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:

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:

Minimum Language Test Scores Required
Listening Reading Writing Speaking
IELTS 4.5 3.5 4.0 4.0
CELPIP 4 4 4 4
TEF 145 121 181 181

Reference 1: CLB to IELTS Conversion Table

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training – Test score 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

Reference 2: CLB to CELPIP Conversion Table

Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General 2014 Test score equivalency chart for reports issued on or after April 1, 2014
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
admin

Recent Posts

Guide: Submit Your Passport From Inside Canada After Your TRV Is Approved

If you applied for a new temporary resident visa, or a study or temporary work…

1 week ago

IRCC Update: Strengthening Temporary Residence Programs

To ensure the temporary residents we welcome to Canada can be supported adequately, the Honourable…

2 months ago

IRCC: Better Protect International Students

Ottawa—Canada is a top destination for international students, thanks to our high-quality educational institutions; our welcoming,…

4 months ago

IRCC Application Processing Time Explained

How we calculated this processing time This processing time tells you how long it took…

4 months ago