Canadian immigration’s language test requirements are part of federal and provincial skilled worker programs. These language tests apply to the Provincial Nominee Program and the federal Express Entry, along with other skilled worker streams of Canada.
It is essential that aspiring candidates complete the language tests to further display their eligibility for a specific skilled worker program for which they are applying. Moreover, these programs have different score requirements.
The Canadian Language Benchmark is the standardized procedure based on which they assess the candidate’s language skills. Several programs require a CLB score of 4, while other programs require a CLB score of 7.
The language test scores will hold a validity of two years, which further indicates that completing a language test and submitting of Canadian immigration application must not exceed two years.
Supposedly. the language test score validity has exceeded two years, they will need to retake the test and resubmit the test results.
Canadian immigration’s language test requirements- approved language test details
It is mandatory to undertake a language test approved by the Canadian government to fulfill the language test requirements. IRCC gives its consideration to the following approved language tests for skilled workers:
For English– CELPIP General Test and IELTS General Training. IRCC even revealed that in the latter part of 2023, the Pearson Test of English would follow CELPIP and IELTS as the designated language test.
For French– The approved language tests include TEF Canada and TCF Canada.
Details of CELPIP
The CELPIP primarily comprises four modules, such as writing, speaking, listening, and reading, and is of three hours duration. The completion of the test will occur in one sitting, and typically, the test’s cost will be around $300 and will achieve its result after 4 to 5 days.
IELTS
Similar to the CELPIP, the IELTS also consists of four modules like writing, reading, speaking, and listening. IELTS has a duration of two hours and forty-five minutes. Candidates will have the opportunity to take up the speaking component before or after seven days of completing the remaining three modules.
Typically, the test costs nearly $300, and the online test results will be available within 3 to 5 days. Meanwhile, the paper-based application test results will be shown later than thirteen days.
TEF
The TEF language test is the basis to evaluate the French language skills of comprehension and expression among people who aren’t native French speakers. This test applies to Quebec immigration and is the only French test applicable for FSWP.
Typically, TEF is essential to demonstrate French language proficiency in the following cases:
- Canadian immigration and becoming a Canadian citizen.
- Immigration to Quebec.
- To gain studying experience in France.
- Obtaining France citizenship (TEF for Naturalization).
- French language ability for work experience certification.
- Studying abroad as an international student or for enrolment in specific programs.
The language test comprises three writing sections reading comprehension, vocabulary, and written expression. Meanwhile, there are two other oral sections: oral expression and listening comprehension.
Certain sections might be optional based on your circumstances, and each section will be between 15, 40, and 60 minutes.
The TEF cost will depend on the location where the test will be given.
Canadian immigration’s language test requirements- TCF
TCF is an assessment of French Comprehension and expression skills in individuals who are not native French speakers. It will be useful for Quebec immigration purposes. Additionally, there are three compulsory sections listening comprehension, language structures, and reading comprehension. The spoken component and written aspect are two optional sections. Hence, Quebec applicants must opt for the listening and speaking modules.
The writing and reading modules aren’t mandatory, but candidates get additional points. The mandatory examinations have a duration of one hour and thirty minutes. Meanwhile, the optional tests last only for two hours. Just like the TEF, the test costs will rely on the location where the test is taken.
