English/French Language Requirements for Canadian Immigration (Including Conversion from IELTS, CELPIP, TEF)

To be eligible for an express entry program, such as Canadian Economic Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program etc., English or French language
language requirements for canadian immigration ielts to clb

To be eligible for an express entry program, such as the Canadian Economic Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, etc., English or French level of language proficiency must be proven. This article walks you specifically through these language requirements for Canadian immigration. Click on the links below to skip to specific parts of this guide:

Which language tests are accepted?

Any of the following approved language tests are accepted to fulfill the language requirements for Canadian immigration:

  1. English
    • CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (General)
    • IELTS: International English Language Testing System (General)
  1. French
    • TEF Canada: Test d’evaluation de françaisphotos
    • TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français

All the above-mentioned tests evaluate comprehension in reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills for the respective language. Based on the test scores, your language level is determined based on:

  • Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)
  • Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC)

You must ensure that your test results are less than two years old when you submit the application for permanent residence.

What is the score required for Canadian Immigration Programs?

The test scores must meet the minimum requirement or threshold for the respective immigration program. The language scores required for Canadian Permanent Residency programs is as follows:

  1. Canadian Economic Class (CEC):
    • Skill Type 0 and A: CLB 7 (Both English and French)
    • Skill Type B: CLB 6 (Both English and French)
  2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):
    • CLB 7 (Both English and French)
  3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):
    • English:
      • Speaking and Listening – CLB 5
      • Reading and Writing – CLB 4
    • French:
      • Speaking and Listening – NCLC 5
      • Reading and Writing – NCLC 4

You must meet the above language requirements for Canadian immigration programs to qualify. There are select provincial nominee programs that do not have the same language requirements. Please book a consultation to understand if you qualify for such a program. 

Need help assessing your eligibility for Canadian immigration?

We can help you understand the Canadian immigration options you may be eligible for and calculate your CRS score. There may be ways for improving your score depending on your profile.

What is CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark)?

The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) describe 12 levels of ability in each of four different language skills – Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.

The CLB are used in Canada to describe the language ability of people who are learning English or French. For each language skill, you receive a separate benchmark, and this benchmark indicates how well you can function in that language skill.

There are three stages in the CLB. Stage I covers basic language ability (benchmarks 1 to 4). Stage II covers intermediate language ability (benchmarks 5 to 8). Stage III covers advanced language ability (benchmarks 9 to 12). 

The ability measured on the CLB scale has equivalence with the IELTS, CELPIP and TEF language scores that you can test below. You can check if you meet the language requirements for Canadian immigration based on the converted score from the below tables. 

IELTS Score Required for Immigration (IELTS to CLB Conversion)

Below is a conversion from IELTS to CLB levels. You can find out the CLB language requirements for Canadian immigration programs here

CLB Level

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

10

8.0 – 9.0

7.5 – 9.0

8.5 – 9.0

7.5 – 9.0

9

7.0

7.0

8.0

7.0

8

6.5

6.5

7.5

6.5

7

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6

5.0

5.5

5.5

5.5

5

4.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

4

3.5

4.0

4.5

4.0

CELPIP Score Required for Immigration (CELPIP to CLB Conversion)

Below is a conversion from CELPIP to CLB levels. You can find out the CELPIP Score required for Canadian immigration programs here

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

TEF Score Required for Immigration (TEF to CLB Conversion)

Below is a conversion from TEF to CLB levels. You can find out the CLB language requirements for Canadian immigration programs here

CLB Level

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

10

263-277

393-415

316-333

393-415

9

248-262

371-392

298-315

371-392

8

233-247

349-370

280-297

349-370

7

207-232

310-348

249-279

310-348

6

181-206

271-309

217-248

271-309

5

151-180

226-270

181-216

226-270

4

121-150

181-225

145-180

181-225

How do I book my IELTS test?

East! Click on the link below to book your IELTS test at a test center near you. Make sure you practice, practice and practice before your test! Remember, you will need the General IELTS for canadian immigration purposes. If you are applying for education programs in Canada, you will need Academic IELTS.

Disclaimer

Please note that none of the information on this website should be construed as being legal advice. As well, you should not rely on any of the information contained in this website when determining whether and how to apply to a given program.
Canadian immigration law is constantly changing, and the information above may be outdated.
If you have a question about the contents of this blog, or any question about Canadian immigration law, please contact the Author. Please book a consultation if you would like to get answers to general immigration questions and advice specific to your situation.

About Chitra & Associates

Chitra & Associates Immigration Consultants Inc. is an Immigration Consulting company specialising in Canadian Immigration and Visa Services. We provide services in the area of Economic Immigration, permanent residency for Canada for Individuals, Business Immigration, work permits, visitor visas, study permits, and much more.

Get in touch with us!

Recent Posts

Sign up for our Newsletter

Stay up to date with Canadian immigration news. 

Schedule a Visit

Chitra & Associates Immigration Consultants Inc.

Please note that the walk-in appointments are ONLY to inquire about our services and pricing. If you would like advise specific to your situation, additional charges will apply. If you would like to book a paid consultation and check our prices, you can do so at this link. When you walk in, you can sign up for our services. Please bring the appropriate documentation in order to get started.
Call Now