Language Tests for Canadian Immigration: IELTS, CELPIP & TEF Explained

IRCC accepts five language tests for immigration: IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General and PTE Core for English, and TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French. Scores convert to a CLB level in each of the four abilities and stay valid for 2 years. Each program sets its own minimum, such as CLB 7 for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

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Last verified: November 2026

CLB 7
Federal Skilled Worker minimum, in all four abilities
2 years
How long results stay valid, from the test date
NCLC 7
French level in all four abilities that can earn additional CRS points

Each testing organization sets its own price.

Which tests count for immigration?

Language proficiency is a mandatory requirement for most Canadian permanent residence pathways. Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), applicants generally must demonstrate ability in English or French using a designated test from a testing organization approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

IELTS General Training: The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is offered in two versions: Academic and General Training. IRCC says you must take the IELTS General Training option: the Academic version is not accepted for Express Entry, and IRCC's permanent residence and PGWP pages ask for General Training. Scores run from 0 to 9, in half bands.
CELPIP-General: An English test developed in Canada (at the University of British Columbia, per celpip.ca). CELPIP scores are reported on a scale of 1 to 12 that directly corresponds to CLB levels (CELPIP 7 = CLB 7). The CELPIP-General LS (Listening and Speaking only) is accepted for Canadian citizenship applications, and it is not on IRCC’s Express Entry list of accepted tests.
PTE Core: The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core is a computer-based test, and it is the only PTE option IRCC accepts: PTE Academic is not accepted for Express Entry. PTE Core scores are converted to CLB levels using IRCC's official equivalency table.
TEF Canada: Offered by Le français des affaires, a service of the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI Paris Île-de-France). It tests four abilities, and scores convert to NCLC levels.
TCF Canada: Administered by France Éducation International (FEI). It tests the same four abilities, and scores also convert to NCLC levels. TEF Canada and TCF Canada are the only French tests IRCC accepts for Express Entry, and IRCC accepts them equally.

How do test scores become CLB levels?

Canada uses the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English and Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for French as the official scales for measuring language ability in immigration. The scale has 12 benchmarks, from CLB 1 (basic) to CLB 12 (advanced), assessed across four abilities: Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing.

Raw scores from approved tests are converted to CLB/NCLC levels using official equivalency charts published by IRCC. The Language Converter turns IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core, TEF and TCF scores into CLB levels.

What score does each program need?

Each IRCC program sets its own minimum CLB thresholds under the IRPR, and the minimum applies to each of the four abilities individually, not to your average. Meeting the threshold for one program does not mean meeting it for another.

Meeting a program minimum makes you eligible to be considered. It does not by itself guarantee an invitation, since Express Entry candidates are ranked by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and selected from the pool.

Minimum language levels by program
Program	Minimum	Notes
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)	CLB 7	All 4 abilities. IRPR s.75(2)(d), threshold set by the Minister under s.74(1)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)	CLB 5 (TEER 2/3) / CLB 7 (TEER 0/1)	Based on the NOC TEER category of your work experience
Federal Skilled Trades (FSTP)	CLB 5 Speaking/Listening, CLB 4 Reading/Writing	Reduced thresholds for trades occupations
Atlantic Immigration Program	Set by job offer TEER	Set by the TEER category of the job offer. See IRCC's AIP page
Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)	CLB 6 (TEER 0/1), CLB 5 (TEER 2/3), CLB 4 (TEER 4/5)	Set by the TEER category of your job offer. IRCC says the pilot closes as of January 1, 2027, and a permanent Rural Community Immigration Program replaces it
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)	Varies by province	Check individual stream requirements

The rule

For the Federal Skilled Worker program, you must meet the CLB 7 minimum in all four abilities.

IRPR s.75(2)(d); threshold set under s.74(1)Verify on justice.gc.ca

What can French results add in Express Entry?

Under current CRS rules, a candidate with French results at NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilities can receive additional points for French-language skills: 25 points with English at CLB 4 or lower (or no English test), or 50 points with CLB 5 or higher in all four English abilities.

Strong French is also the basis for IRCC's French-language proficiency category-based draws. Track the latest Express Entry draw results and CRS cutoffs.

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What do people ask?

Which language tests does Canada accept for immigration?

IRCC accepts IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General and PTE Core for English, and TEF Canada and TCF Canada for French. No other test or self-assessment counts. Results convert to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level for English or an NCLC level for French, in each of the four abilities. Each program then checks those levels against its own minimum.

Is CELPIP easier than IELTS, and how are they different?

Neither is easier by rule: IRCC treats both the same once results convert to CLB. The difference is the test itself. CELPIP-General, developed in Canada, scores from 1 to 12 in line with CLB levels. IELTS General Training scores from 0 to 9 in bands.

What language test score do I need for Canada immigration?

It depends on the program, and the minimum applies to each ability separately. The Federal Skilled Worker Program needs CLB 7 in all four abilities. The Canadian Experience Class needs CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 work and CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3. The Federal Skilled Trades Program needs CLB 5 in speaking and listening and CLB 4 in reading and writing.

Which French language tests are accepted for Canadian immigration?

Only TEF Canada and TCF Canada, and IRCC accepts them equally. Scores convert to NCLC levels. A candidate with NCLC 7 or higher in all four French abilities can earn extra CRS points: 25, or 50 with CLB 5 or higher in all four English abilities. Strong French is also the basis for French-language category rounds.

Can I use IELTS Academic for Canadian immigration?

No. IRCC says you must take the IELTS General Training option for Express Entry, and its permanent residence and PGWP pages ask for General Training. IELTS Academic is not accepted for Express Entry. Make sure you book the General Training version at your test centre, and check the name of the test on your booking.

How long are language test results valid for immigration?

Results are valid for 2 years from the test date. For Express Entry, they must still be valid when you submit your profile and when you submit your permanent residence application after an invitation. Testing too early can mean your results expire while you wait in the pool. The Express Entry page explains the profile and invitation steps.

What is the difference between CLB 7 and IELTS 6.0?

They match: CLB 7 in English equals an IELTS General Training score of 6.0 in each of the four abilities. That is the minimum for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Each ability counts separately, so CLB 7 in three abilities and CLB 6 in writing does not meet it, and you would need to retake the test.

Part of:Immigrating permanently

Official sources

This page is based on law and policy published by the Government of Canada.