Canadian Experience Class Language Requirements

To be considered for the Canadian experience class, it is important that you meet minimum language requirements. Being able to communicate in English, French or both is very important to your overall success in Canada and with your employment. Your language will be assessed in four main areas:

• Speaking
• Reading
• Listening and
• Writing

Depending on the job classification that you fall under, there are different language minimums. These are known as Canadian Language Benchmarks or CLBs. If you have gained experience in a position classified as a NOC 0 or A, you must meet the minimum level of CLB 7 in English or French in all four of the main areas of assessment. If you have gained experience in a position that is classified as a NOC B job, the minimum language requirement to meet is a CLB 5. Unfortunately, if you do not meet the minimum requirements, Citizenship and Immigration Canada does have the right to refuse your application.

Your language testing is to be completed by a designated agency by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. The agencies that Citizenship and Immigration Canada recognize are:

• CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
• IELTS: International English Language Testing System
• TEF: Test d’évaluation de français

See below for the scoring rubric with respect to language scores:

English

CELPIP has two tests: “CELPIP-General (CELPIP-G)” and “CELPIP-Academic (CELPIP-A).” You must take the “CELPIP-G” test.

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

IELTS has two options for the reading and writing tests: “General Training” and “Academic.” You must take the “General Training” option.

French

TEF: Test d’évaluation de français

You must submit results from the following TEF tests as proof of your French language proficiency:

• compréhension écrite
• compréhension orale
• expression écrite
• expression orale