Language Requirements for Express Entry System

The level of language proficiency determines the points you get in the CRS system which in turn determines your eligibility for permanent residence in Canada. It is necessary to learn the requirements, be prepared well and have reliable testing methods, which is the key to success.

To be eligible for Express Entry, you must demonstrate proficiency in English or French, Canada’s official languages. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the language requirements for Express Entry.

Languages Accepted Under the Express Entry Program

English: The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is commonly used to assess English proficiency.
French: The Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) is used to assess French proficiency.

Acceptable Language Tests

Candidates must take at least one of the following tests for Express Entry, regardless of the immigration method.

CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (Only CELPIP General)
IELTS: International English Language Testing System (Only IELTS General)
PTE Core: Pearson Test of English
TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français
TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français

Evaluation of the Language Test in Express Entry

The primary goal of language tests is to assess various skills to evaluate the applicant’s ability to communicate verbally and in writing in the chosen language. Within the evaluation of language proficiency tests, various types assess different aspects of a person’s language abilities. Let’s explore these types:

1. Listening

This listening competency evaluates the ability of a person to perceive spoken language, such as discussions, lectures and directions.
The test may apply formats such as listening to recorded audio and answering questions relevant to that material.

2. Reading

This reading competency covers the reading comprehension level by evaluating the student’s ability to understand such documents as articles, reports, and instructions.
Multiple-choice and short-answer questions usually follow the text established in the text.

3. Writing

The writing proficiency in the given criteria is not only the candidate’s aptitude for writing but also equally reflects his or her grades and the coherence of the response.
Tasks may be assigned in different ways. For instance, essays, letters, or reports on current affairs can be written, taking into account the time allocated.

4. Speaking

Oral skills correspond to the candidate’s capability to speak, use correct pronunciation, be fluent, have a good vocabulary, and be grammatically accurate.
Usually, the test format continues with you speaking to an examiner or making records of the same responses to given prompts.

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Language Benchmarks for Assessment

The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) and the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC). These frameworks are used to assess language proficiency in English and French, respectively, for immigrants in Canada:

1. Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)

The Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) measures how well people can speak and understand English if they want to live and work in Canada. It is used by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

It is a standardized tool that helps you compare your test results and determines whether you meet the minimum language requirement for your immigration application.

The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) measure language proficiency in four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

The proficiency is measured against 12 benchmarks. You will receive a benchmark for each language skill that shows how well you perform in that particular ability.

Let’s break down the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores required for Express Entry across different programs. These scores determine your language proficiency in English or French:

2. NCLC (Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadiens)

The Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) assesses abilities in French in the same way that CLB does for English.

Accepted Language Tests and Equivalency Charts

These tests are accepted under the Express Entry system to assess language proficiency in English and French. Here are the details:

Language Test	English	French
IELTS: International English Language Testing System	You must take the IELTS General Training option.	N/A
CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program	You must take the CELPIP-General test.	N/A
PTE Core: Pearson Test of English	You must take the PTE Core option.	N/A
TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français	N/A	You must take the TEF Canada test.
TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français	N/A	You must take the TCF Canada test.

Language Test Equivalency Charts (English/French)

These are the equivalencies between the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs), Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC), and the results of language tests. These benchmarks are essential for assessing language proficiency in English and French for Canada’s immigration programs:

1. IELTS – General Training

CLB Level	Reading	Writing	Listening	Speaking
10	8.0	7.5	8.5	7.5
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

2. CELPIP – General Test

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
4	4	4	4	4

3. PTE Core

CLB Level	PTE Core Listening	PTE Core Reading	PTE Core Speaking	PTE Core Writing
10	89–90	88–90	89–90	90
9	82–88	78–87	84–88	88–89
8	71–81	69–77	76–83	79–87
7	60–70	60–68	68–75	69–78
6	50–59	51–59	59–67	60–68
5	39–49	42–50	51–58	51–59
4	28–38	33–41	42–50	41–50
3	18–27	24–32	34–41	32–40

4. TEF Canada

CLB Level	Reading	Writing	Listening	Speaking
10	263-300	393-450	316-360	393-450
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

5. TCF Canada

CLB Level	Reading	Writing	Listening	Speaking
10 and above	549-699	16-20	549-699	16-20
9	524-548	14-15	523-548	14-15
8	499-523	12-13	503-522	12-13
7	453-498	10-11	458-502	10-11
6	406-452	7-9	398-457	7-9
5	375-405	6	369-397	6
4	342-374	4-5	331-368	4-5

Canada is a bilingual nation, so you are eligible to appear for both official English and French languages. You can increase your eligibility by submitting both official language scores.

Language Requirements for Skilled Workers in Express Entry

The minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores are required for Express Entry across different programs. These scores determine your language proficiency in English or French. Here’s a concise summary:

Program	Language Ability	Minimum Level (English)	Minimum Level (French)
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)	First Official Language	CLB 7	NCLC 7
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)	Second Official Language	CLB 5	NCLC 5
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)	TEER 0 (previously NOC skill type 0)	CLB 7	NCLC 7
	TEER 1 (previously NOC skill level A)	CLB 7	NCLC 7
	TEER 2 (previously NOC skill level B)	CLB 5	NCLC 5
	TEER 3 (previously NOC skill level B)	CLB 5	NCLC 5
Federal Skilled Trades Program	English: Speaking and Listening	CLB 5	N/A
	English: Reading and Writing	CLB 4	N/A
	French: Speaking and Listening	N/A	NCLC 5
	French: Reading and Writing	N/A	NCLC 4