August 8, 2018

【Canadian Permanent residence visa- English examination requirements- IELTS/ CELPIP (Not TOEIC, TOEFL or other exams)】

Although most inquiries from potential applicants of permanent residency have already taken different type of English exams, only test scores from the IELTS or CELPIP can be accepted. In addition, for applicants who can also speak French, only TEF test scores will be accepted.

English

• IELTS – General Training
• CELPIP – General

French

• TEF – Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking

For first time permanent residency applicants, you must have obtained test scores from either one of the above three options in order to be eligible to apply.

What’s the difference between IELTS and CELPIP？

IELTS

• Test can be taken worldwide, including Canada. In doesn’t matter what city/ country you took the test
• Written examination, with Speaking (Oral) examination done face-to-face with exam interviewer
• Listening part includes both British and North American accents.
• There’s no limit as to how many times you can take the examination. It can be taken anytime.
• Free study materials can easily be accessed.

CELPIP

• Examination can only be taken in Canada, the Philippines, U.S.A or the U.A.E.
• Computer-based examination, all input must be done through a headset. Spell-check is authorized.
• Oral examination done by speaking through a computer monitor.
• The examination is based entirely in Canada, so you can use Canadian English.
• Many of the questions are related to life in Canada, and so it may be easier for those who are already living in Canada.
• Study materials can be purchased from their website (Official site)
• Listening and Writing practice exams are free.
• You must wait one month before the next examination takes place.

When applying for permanent residency, you’ll need to convert your test score to correspond with the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) format. The conversion chart can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/standard-requirements/language-requirements/test-equivalency-charts.html

For example, those aiming for a score of CLB 7 for Federal Skilled Worker or Canada Experience Class will need to obtain a score of 6.0 on the IELTS. For most, CLB 7 is equivalent to an intermediate level in language skill. Many of them still study despite being able to hold day-to-day conversations.

CELPIP test scores are already in the format of CLB.

Other things to remember:

• Results will only be valid for two years
• A re-examination can be done for both the IELTS and CELPIP in the case of an insufficient score (for both Writing and Speaking).
• It’s not required that you take the English examination if you come sponsored by a family member.

Here are examples of schools that offer specialized courses aimed at the English examination preparation for permanent residency visa.

Schools that offers online preparation for Speaking can be found as well, so you can attend lectures no matter where you are.

International House Toronto     http://ih-toronto.com/ 

DEVELOP language Institute　　 http://developlanguage.com/en/

Vector　 http://www.vectorinternational.ca/ielts.html

CCV　https://canadacollegevancouver.com/programs/ielts/

IELTS official website:

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

CELPIP official website:

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

TEF official website:

TEF: Test d’évaluation de français

Language Testing on IRCC website:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/language-requirements/language-testing.html