What are language test requirements for Canadian immigration?

Canada’s federal and provincial skilled worker immigration programs require that you complete a language test. The language test requirement applies to the federal Express Entry system, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Canada’s other various skilled worker streams.

Completing a language test is necessary to demonstrate that you meet the language requirements of the skilled worker program you are applying to. Each skilled worker program has its own test score requirements.

The Canadian government uses the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) as a standardized approach to evaluate your language skills. Some programs require a CLB level of 4, while other programs require a CLB level of 7.

The validity period of language test scores is two years. This means that more than two years cannot elapse between completing a language test and submitting your Canadian immigration application. If more than two years have passed, you will need to retake your language test.

What language tests are approved for Canadian immigration?

In order to meet the language requirement, you must take a language test that is approved by the Canadian government. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) approves the following language tests for skilled worker applications:

For English:

• CELPIP General Test

• IELTS General Training

IRCC announced that beginning in late 2023, the Pearson Test of English (PTE) will join the CELPIP and the IELTS as one of three designated language tests.

For French:

• TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français

• TCF Canada : Test de connaissance du français

source: cicnews