Last Updated:February 25, 2025
Language Proficiency Tests Required for Canadian Permanent Residency Application
Canada is an ideal destination for many people due to its multicultural society and high standard of living. One of the most important factors in the process of obtaining permanent residence is language proficiency. The Government of Canada requires applicants to provide scores from approved language tests to objectively assess their ability in English or French.
Language Proficiency Leads to Permanent Residence
In the permanent residence application process, the applicant’s education, work experience, age, and language proficiency are evaluated comprehensively. These factors combine to form the applicant’s overall score. In particular, language proficiency is a key component of this scoring system, and achieving a high language score can significantly improve your chances of obtaining permanent residence.
Overview of Major Language Proficiency Tests
Language Proficiency Tests Required for Canadian Permanent Residency Application
Canada is an ideal destination for many people due to its multicultural society and high standard of living. One of the most important factors in the process of obtaining permanent residence is language proficiency. The Government of Canada requires applicants to provide scores from approved language tests to objectively assess their ability in English or French.
English Tests
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): An internationally recognized test that evaluates the four skills of reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
- CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program): A test based on scenarios specific to Canada that evaluates English proficiency in daily life and workplace settings.
- PTE Core (Pearson Test of English): A computer-based test that measures English proficiency, primarily aimed at non-native speakers, evaluating the four skills of reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Read personal experiences with PTE Core here.
Which test should you take? Differences between IELTS, CELPIP, and PTE Core
| IELTS | CELPIP | PTE Core | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Organizers | Cambridge Assessment English, IDP Australia, British Council | Paragon Testing Enterprises | Pearson Canada Inc. |
| Test Availability in Japan | Yes | Yes | Yes (Tokyo or Osaka) |
| Test Format | Paper or Computer (Reading, Listening, and Writing) + In person (Speaking) | Computer (Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking) | Computer (Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking) |
| Test Score | 9 (band score) | 12 (band score) | 90 (total score) |
| Accent | British English | Canadian English (North American English) | Canadian English (North American English) |
| Test Fees | $280 + Tax | Approximately $315 – $340 | $340 |
| Test Preparation | Well-established test with abundant preparation materials and courses. | A relatively new English test developed in Canada, with a consistent format that is easier to prepare for. | The most recently introduced English test by Canadian immigration authorities, with limited specific preparation information available. |
French Tests
- TEF Canada: Assesses comprehensive French language proficiency, especially suitable for immigration applications in Canada.
- TCF Canada: Measures general French proficiency and is widely used.
Both tests evaluate the four language skills, and the scores are valid for two years. It is important to note that scores from tests other than these will not be accepted for permanent residency applications.
What is the Canada Language Benchmark (CLB)?
The CLB is a system used in Canada to measure English language proficiency. It is used to assess and classify the language ability of English learners in Canada. The CLB evaluates the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Relationship between Language Tests and CLB Levels
Language Test Score Quick Reference
Language test scores such as those from IELTS, CELPIP, and other tests are converted into Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels, which serve as the standard for evaluating language proficiency in permanent residency applications. Achieving a high CLB level is a significant advantage in increasing your chances of obtaining permanent residence. Therefore, it is important to understand your CLB level and set appropriate goals.
| Test | Language | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB10 | IELTS | English | 8.0 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| CELPIP | English | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| PTE Core | English | 88-90 | 90 | 89-90 | 89-90 | |
| TEF Test date on or after December 11, 2023 |
French | 546-699 | 558-699 | 546-699 | 556-699 | |
| TEF Test date from October 1, 2019 to December 10, 2023 |
French | 566-699 | 566-699 | 566-699 | 566-699 | |
| TCF | French | 549-699 | 16-20 | 549-699 | 16-20 |
| Test | Language | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB9 | IELTS | English | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 |
| CELPIP | English | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | |
| PTE Core | English | 78-87 | 88-89 | 82-88 | 84-88 | |
| TEF Test date on or after December 11, 2023 |
French | 503-545 | 512-557 | 503-545 | 518-555 | |
| TEF Test date from October 1, 2019 to December 10, 2023 |
French | 533-565 | 533-565 | 533-565 | 533-565 | |
| TCF | French | 524-548 | 14-15 | 523-548 | 14-15 |
| Test | Language | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB8 | IELTS | English | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| CELPIP | English | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| PTE Core | English | 69-77 | 79-87 | 71-81 | 76-83 | |
| TEF Test date on or after December 11, 2023 |
French | 462-502 | 472-511 | 462-502 | 494-517 | |
| TEF Test date from October 1, 2019 to December 10, 2023 |
French | 500-532 | 500-532 | 500-532 | 500-532 | |
| TCF | French | 499-523 | 12-13 | 503-522 | 12-13 |
| Test | Language | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB7 | IELTS | English | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| CELPIP | English | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | |
| PTE Core | English | 60-68 | 69-78 | 60-70 | 68-75 | |
| TEF Test date on or after December 11, 2023 |
French | 434-461 | 428-471 | 434-461 | 456-493 | |
| TEF Test date from October 1, 2019 to December 10, 2023 |
French | 450-499 | 450-499 | 450-499 | 450-499 | |
| TCF | French | 453-498 | 10-11 | 458-502 | 10-11 |
| Test | Language | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB6 | IELTS | English | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| CELPIP | English | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
| PTE Core | English | 51-59 | 60-68 | 50-59 | 59-67 | |
| TEF Test date on or after December 11, 2023 |
French | 393-433 | 379-427 | 393-433 | 422-455 | |
| TEF Test date from October 1, 2019 to December 10, 2023 |
French | 400-499 | 400-499 | 400-499 | 400-499 | |
| TCF | French | 406-452 | 7-9 | 398-457 | 7-9 |
| Test | Language | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB3 | ||||||
| PTE Core | English | 24-32 | 32-40 | 18-27 | 34-41 |
Language Test Experiences
IELTS Experience
I found the Listening and Speaking sections of the IELTS particularly challenging, so I believe practical practice is key. Thanks to this test, I gained the confidence to meet the language level requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
CELPIP Experience
When I took the CELPIP, I was impressed by its focus on everyday language use. The test is structured around realistic scenarios, resembling situations one might encounter in Canadian daily life. By studying for this test, I was able to acquire practical English skills needed for life in Canada.
TEF Canada Experience
The TEF Canada exam made me realize the need for a wide vocabulary and solid grammar knowledge, as it tests comprehensive French language ability. Through preparing for this test, my French proficiency greatly improved, and I became confident in my ability to live in Canada’s French-speaking regions.
TCF Canada Experience
The Speaking section, in particular, was very helpful in preparing for daily conversations in Canada. It gave me the confidence to overcome language barriers in everyday life in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which test should I choose, IELTS or CELPIP?
It depends on your English level and the test format. CELPIP focuses more on Canadian-specific scenarios, while IELTS evaluates more academic English proficiency.
What is the new PTE test like?
Unlike CELPIP or IELTS, which feature familiar question formats such as matching content and reading comprehension, PTE Core includes a variety of question types such as reading aloud, shadowing, and identifying discrepancies between the audio and the script. For more details, please refer to this link.
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