Language tests for immigration to Canada
Which exams are recognized, how to choose the right test, and what scores are needed for immigration
It's almost impossible to immigrate to Canada without knowing the language, as it makes it difficult to find work, negotiate housing costs, enroll children in daycare, and deal with many other everyday issues. If you're just thinking about immigrating to Canada, start learning the language as soon as possible.
Canada is a bilingual country: 76% of its residents speak English and 22% speak French. You can increase your chances of immigration if you know both languages.
French is most widely used in Quebec — the only Canadian province where English is not an official language. In other provinces and territories, knowing English is sufficient, although the importance of French and support for Francophones continues to grow.
Types of Language Tests
To immigrate to Canada, you need to prove your knowledge of English or French through language tests. The results must be no older than two years at the time of applying for permanent residence or when creating an Express Entry profile if you're immigrating through this system.
The following types of tests are accepted for immigration to Canada: IELTS, CELPIP and PTE Core for English, TEF Canada and TCF Canada for French. These tests assess language proficiency in four skill areas: reading, listening, writing and speaking.
It's best to register for a language test several months in advance as there may be waiting lists. The cost depends on the test location and can range from $190-400 CAD (~$137-290 USD).
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
IELTS is the most widely accepted English language test in Canada. The General Training version of IELTS is accepted for immigration purposes.
IELTS results provide a score for each language skill, as well as an overall score that averages the results for each skill. For Canadian immigration, the overall score is not relevant.
Learn more about IELTS in the article "What is IELTS and how it can help with immigration to Canada".
CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
The CELPIP test was developed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Unlike IELTS, which is designed for international English, CELPIP was developed for the Canadian version of the language, which includes elements of British and American English and focuses on the Canadian accent.
There are two types of tests:
- CELPIP-General — for those applying for permanent residence in Canada; includes 39 listening questions, 39 reading questions, 9 speaking tasks and 2 writing tasks;
- CELPIP-General LS — for those applying for Canadian citizenship.
The CELPIP General test can be taken in many countries, including Canada, USA, India, UAE and Philippines, while General LS is only available in Canada. You can find a list of centers on the CELPIP.ca website.
Learn more about this language test in the article "CELPIP: English language test for immigration to Canada".
PTE Core (Pearson Test of English)
PTE Core is a new English language exam officially recognized by IRCC for immigration purposes. It's suitable for applying through Express Entry and some other programs.
Test features:
- Fully computer-based format;
- Automated scoring (without human factor);
- Quick results — usually within 1-3 business days;
- Tests four language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing.
The exam can be taken in many countries worldwide. You can find costs and test centers on the official website.
Read more about the test in our article "Pearson PTE Language Test: New Standard for Immigration and Education in Canada".
Tests Suitable for Study
If your goal is to study in Canada, you should choose tests approved by educational institutions:
- IELTS Academic — recognized by the vast majority of universities;
- TOEFL iBT — popular in the USA and Canada;
- PTE Academic — suitable for colleges and universities;
- Duolingo English Test — convenient and inexpensive option, but not accepted by all institutions.
Note: These tests are not suitable for immigration unless the study program is an immigration pathway (for example, through study followed by a work permit).
TEF (Test d'évaluation de français)
TEF is designed to certify French language proficiency. It includes 60 listening questions, 50 reading questions, 2 speaking tasks and 2 writing tasks. There are two types of this test — TEF Canada and TEFAQ. It's usually recommended to take TEF Canada, as TEFAQ is only accepted for immigration to Quebec.
You can find test centers on the Lefrancaisdesaffaires.fr website.
Learn more about the test in our article "TEF Testing: Global Standard for French Language Assessment".
TCF (Test de connaissance du français)
The TCF test, like TEF, is designed to test French language proficiency. There are two versions of the test:
- TCF Québec — valid only in Quebec, includes 29 listening questions, 29 reading questions, 3 speaking tasks and 3 writing tasks;
- TCF Canada — accepted across the country, includes 39 listening questions, 39 reading questions, 3 speaking tasks and 3 writing tasks.
