Language tests for immigration to Canada. How do I prove my English level?

At the end of 2023, Canada was ready to announce a new language test that would be accepted from immigration candidates, but at the last moment, its launch was postponed. But I still want to tell you what is remarkable about this particular test, why everyone is waiting for it, and what exams you can take to move to Canada today.

It is not a secret that among the many required documents for immigration, you need to provide the results of a language test. Which ones are suitable and how to choose the right one? I will tell you now.

PTE Core

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has long promised to start accepting Pearson's PTE Core language test results. However, now the deadline has been moved to early 2024. I would like to believe that this time it is definitive.

What is this test anyway and why wait for it? First, the more options, the better, because you can choose the test that suits you best. Second, PTE Core is fully automated — no paperwork, just a computer. Third, Pearson has quite a few test-taking centers, which means you may need less time and money to plan and take it. For example, IELTS is not available in all countries.

And fourth, PTE Core has some interesting chips. For example, it is adapted for international English, and you can use both British variants of words and American ones. The tests are also evaluated by artificial intelligence, so they are evaluated much faster.

But don't despair, until PTE Core is recognized, there are other options. Canada has two official languages, and you can prove your proficiency in each language by taking one of two tests of your choice. I'll start with English. At the moment, IRCC accepts IELTS General Training and CELPIP General Test.

IELTS

The IELTS language test is the most popular among those moving to Canada. Its cost varies from CA$200 to $400 depending on the country of the test. And yes, you have to come to the test in person: you can't take it online.

The exam consists of four large blocks: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. When registering, you choose the date that suits you. The exam is usually taken in two stages, the speaking part is taken separately, although you can take it all on the same day if you wish.

We wrote about the IELTS language test and preparation for it in a separate article.

CELPIP

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The only current alternative to IELTS is the Canadian CELPIP test, developed by IRCC itself. As it is designed especially for Canada, it is much more locally specific: for example, there is more vocabulary that is used in Canadian everyday life and no complex British idioms. The test consists of the same categories as IELTS, and preparation materials are publicly available directly on the official CELPIP website.

This all sounds great, but there is a problem — the list of countries where you can take CELPIP is very limited. In addition to the United States and Canada, it includes China, India, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Mexico, and some other countries. Of all Europe, only London has a CELPIP center. It turns out that in fact for many immigrants there is no alternative to IELTS. Therefore, it would be great if the PTE Core results were finally accepted.

Language tests for studying in Canada

IELTS and CELPIP are language exams that are accepted when applying for a residence permit. However, very different requirements apply to those who obtain a study permit. Studying at a Canadian university or college is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to immigrate. You get on-the-ground experience, networking, work experience, and many other benefits.

We advise you to look at the section on entering, studying and further immigration to Canada on our website.

Many more language tests are suitable for studying in Canada. These include IELTS Academic, CELPIP, CAEL, TOEFL, PTE Academic, and even Duolingo. PTE Academic is developed by Pearson, the company behind PTE Core.

Like the PTE Core, the PTE Academic is fully automated and is administered on a computer at test-taking centers. There are such centers in many countries. The creators of PTE exams claim that their tests are designed specifically for the needs of test takers. That is, Academic tests use vocabulary relevant to the academic environment, while Core is designed specifically for immigrants intending to live and work in Canada.

French language tests

By the way, to live and work in Canada, not only English is suitable, but also French. It is the second official language in the country. Two tests are also suitable for confirming your level of French. These are TCF Canada and TEF Canada. Both test the same skills as the English exams: speaking, writing, reading, and listening comprehension. You can find test centers in large numbers all over the world.

What language level is needed

Let's say you've decided on the tests, set the day of the test, and are preparing. But what should you aim for? What result do you want? It is worth mentioning separately. Most Canadian economic immigration programs have different minimum language requirements. The score you need to get will depend on the specific program.

All the exams I've described have their own grading systems, but in the end, your results will be translated into a language level on the Canadian scale. There are two of them, the CLB for English and the NCLC for French.

If your language for immigration to Canada is English, you need a good CLB score, preferably 7 out of a possible 12, which is a B2 level. Such English is suitable for almost all immigration programs. But there are programs with lower requirements, from CLB 4. This, you can say, is basic level — somewhere A2-B1. There are many such programs, but they mostly work in certain provinces and often have additional requirements: for example, an in-demand profession or a job offer in Canada.

Preparation for the exam

I advise you to make every effort to prepare for the language test. If you don't like your results and you are sure you can do better again, try again. If you know one language well and the other not so well, make sure you try to prove both languages. Even a modest command of the second official language will give you a significant advantage in many immigration programs.

Finally, it is important to remember that all tests have their specifics. Even if you are confident in your knowledge of English or French, you should take time to prepare by working through examples of your particular test.

Take our free English and French tests to help you get a rough idea of your level if you are in doubt. We can also recommend online English courses from the Canadian language school ILAC.

Ivanna Pavlenko, regulated Canadian immigration consultant