IELTS AND CELPIP TESTS AVAILABLE NOW

IELTS AND CELPIP DURING COVID-19

Due to COVID-19 pandemic immigration Canada had to close many of its test centers to reduce the spread of corona virus.

Unfortunately, this has caused delays for applicants that are looking to apply for permanent residence as most PR applications require an IELTS and CELPIP to submit an application.

Applications that have been affected by this include:

Express entry applications
PNP applications
Caregiver applications
Start-up Visa
Self Employed Immigration
Citizenship applications (depending on your age)
Study Permit (depending on the program and school)

However, recently most provinces in Canada have opened or planning to open their test centers to allow candidates to complete their IELTS and CELPIP tests for their immigration matter.

It is mandatory for skilled workers to complete either a English or French language test that is officially recognized in Canada to allow them to secure permanent residence to Canada.

The higher the test language scores the better the chance of receiving an invitation to apply to Canada.

Below you will see a detailed comparison between IELTS and CELPIP tests and which one would be more favourable based on your personal preference.

IELTS and CELPIP

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) are designed to measuring applicants’ English proficiency.

Both IELTS and CELPIP are very much similar, however certain parts of the tests are seen a bit easier or difficult by certain individuals.

CELPIP test uses Canadian speakers only; while IELTS test their speakers can be from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK and USA in the listening section.

Most individuals find CELPIP listening section a bit more understandable and allow you to adjust volume in the headphones.

IELTS Speaking section allows you to have live conversation with the examiner, while during CELPIP test you have to record your voice on the computer. So depending on your comfort level you can choose the test that will work best for you.

So if you are applying for Canadian immigration most PR applications require you to take a test to determine your level of proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

See chart below of detailed comparison between IELTS and CELPIP.

Comparison Table of Task for IELTS and CELPIP

	CELPIP	IELTS
LISTENING	7 components 40-46 questions (40 scored) 47-55 minutes	4 components 40 questions 30 minutes
READING	4 components 38-45 questions (38 scored) 55-60 minutes	3 components 40 questions 30 minutes
WRITING	2 components Writing an email Answering a survey question 53-60 minutes	2 components Writing a letter and responding to a point of view Argument or problem 60 minutes
SPEAKING	8 components 8 shorts answer questions 15-20 minutes	3 components Introduction, Individual Speech and Two-Way Discussion 11-14 minutes
TYPE OF TEST	Computer Based Only	Paper Based Only Some test centres may offer computer based
SCORE	1-12 for each section	Score of 1-9 for each section
TEST DURATION	3 hours	2 hours and 45 min
RESULTS	About 10-12 days to receive results If you need results sooner, CELPIP offers express 3 business day results for $100 extra fee	About 13 days to receive results
VALIDITY	Good for 2 years from the date of the test	Good for 2 years from the day of the test

CELPIP Equivalency Chart

CLB LEVEL	READING	WRITING	LISTENING	SPEAKING
10	10	10	10	10
9	9	9	9	9
8	8	8	8	8
7	7	7	7	7
6	6	6	6	6
5	5	5	5	5
4	4	4	4	4

IELTS Equivalency Chart

CLB LEVEL	READING	WRITING	LISTENING	SPEAKING
10	8.0	7.5	8.5	7.5
9	7.0	7.0	8.0	7.0
8	6.5	6.5	7.5	6.5
7	6.0	6.0	6.0	6.0
6	5.0	5.5	5.5	5.5
5	4.0	5.0	5.0	5.0
4	3.5	4.0	4.5	4.0

You will need at least a CLB 7, which is a minimum of 6.0 for each section of the IELTS or CELPIP to apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry route which consists of three different pathways:

Federal Skilled Worker Program
Federal Skilled Trades Program
Canadian Experience Class

When you apply PR under Express Entry make sure your IELTS results are valid as they are only good for 2 years and it typically take 6 months for IRCC to process the application and rendering a decision on it.

Contact Akrami & Associates

When applying for Canadian immigration either tests is equally appropriate for your immigration needs. The chart above summarizes the differences and choosing one over the other is a matter of personal preference.

If you are not tech savvy person then it is recommended to the IELTS test as it paper based, but if your writing is not clear or more comfortable typing then CELPIP would be the better choice.

If you have recently received your IELTS or CELPIP results and not sure if you qualify to apply under one of the immigration routes for permanent residency then contact Akrami & Associates at 416-477-2545 or email us at info@thevisa.ca for more information

With Akrami & Associates there is always a way!!

Shabnam Akrami

Shabnam Akrami is the Managing Partner and Founder of Akrami & Associates. p> Prior to receiving her Paralegal Diploma with Honours, she completed her Law Degree from the UK at the University of London as well as completed a Post Graduate Diploma. In addition, she has also graduated from York University where she received both her Bachelor in Criminology and Masters in Socio-Legal Studies. She is also a Member in good standing with Law Society of Upper Canada. Prior to opening her own firm, she gained extensive experience in corporate immigration law; specializing in work permits, temporary resident permits and rehabilitation cases. She has in depth and hands on experience in all Canadian Immigration and Citizenship matters. These matters include preparation and submission of applications for permanent residence, work permits, NAFTA applications, labour market opinions, temporary resident permits, sponsorships, and business investors. Shabnam is dedicated to all her clients and committed to the successful completion of all the immigration matters in her care. With Shabnam, there is always a way!