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
About the CELPIP
The CELPIP has four modules: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It takes about three hours to complete, and you can complete the test in one sitting. Generally speaking, the cost of the test is 300$, and you get your results 4-5 days after your test.
About the IELTS
The IELTS also has four modules: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete. The speaking component can also be taken up to seven days before or after taking the other three components.
Generally speaking, the cost of the test is 300$. If you take the test on the computer, you will get your results within 3-5 days. If you take a paper-based test, results are issued 13 days later.
- TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français
- TCF Canada : Test de connaissance du français
About the CELPIP
The CELPIP has four modules: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It takes about three hours to complete, and you can complete the test in one sitting. Generally speaking, the cost of the test is 300$, and you get your results 4-5 days after your test.
About the IELTS
The IELTS also has four modules: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete. The speaking component can also be taken up to seven days before or after taking the other three components.
Generally speaking, the cost of the test is 300$. If you take the test on the computer, you will get your results within 3-5 days. If you take a paper-based test, results are issued 13 days later.
The compulsory examinations last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, while the optional examinations last approximately two hours. Similar to the TEF, the testing costs depend on the location where the test is given.
