You must pass a language test requirement to be eligible for Canada’s skilled worker immigration programs. All of Canada’s skilled worker streams, including the federal Express Entry program, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and other programs, require language tests.
Applicants for skilled worker programs must pass a language test to prove they meet language requirements. Depending on the skilled worker program, different minimum test scores are required.
A CLB measures your proficiency in a foreign language based on a standardized method. A CLB level of 4 is sufficient for some programs, but a CLB level of 7 is required for others.
Two years is the validity period for the results of language tests. If you pass a language exam and submit an application for Canadian immigration within two years, your application will not be approved. You took your language test more than two years ago, but you haven’t taken it since.
In order to immigrate to Canada, what are the approved language tests?
To meet the language requirement, you must pass an authorized Canadian government language test. As part of its skilled worker immigration program, IRCC accepts the following language examinations:
Tests for English:
- IELTS General Training
- CELPIP General Test
Furthermore, an announcement by the IRCC announced that three authorized language tests would be offered beginning in late 2023: PTE, CELPIP, and IELTS.
For French test:
- TCF Canada : Test de connaissance du français
- TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français
CELPIP – An overview
Listening, reading, and writing are the four CELPIP modules. It will take you approximately three hours to finish the test in one sitting. After the test, results are typically available within 4-5 days of the completion of the test, which costs $300.
IELTS – What is it?
Reading, writing, listening, and speaking are the four IELTS modules. Approximately two hours and 45 minutes are needed to complete it. It is possible to take the speaking component before or after the other three components up to seven days before or after.
It usually costs $300 to take the test. Taking the exam on a computer will result in the results being available in three to five days. 13 days after the test date, results are released for tests administered on paper.
About TEF
A TEF assesses a non-native speaker’s ability to comprehend and express themselves in French. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) accepts this French test as the only one that can be used for Quebec immigration.
Following are some examples of situations in which TEF requires French proficiency:
- Become a Canadian citizen by immigrating to Canada.
- Obtaining permanent residency in Quebec, Canada.
- The French language (TEF) is required to study in France.
- For the purpose of obtaining French citizenship (TEF for Naturalization).
- A certification that one is capable of speaking French at work.
- Enrolling in certain international programs and studying abroad.
In addition to the reading comprehension test, there are three written portions: writing expression, vocabulary, and writing expression. A second component of the exam is an oral expression component as well as a listening comprehension component. If your circumstances permit, you can opt out of some sections. It is possible to divide the segments into 15, 40, or 60-minute segments.
Last but not least, the test’s price depends on the location where it is given.
Understanding Canada’s language requirement for immigration TCF
As well as evaluating non-native speakers’ comprehension and expression abilities in French, the TCF is also used to measure their language proficiency. Immigration to Quebec is also possible with this document.
To complete the TCF, students must complete three sections: reading comprehension, language use, and listening comprehension. Several additional sections are optional, including an interview and written expression. As well as speaking and listening modules are required for Quebec immigration candidates. There are bonus points available for courses in writing and reading, regardless of whether they are mandatory.
A required exam lasts about one hour and thirty minutes, while the optional exams last about two hours. Similarly to the TEF, the fee for the test depends on the location.
