Language Tests for Canada Immigration - All You Need To Know

Surya Rathee
[Published 17 Jun, 2024 | 04:17 PM]
About Author - 5 min read
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To be eligible, most of Canada’s Immigration programs require you to complete a language test.

The language test requirement is one of the crucial documents required to immigrate to Canada - and applies to the federal Express Entry system, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and a majority of other immigration programs.

Completing a language test is mandatory to demonstrate that you meet the language requirements of the immigration program you are applying to. In this post, we will be providing an overview of language tests for Canada Immigration.

Which Canada Immigration Programs Require A Language Test?

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), 12 immigration programs currently require candidates to take a language test to be eligible. These include:

• Agri-Food Pilot
• Atlantic Immigration Program
• Caregivers
• Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Internship for Newcomers Program
• Permanent Residence Pathways for Hong Kong Residents
• Rural And Northern Immigration Pilot
• Self-Employed Persons Program
• Start-Up Visa Program

Each program has different standards regarding the minimum score requirement that you must obtain on your language test to be eligible.

Next Steps If Language Test Is Required

If you’re applying under any of the programs mentioned above, you must:

• First schedule a language test with an approved agency, and then
• Pay the cost of the language test.

What To Do After Getting Language Test Results?

After you take the test, IRCC will verify the test results with a regulatory testing body to provide your language skills. At this time, your next steps will depend on whether or not you are applying for a program managed under the Express Entry Program, i.e., FSWP, FSTP, or CEC.

• Express Entry candidates: If you are applying through Express Entry, you must submit your results directly to the online profile you created with IRCC.
• All other candidates: If you are applying through a non-Express Entry program, you must include a copy of your test result alongside the application you submit to IRCC.

In both these cases, your test results used to immigrate to Canada will only be considered valid if they are less than two years old when you apply for Canada PR visa.

Language Tests Accepted For Canada Immigration

At present, IRCC accepts five different language tests in total. Three for English and two for French. These include:

English

• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)

French

• Test d’evaluation de francais (TEF) Canada
• Test de connaissance du francais (TCF) Canada

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Minimum Language Score Required For Canada Immigration

The Canada Immigration programs mentioned above have minimum language score requirements - but they are all not the same. The score you must achieve will depend on the program you choose to apply for. Many of these programs operate on a point-based system such as Express Entry’s CRS Score Calculator. Points are awarded based on different factors including Age, Education, and Work Experience, in addition to Language Proficiency.

Our advice is to give it your best. If you are not satisfied with your results or are not able to achieve the minimum language score - you can re-take the language test as many times as you want.

The process of immigrating to Canada can sometimes be a complex and time-consuming challenge. If you’re having trouble, seek a quick free consultation from the Canada immigration consultants at Nationwide Visas.

Get a free consultation session. Call us@ +91 92 92 92 92 81 or email us at info@nationwidevisas.com.

Good Luck!

Read More: IELTS vs. CELPIP vs. PTE: Which is best for Canada PR?