Is IELTS mandatory for moving to Canada?

Mastering one of Canada’s official languages (French or English) is very important for everyone who wants to move to that great country.

Having good language skills will ease the integration process into Canadian life, and it will make communication with the locals smoother and more effective.  

Therefore, if you consider immigrating to Canada, having IELTS (an English language test) or TCF (a French language test) is a must.

Generally speaking, the language proficiency level required by the Canadian government is not the same. It always depends on the immigration program you apply for. Some programs require a fluent level in one of these two languages; while others require an intermediate or advanced level.

What are the approved language tests for moving to Canada?

Here are some detailed pieces of information about these approved language tests:

Approved English Tests
Test	Instructions
CELPIP (the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)	You must take the CELPIP-General test
IELTS (International English Testing System)	You must take the General Training option

Approved French Tests
Test	Instructions
TEF (Test d’évaluation de français) Canada	The test must comprise the four main language skills. These are: reading comprehension, writing, listening, and speaking.
TCF (Test de connaissance du français) Canada	The test must comprise reading comprehension, writing, listening, and speaking.

What does CLB (the Canadian Language Benchmark) mean?

CLB (the Canadian Language Benchmark) is a describing scale of 12 levels of language proficiency in the main four language skills which are: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.  

This English describing scale has its French equivalent, which is NCLC (Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadiens). Both of them are referred to as ‘IRCC’ in the Canada Permanent Residency application. After taking a language test, these two scales will be used to determine your language proficiency level based on your test results.

Again, the language proficiency level, as well as the score required, depends on the immigration program you apply for. Some candidates, for instance, will need a minimum score of 4 for reading and writing skills, and a minimum score of 5 for listening and speaking. While others may need more than that if they apply for another program such as FSTP (the Federal Skilled Trade Program).

As we have said above, this scale (CLB) is worked out after getting your language test results. So, bear in mind that taking a language test is the first step you need to take before you can determine your CLB level.

What language tests are recognized by the Canadian colleges and institutions?

Canada is one of the best destinations most international students choose to pursue their studies. This is because the country contains sophisticated universities and institutions, and it is well known for its high education quality.

In addition to that, it offers various facilities and several post-graduate visa options for international students.

Language Tests for Academic Purposes
Language Test	Eligibility
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language)	Approved by over 180 Canadian universities and colleges, including all English-based universities and 82% of English-based colleges.
CAE (Cambridge Assessment of English)	Approved by over 200 Canadian schools, including almost all public universities.
DET (Duolingo English Test)	Approved by almost 140 post-secondary institutions.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic	Approved by some 400 Canada’s universities and colleges
PTE (Pearson Test of English)	Approved by 90% of Canadian universities and colleges.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)	Approved by over 400 universities and colleges in Canada, including 100% of universities.
Tests offered by individual institutions	Toronto and McGill Universities

Please, make sure that the institution you are applying for approves the English language test you want to take before you enroll in it. Colleges and institutions that are designated as DLIs are those that are permitted to admit overseas students.

Top Articles Today :

Students who study an appropriate course at a DLI If you study an eligible course that’s at least 8-months long at a Canadian DLI, for a period of more than eight months, might be eligible for a PGWP (Post-Graduate Work Permit), whereby they can start their career and get a professional experience anywhere in Canada.

French-speaking immigrants can immigrate to Canada easily

Canada aims at attracting French-speaking immigrants from all over the world, to strengthen and support Francophone communities in some areas outside Quebec. This is why new changes to the Express Entry Program, as has recently been announced by the IRCC, have been made, offering French-speaking immigrants 25 extra points (up from 15) for their mastery of French. So if you have good French language skills, this will be an advantage for you. Your immigration to Canada will be easier.

Get ready for your IELTS test with our Canadian Visa agency

If you do not have an IELTS or another equivalent language certificate, this is not a problem. It shouldn’t obstruct you from achieving your goal of living in Canada. You can start an IELTS preparation course, and increase your chances to migrate to Canada as soon as possible.

You can join our IELTS course, and we ensure you full support and guidance to take your test with confidence and pass it successfully with excellent marks. We can also aid you in applying for your permanent residency visa. Our Canadian visa agency is certified, and our team, which consists of many qualified Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants, will help you and guide you step by step until you choose the best option for your journey in Canada.