Expert-guided assistance
Work closely with experienced professionals who deeply understand the nuances of Canadian immigration language requirements.
Score-focused preparation approach
We prioritize targeted strategies structured strictly to elevate your band scores and maximize your CRS points.
Personalized consultation before starting
Every individual's journey begins with a professional strategy session to appropriately assess your level and expectations.
Select Your Language Test
CELPIP General
A 100% computer-based English proficiency test designed exclusively for Canadian permanent residency and immigration.
View BundlesIELTS General Training
The global standard English assessment universally accepted by Express Entry for skilled worker immigration.
View BundlesPTE Core
A fast, fully AI-scored English test recently approved by IRCC to maximize Express Entry points.
View BundlesTEF Canada
An official French proficiency assessment essential for claiming sweeping CRS bonus points in Canada.
View BundlesTCF Canada
An approved alternative French test fully recognized by IRCC to validate Francophone immigration pathways.
View BundlesWhich Language Tests Does IRCC Accept for Express Entry?
Express Entry scores your language ability on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scale for English and the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) scale for French. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) only converts results from the designated tests below, and your result must be less than two years old on the day you submit your application.
| Test | Language | Delivery | Approx. duration | Score scale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CELPIP-General | English | Fully computer-delivered | About 3 hours, one sitting | Levels 1–12 |
| IELTS General Training | English | Paper or computer; speaking with an examiner | About 2 hours 45 minutes | Bands 0–9, in half bands |
| PTE Core | English | Computer-delivered, automatically scored | About 2 hours | 10–90 per skill |
| TEF Canada | French | Paper or computer, depending on centre | About 3 hours across four modules | Points per module (see page) |
| TCF Canada | French | Paper or computer, depending on centre | About 3 hours across four tests | Points and levels (see page) |
How Many CRS Points Language Is Worth
Minimum Language Requirements by Program
- Federal Skilled Worker Program: CLB 7 in each of reading, writing, listening and speaking in your first official language.
- Canadian Experience Class: CLB 7 in each ability for NOC TEER 0 or TEER 1 jobs, and CLB 5 in each ability for TEER 2 or TEER 3 jobs.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program: CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing.
These are the published minimums to be eligible. Meeting the minimum is not the same as being competitive in a round of invitations. Always check the current requirements on the Government of Canada website before booking a test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which English test is easiest for Express Entry?
There is no easier test, only a better fit. CELPIP-General and PTE Core are fully computer-delivered and use Canadian and international accents respectively; IELTS General Training uses a face-to-face speaking interview. Candidates who freeze in a live interview often do better on CELPIP or PTE Core, while candidates who write faster by hand sometimes prefer paper-based IELTS.
How long are language test results valid for Express Entry?
Results must be less than two years old on the day you submit your permanent residence application. If your result expires while you are in the pool, your profile stops being valid until you enter a new result.
Can I take both an English and a French test?
Yes. You claim one language as your first official language and the other as your second. A French result at NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilities can also attract up to 50 additional CRS points on top of the second-language points.
What is CLB 9 and why does everyone target it?
CLB 9 is the benchmark where first-language points reach their highest practical band for most candidates and where the skill transferability blocks unlock. Moving from CLB 8 to CLB 9 in all four abilities is usually the single largest CRS gain available to a candidate who cannot change their age, education or work history.
How many times can I retake the test?
There is no IRCC limit on retakes. You may sit any of the designated tests as often as the test provider allows, and you enter whichever valid result you prefer into your Express Entry profile.