9.0 | 7.5-9.0 |
The minimum IELTS score requirements for Canada PR through Canada PNP
| Canada PNP | Overall score | Reading | Writing | speaking | Listening |
| Ontario | 6 bands | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Nova Scotia | 6 bands | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Saskatchewan | 4.5 bands | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
| Alberta | 6 bands | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Manitoba | 4.5 bands | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
| Prince Edward Island | 6 bands | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
In addition to IELTS, there are other language tests that are accepted for Canadian immigration.
IRCC now accepts PTE Core scores for Canada PR visas. If taking PTE Core, ensure you meet the minimum score requirements for Canada PR through Express Entry, PNP, or Regional Pilot Program
The minimumPTE core-score requirements for Canada PR through Express Entry
| CLB | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing |
| 10 | 89-90 | 88-90 | 89-90 | 90 |
| 9 | 82-88 | 78-87 | 84-88 | 88-89 |
| 8 | 71-81 | 69-77 | 76-83 | 79-87 |
| 7 | 60-70 | 60-68 | 68-75 | 69-78 |
| 6 | 50-59 | 51-59 | 59-67 | 60-68 |
| 5 | 39-49 | 42-50 | 51-58 | 51-59 |
| 4 | 28-38 | 33-41 | 42-50 | 41-50 |
| 3 | 18-27 | 24-32 | 34-41 | 32-40 |
2. CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
The minimumPTE core-score requirements for Canada PR through Canada PNP
| Canada PNP | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing |
| Ontario | 60-70 | 60-68 | 68-75 | 69-78 |
| Alberta | 60-70 | 60-68 | 68-75 | 69-78 |
| Nova Scotia | 60-70 | 60-68 | 68-75 | 69-78 |
| Saskatchewan | 28-38 | 33-41 | 42-50 | 41-50 |
| Manitoba | 28-38 | 33-41 | 42-50 | 41-50 |
| Prince Edward Island | 60-70 | 60-68 | 68-75 | 69-78 |
CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) is a Canadian immigration-focused English language test, evaluating Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking skills. Both CELPIP General and CELPIP General LS test results are accepted for Canadian immigration purposes.
The minimumCELPIP G-score requirements for Canada PR through Express Entry
CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
| CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | Points per ability |
| 7CELPIP-G | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 4 |
| 8CELPIP-G | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 5 |
| 9CELPIP-G | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 6 |
| 10 and aboveCELPIP-G | 10+ | 10+ | 10+ | 10+ | 6 |
3. TEF (Test d’évaluation de français): If French is your thing, this test will evaluate your language proficiency.
For demonstrating French language proficiency in the context of Canada PR (Permanent Residency), the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) is the commonly accepted language test. The TEF is designed to assess proficiency in French, and it evaluates skills in four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
First official language (maximum 24 points)
| NCLC Level | Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension de l’oral) | Reading (compréhension de l’écrit) | Writing (expression écrite) | Points (per ability) |
| 7 | 310-348 | 249-279 | 207-232 | 310-348 | 4 |
| 8 | 349-370 | 280-297 | 233-247 | 349-370 | 5 |
| 9 and above | 371+ | 298+ | 248+ | 371+ | 6 |
4. TCF (Test de connaissance du français): Another French language test that’s accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Second official language (4 points if you meet the minimum threshold in each of the four language abilities)
| NCLC Level | Speaking (expression orale) | Listening (compréhension de l’oral) | Reading (compréhension de l’écrit) | Writing (expression écrite) | Points (total) |
| 5 and above | 226-371+ | 181-298+ | 151-248+ | 226-371+ | 4 |