Canada immigration just like immigrating to most countries requires you to undergo a language test. Knowing the best language tests that suit your need is as important as wanting to move to Canada.
In this article, we covered what language test is needed for Canadian migration.
This also includes:
- What language tests are accepted by IRCC?
- What is the best English test for Canada immigration?
- Which English test is easy for Canada PR?
- What is the CLB score required for Canada PR?
- And lots more…
So, if you want to learn what language test is needed for Canadian immigration, you’ll love this guide.
Let’s get started.
Language Tests for Canadian Immigration
It’s definitely worth knowing, exactly what language test is needed for Canadian immigration so as to avoid any application disappointment along the line.
As seen in the infographics below, applicants are expected to score at least 6 bands in their language ability test for Canadian immigration.
Learning about what language test is needed for Canadian immigration is crucial in every economic migration to Canada.
The version of the test to take and the total number of scores to get are solely dependent on the program you are applying for. You are made to provide language test results from an authorized organization for your Canadian immigration.
Must Read: International Credential Evaluation Service for Canada Immigration
What Language Test is Needed for Canadian Immigration?
The three authorized test providers for Canadian immigration are the:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
- Test d’évaluation de français (TEF).
But note, when trying to decide on what language test is needed for Canadian immigration, the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) is a language ability test for those with French as their first official language, whole the IELTS and CELPIP are the two authorized test providers in English for Canadian immigration.
#1: International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
The IELTS is an internationally available English proficiency test and it’s one of the world’s most popular high-stakes English language tests, with over three million tests written in the past years.
The IELTS is of two categories:
- General Training
- Academic
When trying to decide on what language test is needed for Canadian immigration, it’s always best to take the IELTS test for general training, while students should take the IELTS academic test.
IELTS results provide a score for each language ability test, as well as an overall band score that averages your result in each ability.
#2: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) was designed as an assessment system for Canadian English, that contains elements of British English, Canadian English, as well as Canadian accents.
CELPIP is of two basic types:
- The General Test
- The General LS Test
When trying to decide on what language test is needed for Canadian immigration, you will have to take the CELPIP – General test.
#3: Test D’évaluation De Français (TEF)
If you are a native French speaker, you would want to submit your language test results to show your French proficiency.
The Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) for Canadian immigration is of four types:
- TEF
- TEF ANF
- TEF Canada
- TEFAQ
TEF is accepted by both Quebec and federal immigration, but when trying to decide on what language test is needed for Canadian immigration, TEF Canada is the most generally accepted.
When trying to decide on what language test is needed for Canadian immigration, you should note that all test results are valid within a 24 month (2 years) time frame, after which, you’ll have to take the test again.
What is the CLB Score Required for Canada PR?
Scores assessment by the IELTS, CELPIP, and TEF language ability test are of four grades:
- Listening
- Writing
- Reading
- Speaking
You may be able to increase your eligibility status by submitting test results in both official languages, English and French. This is because Canada is a bilingual country, nevertheless, you do not need to be bilingual to qualify for a Canadian VISA.
But, What Score Do I Need???
Most Canadian economic immigration programs have a minimum language requirement but it’s good to note that they are not all the same. In that case, the score may depend on the program you’re applying for, but nevertheless, many programs do operate on a point system.
Points can be awarded for things like age, work experience, and even education.
The below infographics shows what language test is needed for Canadian immigration, the necessary scores needed and how they are rated:
On the conclusion of the test, all your results are translated to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC). CLB grades from 4 (poor) to 10 (excellent).
When an immigration program indicates a language requirement, they are normally relating to a CLB level.
Conclusion
My best advice to you for a Canadian immigration language ability test is to put in all your effort in it. And if you’re unsatisfied with your results, you can always opt-in for another and try to improve them.
The most important thing to remember is that these are tests, you should always prepare by studying and engaging in test practices even if you are very confident with your current language ability; Noting that, even if you’re from an English-speaking country you will still need to provide proof of language ability in one of Canada’s two official languages.
Now I’d Love to Hear from You:
- What language test needed for Canadian immigration have you been able to complete?
- What’s your experience with that?
Let me know by leaving a comment below!