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Canada recognizes several language tests for immigration purposes. These tests assess the four language abilities: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Immigration applicants must submit results from these tests, valid for two years from the test date. If an applicant’s test results are older than two years at the time of application submission, they must retake the test.
| CLB Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
The IELTS is a widely accepted test for demonstrating English proficiency. For immigration purposes, applicants must take the General Training version. The test evaluates speaking, listening, reading, and writing, with each section scored on a scale of 1 to 9.
| CLB Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| CLB Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 546-699 | 558-699 | 546-699 | 556-699 |
| 9 | 503-545 | 512-557 | 503-545 | 518-555 |
| 8 | 462-502 | 472-511 | 462-502 | 494-517 |
| 7 | 434-461 | 428-471 | 434-461 | 456-493 |
| 6 | 393-433 | 379-427 | 393-433 | 422-455 |
| 5 | 352-392 | 330-378 | 352-392 | 387-421 |
| 4 | 306-351 | 268-329 | 306-351 | 328-386 |
The TEF is used to assess French proficiency and is available globally. It evaluates speaking, listening, reading, and writing, with scores converted to CLB levels.
| CLB Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 549-699 | 16-20 | 549-699 | 16-20 |
| 9 | 524-548 | 14-15 | 523-548 | 14-15 |
| 8 | 499-523 | 12-13 | 503-522 | 12-13 |
| 7 | 453-498 | 10-11 | 458-502 | 10-11 |
| 6 | 406-452 | 7-9 | 398-457 | 7-9 |
| 5 | 375-405 | 6 | 369-397 | 6 |
| 4 | 342-374 | 4-5 | 331-368 | 4-5 |
To qualify for Express Entry, applicants must meet the language thresholds for one of the economic programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Requires CLB 7 for skill types 0 and A and CLB 6 for skill type B.
Requires CLB 7.
Requires CLB 5 in listening and speaking and CLB 3.5 in reading and writing.
You should arrange your test with an agency approved by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and pay the associated costs.
Please enter your test results into your Express Entry profile, including the language test result form or certificate number and test PIN, if required.
– For English: CELPIP-General and IELTS General Training.
– For French: TEF Canada and TCF Canada.
– Ensure your test results are valid (less than two years old) when you complete your Express Entry profile and apply for permanent residence.
The Express Entry profile is valid for 12 months. Ensure your language test results remain valid for the duration of this period. If your test results are about to expire, retake the test and update your profile with the new results.
