What do you know about language tests for Canada immigration?

News/Blog highlights

• For Canada immigration through Express Entry, language proficiency is a requisite for eligibility.
• IRCC approves two standard language proficiency tests to qualify for immigration.
• The options for language tests include IELTS and CELPIP for English and TCF for French.
• Language levels are determined by standards as per CLB and NCLC.

Most people choose Canada immigration for reasons like career opportunities, ease of the process, a welcoming country, and many pathways to permanent residency. When it comes to the main pathways to immigrate to Canada, Express Entry and PNP come on top as the two broad paths to take.

Know your eligibility to immigrate to Canada through Y-Axis Canada Immigration Points Calculator.

If you are an aspirant who wants to immigrate to Canada, you have to score on various factors like age, work experience, language proficiency, and education. As you make a profile in the Express Entry system, you have to give all the details and submit the documents that support them.

Also read: CRS score for migration to Canada

To be eligible to create an Express Entry profile, you need a minimum of 67 points under the CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System). Among these points considered are points for language proficiency in English and/or French. To prove your language proficiency to qualify to apply for a Canada PR visa, Canada has approved the following tests:

• IELTS and CELPIP for English
• TCF for French

About IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

IELTS is an English language test that’s meant to determine eligibility for migration for work, migration, or study. Every year, over 3 million individuals take the IELTS test. Over 11,000 universities, employers, and schools around the world accept the IELTS certification.

Also read: Entertainment is the new IELTS practice

For Express Entry immigration you have to take the General version of the test. The academic version of the Express Entry is not accepted for migration.

As of now, IELTS Online isn’t suitable for Canada immigration purposes. For immigration, you have to complete your test in a test center.

IELTS is the English proficiency test of choice for employers, professional associations, and educational organizations across Canada.

To learn more about IELTS training at Y-Axis, visit our IELTS coaching page.

About CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)

The CELPIP Tests are Canada's leading general English tests. The results of the test are used for immigration, professional designation, and citizenship.

The test is done in a single sitting. The test includes features such as a word counter, a personal timer, and spell-check. The English language used in the test is easy to understand. The vocabulary used in the test is taken from everyday situations.

The test results are available online within 4 to 5 calendar days after the test is held. You can access sample tests, online information sessions, videos, and online preparation courses for test preparation.

Also read: How many points are required for Canada PR in 2022?

For purposes of Canada PR, the CELPIP - General is designated officially. It evaluates your skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The General type is also accepted for professional designations.

For citizenship applications, CELPIP – General LS is applicable.

About TEF (Test d’évaluation de français)

The Canadian government has approved the TEF test for you to prove your linguistic skills in French when you apply for immigration and citizenship.

To apply for Canada immigration, you have to attend the following test modules:

Module	Time taken	No. of questions
Oral comprehension	40 mins	60 questions
Written comprehension	60 mins	50 questions
Oral expression	15 mins	2 topics to cover

To apply for Canada citizenship, you have to attend the following test modules:

Module	Time taken	No. of questions
Oral comprehension	40 mins	60 questions
Oral expression	15 mins	2 topics to cover

Once your test (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF) is over, you can find out the level of skill achieved through:

• CLB - Canadian Language Benchmark
• NCLC - Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens

The results will be accepted as proof of your language skills when you apply for Canada immigration. The test results must be valid (which means the test result mustn’t be older than 2 years) at the time of:

• Completing your Express Entry profile
• Applying for Canada PR

A profile on the Express Entry system has a validity of 12 months. You have to ensure that your language test results have the same period of validity. If not, you will have to re-take the test. Then you must update your Express Entry profile with your test results.

Before you make up your mind about the test to be taken, you have to be sure of which test will meet your requirements. Take professional coaching to help you with the test and score as well as you can. You will even have the chance to better it even after you created an Express Entry profile before your immigration application is finalized.

If you are willing to migrate to Canada, talk to Y-Axis, the leading immigration and career consultant in the UAE.

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