Entry: Language Requirements for Immigration to Canada

Canada uses the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR) to assess your language proficiency, with B2 being the minimum recommended standard for good immigration prospects. This level is equivalent to an "independent" user who can function fluently in most everyday and professional situations. We share the comparative table of language requirements by immigration program.

Entry: Language Requirements for Immigration to Canada

Language Requirements for Immigration to Canada

Why are languages ​​so important for immigrating to Canada?

Fluency in English and/or French is one of the most valued factors in the Canadian immigration system. For many programs, Failure to meet the minimum standards may result in automatic rejection of your application., regardless of your work experience or academic background.

Canada uses the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) to assess your language level, being the level B2 The minimum recommended standard for good immigration prospects. This level is equivalent to an "independent" user who can handle most everyday and professional situations fluently.

Comparative table of language requirements by immigration program

Migration Program IELTS (English) TEF/TCF (French) Important notes
Express Entry – Federal Skilled Worker CLB 7 (IELTS: L:6.0, R:6.0, W:6.0, S:6.0) NCLC 7 (TEF: L:249-279, R:207-232, W:310-348, S:310-348) Language accounts for up to 28% of the total CRS points
Express Entry – Canadian Experience Class CLB 7 NOC 0 or A jobs
CLB 5 NOC B jobs		 NCLC 7 NOC 0 or A jobs
NCLC 5 NOC B jobs		 Previous Canadian work experience is required
Express Entry – Federal Skilled Trades CLB 5 (speaking/listening)
CLB 4 (read/write)		 NCLC 5 (speaking/listening)
NCLC 4 (reading/writing)		 Focused on skilled trades
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Varies by province, generally CLB 5-7 Varies by province, generally NCLC 5-7 Quebec has higher specific French requirements
Atlantic Immigration Program CLB 5 (minimum) NCLC 5 (minimum) Job offer from designated employer required
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot CLB 4 (minimum) NCLC 4 (minimum) Varies by community and type of employment
Quebec Skilled Worker Program It is not a main requirement Level B2 (NCLC 7-8) French is a priority, but English adds additional points.

How many additional points can I get with a good language level?

In the Express Entry system, excellent language proficiency can add up to 160 points of your total CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score:

Language level Points for first official language Additional points for second official language
CLB 10+ up to 136 points +24 points (with CLB 5+)
CLB 9 up to 128 points +22 points (with CLB 5+)
CLB 8 up to 120 points +19 points (with CLB 5+)
CLB 7 up to 110 points +17 points (with CLB 5+)
CLB 6 up to 94 points +14 points (with CLB 5+)
CLB 5 up to 77 points +10 points (with CLB 5+)
CLB 4 or less 0 points 0 points

Equivalences between CLB/NCLC exams and levels

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

club Listening Reading Writing Speaking
4 4.5 3.5 4.0 4.0
5 5.0 4.0 5.0 5.0
6 5.5 5.0 5.5 5.5
7 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0
8 7.5 6.5 6.5 6.5
9 8.0 7.0 7.0 7.0
10+ 8.5+ 8.0+ 7.5+ 7.5+

TEF Canada (Test d'Évaluation de Français)

NCLC Oral comprehension Written comprehension Written expression Oral expression
4 181-216 151-180 181-225 181-225
5 217-248 181-206 226-270 226-270
6 249-279 207-232 271-309 271-309
7 280-297 233-247 310-348 310-348
8 298-315 248-262 349-370 349-370
9 316-333 263-277 371-392 371-392
10+ 334+ 278+ 393+ 393+

Tips for preparing for your language exams

  • Start early enough: Plan at least 6 months of preparation to advance a full level (for example, from B1 to B2). Immigration processes often take time, so take advantage of this time to improve your level.

  • Take a diagnostic test: Before starting your preparation, assess your current level with a practice test to identify your areas of strength and weakness. This will allow you to create a more efficient study plan.

  • Familiarize yourself with the exam format: Each test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, TCF) has its own structure, question types, and specific requirements. Take the time to understand the assessment methodology.

  • Establish a consistent study schedule: Consistency is key. It's better to study 1 hour a day than 7 hours just one day a week. Create a routine that fits your lifestyle.

  • Practice with real exams: Constant practice with past exam samples is essential. It simulates real-life conditions, including time limits for each section.

  • Consider preparing as a couple: Studying with your partner or a classmate makes learning more effective and economical. Plus, conversational practice will be more natural and less stressful.

  • Focus on all skills: Work in a balanced way across all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). Many candidates focus only on the areas they consider most difficult, neglecting the others.

  • Incorporate the language into your daily life: Consume content in the language you're learning (series, podcasts, news, books) and look for opportunities to practice regularly in real-life situations.

  • Use specific resources for immigration: Work with materials that include vocabulary and situations related to the immigration process and life in Canada.

  • Control exam anxiety: Learn techniques to manage your nerves during the test, such as breathing exercises and effective methods for managing your time.

  • Take advantage of free resources: There are numerous online resources, such as virtual conversation groups, specialized YouTube channels, and free apps, that can complement your preparation.

  • Request professional feedback: Working with an experienced teacher who can correct your mistakes and offer you specific strategies for improvement can make a big difference in your preparation.

  • Perform complete drills: As the exam date approaches, complete at least 3-4 full mock exams in realistic conditions to build mental resilience and familiarize yourself with the test duration.

  • Take care of your physical and mental health: Adequate rest, good nutrition, and physical exercise have a direct impact on your ability to learn and concentrate.

  • Prepare yourself psychologically to retake the exam: Many candidates need to take the test more than once to achieve their desired scores. Consider this a normal part of the process, not a failure.

Why choose OnParle for your immigration language preparation?

Specialists in preparation for immigration processes

Our teachers are thoroughly familiar with the specific requirements of the IELTS and TEF/TCF tests.

personalized approach

We adapt our method to your specific needs and the immigration program you are applying for.

High success rate

87% of our students reach or exceed level B2 within the established time.

Flexible schedule

Classes designed for professionals who are working and preparing for their immigration process simultaneously.