July 23, 2018 – A language test is a mandatory part of the immigration process to Canada. For applicants with English language abilities, the IELTS or CELPIP test score needed for immigration to Canada depends on the program a candidate is targeting.
A starting point is to understand how point scores relate to language abilities.
All programs require a minimum point score to qualify and some programs give candidate more points for achieving language higher levels.
There are also programs which require higher test scores depending on the profession of the candidate.
For example, the medical professions require test scores of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 to qualify for Canada immigration.
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For some provincial immigration programs which target demand occupations, required scores may be as low as CLB 4.
It is important to note that candidates with a high level of French may not need any English, and vice versa.
Programs generally ask for proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages. Proficiency means Intermediate abilities in the combination of reading, writing, speaking and understanding English.
However, under the Express Entry system there are points given for a candidate’s first and second official language proficiency.
Knowing both languages will score you more Express Entry points, but this is not a requirement.
Many of Canada’s immigration programs outside Quebec feature priority processing for French-speaking candidates.
The country is investing million of dollars in driving up the number of French-speaking immigrants it welcomes.
What Is IELTS?
IELTS – or the International English Language Testing System – is the world’s most popular English language test.
It grades a candidate in four disciplines – reading, writing, speaking and listening.
The results of the IELTS test correspond to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score.
IELTS is one of two tests accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for English language proficiency.
The other is the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP).
What Are the Express Entry Points for Languages?
1) First Official Language Express Entry Points
| Test score | With spouse | Single |
| CLB 4 (L4.5, R3.5, W4, S4) or 5 (R4, 5 in all others) | 6 | 6 |
| CLB 6 (5 in Reading, 5.5 in all others) | 8 | 9 |
| CLB 7 (6 in all four abilities) | 16 | 17 |
| CLB 8 (7.5 in Listening, 6.5 in all others) | 22 | 23 |
| CLB 9 (8 in Listening, 7 in all others) | 29 | 31 |
| CLB ≥ 10 (L8.5, R8, W7.5, S7.5) | 32 | 34 |
2) Second Official Language Express Entry Points
| Test score | With spouse | Single |
| CLB 5 or 6 | 1 | 1 |
| CLB 7 or 8 | 3 | 3 |
| CLB ≥ 9 | 6 | 6 |
3) Additional Combination Points for Strong French Language
| Test score | With spouse | Single |
| CLB 7 in French and CLB 4 or less for English | 15 | 15 |
| CLB 7 in French and CLB 5 or higher for English | 30 | 30 |
4) Language Requirements By Program
a) What Are The Language Requirements For The Federal Skilled Worker Program?
You must obtain a minimum level of CLB or NCLC 7 for your first official language in all four language areas. To receive points for your second official language, you must meet the minimum level of CLB or NCLC 5 in all four language areas.
b) What Are The Language Requirements For The Federal Skilled Trades Program?
You must obtain a minimum level of:
- CLB or NCLC 5 in speaking and listening abilities, and
- CLB or NCLC 4 in reading and writing abilities.
c) What Are The Language Requirements For The Canadian Experience Class?
The skills you need for this program will depend on the job classification under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC):
- NOC 0 or A: CLB / NCLC 7 +
- NOC B: CLB / NCLC 5 and 6
d) What Are The Language Requirements For The Canadian Citizenship?
All applicants for Canadian citizenship aged 18-54 must submit proof that they have adequate knowledge of English or French.
If you decide to submit a third-party language test, the results must be equal to CLB / NCLC level 4 or higher in speaking and listening abilities.
The federal authorities also accept expired test results if they were done for immigration or citizenship purposes.
5) Important Tip
Regardless of the minimum language requirements needed to qualify, immigration programs in Canada are moving towards an expression of interest system. The federal express entry system works in this manner. The provinces of Saskatchewan and Quebec have recently introduced similar systems under their own provincial immigration programs.
Expression of interest management systems operate under periodic draws with each draw affecting a different pool of candidates, with varying qualifications for every draw. As the pool composition changes, the requirements for each draw changes.
Thus, it is important for all candidates who intend to apply for immigration to Canada, take all efforts to attain the highest language scores possible. This will increase your overall ranking scores and thus your chances to immigrate to Canada.
6) How Can Immigration.ca Help?
At immigration.ca we provide all our individual clients with free IELTS 7 language practice tutorials.
Interested employers: Kindly contact us here to receive further information.
Interested candidates: Find out whether you qualify to Canada by completing our free on-line evaluation. We will provide you with our evaluation within 1-2 business days.
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