You can find test centers on the France Éducation International website.
Learn more from the article "TCF: Official Test for French Language Proficiency".
Immigration Program Requirements
To measure language proficiency, immigration programs use the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English and Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) for French. NCLC levels correspond to CLB levels. You can find the equivalency table on the official website.
The minimum CLB level is 1, and the maximum is 12. When Canadian immigration programs specify language requirements, they usually refer to the CLB level.
CLB levels:
- Basic: CLB 1-4 (everyday communication and comprehension);
- Intermediate: CLB 5-8 (more complex communication and comprehension);
- Advanced: CLB 9-12 (understanding and using complex language structures).
For example, if the minimum language proficiency level for a program is CLB 4, it means your lowest score among the four language skills should not be below CLB 4. If you score lower than this level in any skill, you don't meet the program requirements.
Each immigration program has its own requirements. Some set a minimum threshold on the CLB or NCLC scale, while others use a point system that awards points not only for language proficiency but also for age, education, and work experience.
Minimum CLB or NCLC level for various immigration programs:
| Immigration Program | Language Level (CLB/NCLC) |
| Federal Skilled Worker Program |
7 for first official language; 5 for second official language. |
| Canadian Experience Class |
5 (for TEER 2-3 occupations); 7 (for TEER 0-1). |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program |
5 for speaking and listening; 4 for reading and writing. |
| Atlantic Immigration Program |
5 (for TEER 0-3 occupations); 4 (for TEER 4 category). |
| Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot |
6 (for TEER 0 and 1); 5 (for TEER 2 and 3); 4 (for TEER 4-5). |
| Agri-Food Immigration Pilot | 4 |
| Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot | 4 |
For Provincial Nominee Programs: The minimum level varies depending on the specific stream. Candidates immigrating through Express Entry-linked streams must meet federal program requirements.
In Express Entry programs, candidates receive points for various criteria (language proficiency, age, work experience, education, and others). You can score up to 160 points for proficiency in the first official language and up to 24 points for the second. Knowledge of French can earn up to 50 bonus points.
To submit language test results for Express Entry immigration programs, you need to:
- Schedule a test at an IRCC-approved center and pay the fees;
- Achieve the minimum score required by your chosen immigration program;
- Enter the test results in your Express Entry profile (and Personal Information Number if requested);
- Keep the original results and attach a copy to your application (if invited to apply).
Immigration to Quebec
Quebec uses its own language proficiency scale for immigration (Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français des personnes immigrantes adultes). The minimum French proficiency level on this scale is 7, which corresponds to B2 level in the Common European Framework (CEFR).
Free Language Level Assessment Tests
On the Immigrant.Today website, you can roughly assess your level by taking an English or French test. This will help you understand where to start and prepare for the actual exam.
Preparing for Language Tests
Regardless of which exam you plan to take — IELTS, CELPIP, PTE, TEF, or TCF — preparation is crucial. Even a good language level may not yield the desired results if you're unfamiliar with the test format, question types, and strategies.
To help you prepare, Immigrant.Today partners with several language schools offering quality English and French courses — both online and abroad.
You can choose a suitable learning option:
- Learn French in France with Alpadia — courses in Lyon and Nice: combining learning with cultural immersion;
- Learn French in Switzerland with Alpadia — courses in Montreux: scenic nature and intensive language practice;
- Learn French online with TLG Canada — flexible schedule, preparation for TEF and TCF from anywhere in the world;
- Enroll in ILAC online courses — IELTS preparation, business and general English in a flexible format;
- Enroll in ILAC courses in Canada — in-person learning in Toronto and Vancouver with full language immersion;
- Courses from Kaplan in Canada, UK, USA, and Ireland — preparation for IELTS, TOEFL and other exams, academic programs, business English.
Sign up for courses through us to get the best conditions and help with program selection, and start your confident journey to Canada!
