Canadian Experience Class: Who can apply - Language requirements (all applicants)
Being able to communicate and work in one or both of Canada’s official languages is very important. Knowing English, French or both helps you in the Canadian job market.
You must prove your ability in English or French to qualify for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class.
Your occupation (job) will determine the language abilities you require to immigrate under the Canadian Experience Class. The requirements vary according to job classification under the National Occupation Classification system (NOC). Consult the application guide for more information on the language requirements for your occupation.
If you do not meet the minimum language skill requirement for your NOC category, your application for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class will be refused.
If you do not submit the results of an independent language test with your application, it will not be processed and your fees will be returned.
Proof of your language proficiency
If you have some proficiency in both English and French, decide which language you are more comfortable using. This is your first official language. The other is your second official language.
You must prove your proficiency in your first official language only. You must take a language test from an agency designated by CIC and include the results with your application.
NOTE: CIC officers will not hold an interview to assess your language proficiency. CIC will only accept test results from designated language testing agencies.
What happens next
A CIC officer will review your test results and match them against the language requirements for your occupation (either Canadian Language Benchmark 7 or Canadian Language Benchmark 5).
You will not have another chance to prove your language proficiency. The visa officer will only consider the independent test results that you provide when you apply.
Learn about:
Related Links