Express Entry Language Test Requirements
Express Entry Language Test Requirements are a critical part of your Canadian immigration application. Before you can submit your Express Entry profile, you must complete an approved language test in English or French and meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) levels. This guide explains everything you need to know about language test requirements, approved tests, and how to match your test results to official standards.
Take a Language Test
To qualify for Express Entry, you must prove your language ability by taking an approved language test.
To complete this step:
- Book your test with an agency officially recognized by IRCC
- Pay the testing fee directly to the testing agency
- Submit your results when you create your Express Entry profile, including your test certificate number and, if requested, your test PIN
Note: If you have a disability that prevents you from completing a standard test, special accommodations may be available.
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Approved Language Tests for Express Entry Language Test Requirements
You must take one of the following approved tests:
For English:
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CELPIP-General (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
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IELTS General Training (International English Language Testing System)
(Note: IELTS One Skill Retake is not accepted for Express Entry.) -
PTE Core (Pearson Test of English Core)
For French:
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TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français)
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TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français)
Express Entry Language Test Requirements by Immigration Program
Your minimum required language score depends on the program you are applying to:
1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
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For NOC TEER 0 or 1:
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Minimum English Level: CLB 7
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Minimum French Level: NCLC 7
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For NOC TEER 2 or 3:
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Minimum English Level: CLB 5
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Minimum French Level: NCLC 5
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2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Minimum Level for All 4 Language Abilities:
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English: CLB 7
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French: NCLC 7
Second Official Language:
If you choose to submit scores in a second official language, the minimum requirement to gain additional points is CLB 5 or NCLC 5.
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Minimum Language Requirements:
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English:
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Speaking and Listening: CLB 5
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Reading and Writing: CLB 4
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French:
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Speaking and Listening: NCLC 5
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Reading and Writing: NCLC 4
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Understanding CLB and NCLC Levels
Canada uses two standards to measure language proficiency:
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Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English
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Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) for French
You can use your test results to determine your corresponding CLB or NCLC level.
Validity of Language Test Results
Your language test results must be less than 2 years old when you:
- Submit your Express Entry profile, AND
- Submit your application for permanent residence
⚠️ Warning: If your language test results expire before you submit your permanent residence application, your application will be refused.
If your results are expiring:
- Retake the language test, or
- Submit your application before they expire, or
- Decline your invitation and return to the Express Entry pool to await a future invitation
Why Your Language Score Matters
Meeting the minimum Express Entry language test requirements is just the starting point. Higher language scores directly increase your CRS score — which improves your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply. If you are close to a higher CLB level, retaking your test could make a significant difference to your overall ranking in the pool.
Not sure where your language score stands? Book a consultation and we will review your profile and language strategy together.
📞 Call us: 647-409-2220 🌐 Visit: ghasedak.ca 📩 Start with a free eligibility assessment – book your consultation today.