Express Entry language requirements
Every program needs results from an approved test covering all four abilities. The Federal Skilled Worker Program needs CLB 7 in each; results must be under two years old.
| Federal Skilled Worker | CLB or NCLC 7 in all four |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs, CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 |
| Federal Skilled Trades | CLB 5 speaking and listening, CLB 4 reading and writing |
| Accepted tests | IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, PTE Core, TEF Canada, TCF Canada |
| Valid for | Under 2 years old at profile and at application |
Which tests count
For English: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training (not IELTS One Skill Retake) and PTE Core. For French: TEF Canada and TCF Canada.
The minimum is not the target
The minimum is one part of a program's eligibility; invitations then go to the highest scores in each round. CLB 9 in all four first-language skills is where language points and transferability points both reach their higher steps.
Keep results valid
Your results must be less than two years old when you complete your profile and again when you submit your application. If they will expire first, test again or apply before they do.
Next step
Questions people ask
What IELTS score do I need for Express Entry?
For the Federal Skilled Worker Program, CLB 7 in each skill: IELTS General Training 6.0 in listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Is IELTS Academic accepted?
No. Express Entry takes IELTS General Training, and not the One Skill Retake.
How long are language results valid?
They must be less than two years old when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you submit your application.