Help Center

What are the language requirements for Provincial Nominees?

If you apply under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in a semi- or low-skilled job, the province will usually need you to have a third-party language test before they will nominate you.

This test will show whether your language skills meet a minimum standard in each of these four categories:

• listening,
• speaking,
• reading and
• writing.

This does not apply if you are a temporary foreign worker in a semi- or low-skilled job, and who:

• entered Canada on or before July 1, 2012, and
• is nominated in an employer-driven stream by July 1, 2013.

You must include a copy of the test results when you apply for permanent residence. If you do not, your application is not complete and we will send it back to you.

The test must be a third-party language test from an agency approved by CIC.

You should check the website of the province you want to nominate you to find out more about whether you need to take a test.

Answers others found useful

• Who is a federal skilled worker?
• What are the language requirements for applicants?
• Can lower skilled workers apply for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class?
• I have a one-year master’s degree or certificate. Can I apply under the Canadian Experience Class?
• Can I count part-time work toward the requirements for work experience?