Do I have to take a language test?

You must take a language test through a designated agency to apply to the Express Entry BC (EEBC) stream.

If you register under a category in the Skills Immigration (SI) stream, a language test is required if your job offer is for NOC skill level B, C or D. You do not require a language test if your job offer is NOC skill type 0 or skill level A. The BC PNP may request proof of English language proficiency at any time during the assessment of an application.

Completing an eligible test may improve your registration score and strengthen your application.

You can take any of these approved language tests:

• English
  • CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
    • you must take the CELPIP-General test
    • we don’t accept the General-LS test for Express Entry
  • IELTS: International English Language Testing System
    • you must take the General Training option
    • we don’t accept the Academic option for Express Entry
• French
  • TEF: Test d’évaluation de français, including:
    • compréhension de l’écrit
    • compréhension de l’orale
    • expression écrite
    • expression orale

What happens next

See what language level you have based on your test results in:

• Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)
• Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC)

We will use the test results as proof of your language skills.

Your test results must be valid (less than two years old) when you:

• complete your Express Entry profile
• apply for permanent residence

The Express Entry profile is valid for 12 months. Make sure that your language test results are valid for the same time period.

If your test results expire soon, you should re-take the test and update your Express Entry profile with your new test results.

Averaging your language score: for people with a physical or mental disability

If you aren’t able to complete one or more sections of your language test because of a disability, you must:

• use the Comprehensive Ranking System – Language calculator tool to find out your score for the abilities you were unable to complete
• input averaged scores based on those you completed

The Comprehensive Ranking System – Language calculator isn’t the same as the Comprehensive Ranking System tool.