Is a Language Test Required to Migrate to Canada in 2024?
Candidates planning to become eligible candidates are required to take the Language test for most Canada Immigration programs. The language test result is considered one of the crucial documents required to migrate to Canada. This requirement applies to the Federal Express Entry Program, Provincial Nominee Program, and several other Canada Immigration programs.
Successful completion of language tests is mandatory to demonstrate that you meet the minimum language requirement of the immigration program you are applying for. In this article, we delve into understanding the language requirements for Canada Immigration in 2024.
List of Canada Immigration Pathways Requiring a Language Test
The Immigration Authority of Canada, IRCC(Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada), has stated that there are a total of 12 immigration programs that require language tests. The list includes the following programs.
- Agri-Food Pilot
- Atlantic Immigration Program
- Caregivers
- Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot(EMPP)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Internship for Newcomers Program
- PR Pathways for Hong Kong Residents
- Rural And Northern Immigration Pilot
- Self-Employed Persons Program
- Start-Up Visa Program
Each of these 12 programs has a different minimum language score requirement that a candidate must obtain to demonstrate language proficiency.
Steps to Consider if the Language Test is Necessary
If you have decided to apply for any of the immigration programs mentioned above, you should,
- First, schedule your language test with a legitimate language testing agency.
- After scheduling the language test, pay the language test fee.
After receiving the language test score, what should you do next?
Following your exam, the IRCC will confirm the results with a regulatory testing organization to determine your language proficiency. Your next actions at this point will vary depending on whether you are applying for a program run by the Express Entry Program, such as CEC, FSTP, or FSWP.
- Express Entry Applicant: If the applicant has submitted their profile via the express entry program, they can submit their result directly on the express entry profile you have made with the IRCC.
- Non-Express Entry Applicant: If the applicant has applied for Canada Immigration via a non-express entry program, they should include a copy of their language test result along with the application submitted to the IRCC.
Language Proficiency Test Accepted for Canadian Immigration
The Canadian Immigration Authority, IRCC(Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada), accepts five language proficiency tests in total, from which three tests are accepted for the English language, and the rest are accepted for the French language.
The following are all five languages accepted for Canadian Immigration.
- For English
- CELPIP(Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
- IELTS(International English Language Testing System)
- PTE(Pearson Test of English)
- For French
- TEF(Test d’evaluation de francais) Canada
- TCF(Test de connaissance du francais) Canada
Minimum Language Proficiency Score Requirement for Canada Immigration
The Canada Immigration programs have varying language score requirements. The following information explains the minimum language proficiency for some of the Canada Immigration Programs.
| Canada Immigration Program | Minimum Language Score Required |
| Canada Express Entry(Federal Skilled Worker Program) | Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 for all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) |
| Canada Express Entry(Federal Skilled Trade Program) | CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs; CLB 5 for NOC B jobs |
| Canada Express Entry(Canadian Experience Class) | 5 CLB for speaking and listening and 4 CLB for reading and writing |
| Provincial Nominee Program(PNPs) | Varies by province and program, typically CLB 5 to CLB 7, depending on the stream |
| Quebec Skilled Worker Program(QSWP) | French: CLB 7 for speaking and listening, CLB 6 for reading and writing; English: CLB 5 for speaking and listening, CLB 4 for reading and writing |
| Atlantic Immigration Pilot(AIP) | CLB 4 for NOC C jobs, CLB 5 for NOC 0 or A jobs |
Conclusion
Canada Immigration Programs require candidates to take a language test to demonstrate proficiency in the required language. The Immigration Authority of Canada lists 12 programs that require language tests. Applicants schedule a test with a legitimate agency and pay the fee. The IRCC confirms results with a regulatory testing organization.
We understand that understanding, preparing, and taking the language test process can be a complex process. Therefore, Province Immigration is here to assist you with the same if you want more details about the language test, especially IELTS, contact Province Immigration via +91 98961 96762 or info@provinceimmigration.com.
