Language testing

Do I need a language test to immigrate to Canada?

Many economic immigration programs require a language test to qualify. You’ll need to:

• schedule your test with an approved agency
• pay the test costs

What to include in your application

If you’re applying for Express Entry, you’ll enter your test scores directly into your profile.

If you’re applying any of the other programs above, include a copy of the test results with your application.

These results must be less than 2 years old when you apply. Keep a copy of them for your records and future use.

Language tests we accept

You can take any of these approved language tests:

English

• CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
  • You need to take the CELPIP – General test.
• IELTS: International English Language Testing System
  • You need to take the IELTS General Training test.
• PTE Core

French

• TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français
• TCF Canada : Test de connaissance du français

What are the language requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Program?

You must prove your language skills by taking a third-party language test from an agency designated by us.

When creating your Express Entry profile, you must fill in all the information related to the language test you have taken in English and/or French for your first and second official language.

You also need to make sure that you meet the minimum language threshold in order to be eligible for the program.

Your language test results must be valid (written in the last two years) when you submit your application for permanent residence. If they expire, you should retake the test and provide us with valid results. Otherwise, your application will be rejected as incomplete or may be refused.

Are any Federal Skilled Worker immigration applicants exempt from the mandatory language test?

No, there are no exceptions to this rule. Each of the programs under Express Entry requires the submission of third-party language results. You will include the results of your test(s) in your Express Entry profile. Canada wants to assess all applicants against the same standards, no matter their language of origin, nationality or ethnicity.

Even someone from an English-speaking country, who speaks English as a first language, would need to take the test. Similarly, someone from a French-speaking country, who speaks French as a first language, needs to take a test.

How does a third-party language test help me with my immigration process?

First, you will know ahead of time whether or not your language abilities qualify to immigrate to Canada under one of these programs.

Second, you will get an objective, realistic assessment of your language ability. The test will also reveal areas where you could improve.

A third-party language test is the most efficient way to have your language skills assessed. This helps us to process applications more quickly.

Also, many regulatory bodies and industries will need you to have language testing. Taking the test gets you one step closer toward getting a job in Canada.