Immigration Tools
Language Requirements
Minimum CLB levels for every major Express Entry stream, PR pathway, and temporary permit, plus the test scores that map to each level.
Score lookup
Enter a CLB level to see the matching test scores across all accepted exams.
Minimum requirements by program
All programs below require scores from an approved language test taken within the last 2 years. CLB = Canadian Language Benchmark; the four skills are Speaking (S), Listening (L), Reading (R), Writing (W).
Express Entry (Federal PR streams)
| Program | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) | CLB 7 | CLB 7 | CLB 7 | CLB 7 | Minimum to enter the pool. Higher scores earn more CRS points. |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) TEER 0 or 1 | CLB 7 | CLB 7 | CLB 7 | CLB 7 | Managers and skilled professionals. Must have 1 year Canadian work experience. |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) TEER 2 or 3 | CLB 5 | CLB 5 | CLB 5 | CLB 5 | Technicians and skilled trades. Lower threshold reflects occupation group. |
| Federal Skilled Trades (FST) | CLB 5 | CLB 5 | CLB 4 | CLB 4 | Reading and writing thresholds are CLB 4; speaking and listening remain CLB 5. |
Other PR and temporary pathways
| Pathway | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian Citizenship | CLB 4 | CLB 4 | Not required | Not required | Only speaking and listening are assessed. Applicants aged 18 to 54 must demonstrate ability in English or French. |
| Study Permit | No IRCC minimum | Each designated learning institution sets its own admission standard. IELTS Academic is typically required (not General Training). | |||
| Work Permit (LMIA or employer-specific) | No IRCC minimum | Requirements vary by employer and occupation. LMIA-exempt permits (IEC, CUSMA, etc.) follow the specific program rules. | |||
Test equivalencies
The table below shows the minimum score in each skill needed to achieve a given CLB level. CELPIP scores map directly to CLB (CLB 7 = CELPIP 7, etc.). TEF Canada French scores shown are minimum raw scores out of the exam maximum.
| CLB | IELTS General Training | CELPIP | TEF Canada | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | All skills | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | |
| 4 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4 | 121 | 72 | 60 | 121 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5 | 145 | 109 | 91 | 145 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 6 | 181 | 145 | 121 | 181 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 7 | 226 | 181 | 151 | 226 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 8 | 271 | 217 | 181 | 271 |
| 9 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 9 | 310 | 249 | 207 | 310 |
| 10 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 10 | 349 | 280 | 233 | 349 |
| 11 | 8.0 | 9.0 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 11 | 371 | 298 | 248 | 371 |
| 12 | 8.5 | 9.0 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 12 | 393 | 316 | 263 | 393 |
Rows 7 and 8 are highlighted as they represent the most common Express Entry thresholds. TEF max scores: Speaking 450, Listening 360, Reading 300, Writing 450.
Approved tests
English
- IELTS General Training Accepted for all Express Entry streams and most PR pathways
- CELPIP General Canada-only test; scores map directly to CLB levels
French
- TEF Canada Test d'evaluation de francais; the primary French test for IRCC
- TCF Canada Test de connaissance du francais; also accepted for immigration
Language test results are valid for 2 years from the date of the test. Results must still be valid when IRCC receives your application and at any stage where updated proof is requested.
Score improvement tips
A higher CLB score can add significant CRS points and broaden your program eligibility. These strategies consistently help applicants close the gap.
Take official practice tests under exam conditions
Timed practice with real past papers builds pacing and reduces test-day surprises. IELTS and CELPIP both publish free sample questions. Identify which skills drop first under time pressure and target those.
Book a consultation for a personalized study planFocus on your weakest skill first
Your CLB in Express Entry is set by the lowest of your four scores. Bringing a CLB 6 Writing up to CLB 7 has the same effect as improving all four skills simultaneously. Identify your floor skill and concentrate study time there.
Get advice on where to focusUnderstand the exact scoring format of your chosen test
IELTS and CELPIP assess the same four skills but use different formats and marking criteria. Some applicants score 0.5 to 1.0 band higher on CELPIP because it uses a computer interface and real-life Canadian English. Try both if possible before committing to an exam date.
Talk through which test suits youImmerse in the right register of English
Immigration tests assess everyday Canadian English, not academic prose. Listening to Canadian news, podcasts, and workplace-scenario dialogues builds the vocabulary and accent recognition tested in Listening. For Writing, practice short formal emails and letters, not essays.
Ask us about preparation resourcesBook your test at least 3 months before applying
Express Entry profiles expire if an ITA is not received and accepted. Leaving room for one re-sit within the 2-year validity window avoids having to rebuild your profile from scratch with a new test. Results take 2 to 13 days depending on the test and delivery method.
Get a timeline review from our teamThese tools provide general estimates based on current IRCC guidelines. They are not legal advice and do not guarantee any immigration outcome. Point values, fees, and thresholds change frequently. Always verify figures at canada.ca and consult a regulated immigration consultant before making any decisions.
Not sure if your scores are enough?
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