BC PNP Skills Immigration: Language Requirements

Language Requirements – Skills Immigration

While language test results may not be mandatory for the category under which you are registering, providing valid language test results may impact your registration score.

To meet program criteria, if you are registering and/or applying with a job offer for an occupation classified under NOC Skill Levels B, C, or D, you must submit valid language test results showing you have obtained a minimum score equal to or  greater than a benchmark 4 under the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in all four competencies: listening, speaking, reading and writing.

If the occupation offered to you is classified under NOC Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A, you are not required to submit valid language test results at the time of registration unless you are claiming points for language. However, at its discretion, the BC PNP may require valid language test results during application assessment to determine whether you have the language proficiency to perform the duties of the position.

If you are claiming points for language under the registration system, you must provide the BC PNP with a copy of your language test results at the time of application, regardless of the NOC skill level of your B.C. job offer.

A benchmark score of 4 is considered Basic Proficiency and means that you can:

• communicate basic needs and personal experience
• follow, with considerable effort, simple formal and informal conversations
• read a simple set of instructions in plain language
• write short messages, postcards, notes or directions

The valid language test results must be from one of the following language proficiency tests administered by a designated testing agency:

• the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training
• the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP-General)
• the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF)

Test results will be considered valid for the two years from the date of issuance. Test results must be valid at the time of registration (if required to meet category requirements) AND application.

The following table shows the minimum scores required in each of the designated tests to meet CLB 4: