Language tests for Express Entry

Overview

Language tests for Express Entry

Every Express Entry candidate must submit results from an approved English or French test, even if that language is the candidate’s first language. Results must be less than two years old when the permanent residence application is submitted.

Only the approved test and version count

For English, IRCC accepts CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core. IELTS Academic is not the required version, and IRCC states that IELTS One Skill Retake is not accepted for Express Entry. For French, the approved tests are TEF Canada and TCF Canada.

A school transcript, employer letter or proof that English or French is a first language cannot replace an approved test. Enter the test number and scores exactly as issued.

Convert each ability separately

IRCC converts speaking, listening, reading and writing to Canadian Language Benchmark levels for English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien levels for French. The overall band shown by a testing organization is not the Express Entry measure.

One lower ability can make a candidate ineligible even when the other three are high. Use IRCC’s current equivalency chart for the exact test and result, because the raw-score scales differ.

Program minimums are not all the same

The Federal Skilled Worker Program requires at least CLB or NCLC 7 in all four abilities. Canadian Experience Class candidates need 7 for work in TEER 0 or 1 and 5 for work in TEER 2 or 3. The Federal Skilled Trades minimum is 5 for speaking and listening and 4 for reading and writing.

These are eligibility floors. Higher results can add substantial CRS and skill-transferability points, and NCLC 7 in each French ability can open the French-language category when its other instructions are met.

Plan around the two-year validity period

The result must remain valid when the permanent residence application is submitted. A candidate whose results will expire during the 60-day invitation period should not assume the profile score can be preserved with an expired test.

After a retest, update the profile with the new result. If an invitation was based on higher old results that expired, recalculate the score and confirm program eligibility before filing.