Canada Immigration Language Converter
A standardized language test result demonstrating proficiency in English or French is mandatory for immigration to Canada under the Express Entry system. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) currently recognizes three tests. Each test assesses and scores four language skills: reading, speaking, writing, and listening.
Disclaimer
The Millennium Immigration makes every effort to ensure the quality of information available in this Canada Immigration Language Converter tool (the Tool). However, users should carefully assess the accuracy, completeness, and relevance of the information for their specific purposes before relying on it.
The information provided by the Tool is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as professional advice and should not replace the guidance of a qualified lawyer. Users are encouraged to consult a Canadian immigration lawyer to obtain appropriate professional advice tailored to their circumstances before taking any action based on the Tool’s material.
The Millennium Immigration does not accept any liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of or reliance on the Tool or the information it contains. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided.
Additional Information
Many of Canada’s immigration programs, including all three federal programs managed under Express Entry, require candidates to complete a standardized language test to demonstrate a minimum proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages: English or French. The federal economic programs include the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSW), the Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Canada utilizes its own system for assessing language proficiency, known as the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs), which range from CLB 1 (basic ability) to CLB 12 (complete fluency). In French, proficiency is classified using the Niveaux de compétence Linguistique canadiens (NCLC), which follows a similar structure.
Candidates for immigration through federal economic programs must show their proficiency in either English or French via a standardized test recognized by IRCC. Test results correspond to a specific CLB for each of the four language skills: Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Listening.
The three standardized tests accepted for demonstrating language proficiency for federal economic immigration are:
IELTS
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the most widely recognized test for immigration purposes, available to candidates both inside and outside Canada. It is essential for candidates to take the General IELTS test, rather than the Academic version. Results are reported in ‘bands’ for each skill, with an overall band score calculated as an average of the four abilities. Each band score corresponds to a CLB.
CELPIP
The CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) is a Canadian test for assessing English proficiency and is available to candidates taking the test within Canada. CELPIP results are directly aligned with CLBs, providing scores from 1 to 12 for each language ability.
TEF
The TEF (Test d’Évaluation de français) is the official test for assessing general French proficiency. It is recognized by IRCC for immigration applications and by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la diversité et de l’Inclusion (MIDI) du Québec for applications related to the Quebec Selection Certificate.
While candidates for federal economic immigration programs are required to prove proficiency in one official language, demonstrating proficiency in both languages can earn additional points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for Express Entry.