To become a Canadian citizen, applicants must show that they can communicate in one of Canada’s two official languages – English or French. The government requires proof that applicants can speak and understand at least at the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 4.
Language skills, among other eligibility requirements, are measured to ensure new citizens can take part in daily life, work safely, and engage in the community. This allows them to get the full benefits of being a Canadian citizen.
On this page you will find
- Who must prove language ability for citizenship
- Minimum CLB or NCLC level required
- Accepted tests and educational proof
- Provincial and government language programs
- Steps to submit proof and avoid application delays
Who Must Prove Language Ability?
If you are between 18 and 54 years old on the day you submit your application for citizenship, you must provide acceptable proof of your language ability. Written or reading proficiency is not required, but you must be able to:
- Take part in short, everyday conversations.
- Understand simple instructions and questions.
- Use basic grammar and vocabulary for routine communication.
Applicants under 18 or over 54 are exempt from providing proof.
Minimum Language Level: CLB or NCLC 4
The government sets the minimum language requirement at CLB or NCLC level 4 in both speaking and listening. This means you can communicate clearly in familiar situations, ask and answer simple questions, and use basic grammar and sentence structures correctly.
If you already completed language testing when applying for permanent residence, you may reuse those results, even if they have expired, as long as they originally showed CLB or NCLC 4 or higher.
Accepted Language Tests
You can demonstrate your English or French ability with results from any of the following approved tests:
English Tests
- CELPIP-General or CELPIP-General LS – score of 4 or higher in listening and speaking.
- IELTS (General Training) – score of 4.5 or higher in listening and 4.0 or higher in speaking.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core – score of 28 or higher in listening and 42 or higher in speaking.
French Tests
- TEF Canada, TEFAQ, or TEF Intégration, Résidence et Nationalité (TEF IRN) – B1 or higher in listening and speaking.
- TCF Canada or TCF Québec (TCFQ) – B1 or higher in listening and speaking.
- DELF or DALF – B1 or higher accepted for DELF; all results accepted for DALF.
Make sure the test report shows both your speaking and listening scores. Attach a clear copy to your citizenship application.
Using Education as Language Proof
If you completed a secondary or post-secondary program in English or French, in Canada or abroad, you may use your educational documents instead of a test. Provide a copy of your diploma, certificate or transcript.
If your documents are in another language, include a certified translation that confirms the language of instruction was English or French.
Using Government-Funded Language Training
Applicants who completed Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) or Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada (CLIC) training can use their certificates as proof, as long as their results show CLB 4 or higher in speaking and listening.
- Training completed on or after November 1, 2012 requires a copy of the certificate.
- Training between January 2008 and October 2012 can be verified electronically by IRCC when you mark the relevant box on your application.
Using Provincial Language Programs as Proof
Canada accepts several provincial language program certificates as proof of proficiency.
British Columbia
Provide an English Language Services for Adults (ELSA) certificate or report card showing CLB 4 or higher in speaking and listening.
Saskatchewan
Submit a Statement of Student Language Proficiency from the Ministry of Education showing Common Framework of Reference (CFR) level B1 or higher in English as an Additional Language (EAL).
Manitoba
Provide a Manitoba Canadian Language Benchmark Report or Adult EAL progress report showing CLB or NCLC 4 or higher.
Nova Scotia
Submit a Proficiency in English Nova Scotia (PENS) learner certificate showing CLB 4 or higher in speaking and listening.
Ontario
Provide a certificate from the Adult Non-Credit Language Training Programs – English or French as a Second Language or Citizenship and Language Training – dated December 2013 or later, showing CLB 4 or higher.
Quebec
Submit one of the following:
- A “Bulletin” from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) showing Échelle Québécoise level 4 or higher in oral interaction or comprehension.
- A “Relevé des apprentissages” from the Ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur (MEES) confirming level 4 or higher in oral communication.
Documents issued under the ministry’s former name, MICC, remain valid.
Submitting Language Proof
Attach a clear copy of your proof to your citizenship application. If the proof is unreadable, missing, or in another language without certified translation, your application will be returned without processing.
You can submit more than one document if you have multiple forms of language proof. Always keep copies for your own records.
What Happens If You Don’t Provide Proof?
If you are required to provide proof and fail to include it, IRCC will return your entire application. You must then gather acceptable documentation and reapply.
The best approach is to confirm that your proof meets IRCC’s standards before submission. If in doubt, complete an approved test such as CELPIP or TEF to avoid delays.
Citizenship Language Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions
Who must provide language proof for Canadian citizenship?
Applicants aged 18 to 54 must show they can speak and understand English or French at CLB or NCLC level 4 or higher. Applicants outside this age range are exempt.
What level of language ability is needed for citizenship?
You must meet at least CLB or NCLC level 4 in both speaking and listening. This means you can hold simple conversations and understand everyday instructions.
Can I use my education as language proof?
Yes. If you completed secondary or post-secondary education in English or French, you can submit your diploma, certificate or transcript. Include a certified translation if needed.
Are expired test results accepted?
Yes. If you used an approved language test when applying for permanent residence that showed CLB or NCLC 4 or higher, you can reuse those results even if they have expired.
What happens if I don’t include language proof?
IRCC will return your entire application unprocessed. To avoid delays, ensure you include clear, acceptable proof or updated test results that meet the required standard.
