Please make sure you read the
guide, because it answers most of the questions you ask quite clearly. Refer to it first.
Note: you can if you want to, but you don't need to submit more than one proof of language ability.
Language requirement
- All applicants 18-54 years of age MUST submit proof that demonstrates adequate knowledge of English or French (even if your first language is English or French).
If you are 18-54 years of age and unable to demonstrate that you have the necessary English or French language ability due to a medical condition, this requirement may be waived. You must submit supporting evidence with your application. See Step 3 in this instruction guide.
Canadian Language Benchmark/Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens level 4 is considered “Basic Proficiency” and means an individual can:
- take part in short, everyday conversations about common topics
- understand simple instructions, questions and directions
- use basic grammar, including simple structures and tenses and show that you know enough common words and phrases to answer questions and express yourself
- If you do not have proof of language proficiency or the language level needed, you can take a government-funded language program to help you improve your language skills to get a certificate at a level of CLB/NCLC 4.
Examples of the types of language evidence that can be submitted include:
- You attended or are currently attending a secondary or post-secondary education program in English or French, either in Canada or abroad, including:
- A degree, diploma, certificate or official transcripts from a secondary or post-secondary education program showing you studied in English or French, in Canada or abroad.
- If the original document is in a different language, include:
- a letter from the school showing that the language of instruction was in English or French along with (including an official translation of the original document, if needed)
- the address and contact information (phone number) of the education institution
- Results from a third-party language test
NOTE: If you did the test in the past for immigration or citizenship purposes, we will accept the results even if it has expired.
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General Test (CELPIP-G) or the CELPIP-General LS (listening and speaking).
- If you took the test after April 1, 2014, you must have a score of level 4 or higher in listening and speaking.
- If you took the test before April 1, 2014, you must have a score of 2H or higher (i.e., 3L, 3H, 4L, 4H, 5L, or 5H) in listening and speaking.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS), General Training.You must have a score of:
- 4.0 or higher in speaking and
- 4.5 or higher in listening. (Note: If the test was done before November 28, 2008, we will accept a level 4 or higher)
- Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF), Test d’Évaluation du Français adapté au Québec (TEFAQ) or TEF pour la naturalisation.
- If you took the test afterJuly 1, 2012:
- Niveau B1 or higher, (i.e. B2, C1 or C2) in Compréhension de l’oral and Expression orale
- If you took the test beforeJuly 1, 2012:
- Niveau 3 or higher in Compréhension de l’oral and Expression orale.
- If you took the Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF) before July 1, 2012, you need a level 3 for expression orale only. This applies only to the TEF and not the TEFAQ or TEF pour la naturalisation.
Language requirement
- All applicants 18-54 years of age MUST submit proof that demonstrates adequate knowledge of English or French (even if your first language is English or French).
If you are 18-54 years of age and unable to demonstrate that you have the necessary English or French language ability due to a medical condition, this requirement may be waived. You must submit supporting evidence with your application. See Step 3 in this instruction guide.
Canadian Language Benchmark/Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens level 4 is considered “Basic Proficiency” and means an individual can:
- take part in short, everyday conversations about common topics
- understand simple instructions, questions and directions
- use basic grammar, including simple structures and tenses and show that you know enough common words and phrases to answer questions and express yourself
- If you do not have proof of language proficiency or the language level needed, you can take a government-funded language program to help you improve your language skills to get a certificate at a level of CLB/NCLC 4.
Examples of the types of language evidence that can be submitted include:
- You attended or are currently attending a secondary or post-secondary education program in English or French, either in Canada or abroad, including:
- A degree, diploma, certificate or official transcripts from a secondary or post-secondary education program showing you studied in English or French, in Canada or abroad.
- If the original document is in a different language, include:
- a letter from the school showing that the language of instruction was in English or French along with (including an official translation of the original document, if needed)
- the address and contact information (phone number) of the education institution
- Results from a third-party language test
NOTE: If you did the test in the past for immigration or citizenship purposes, we will accept the results even if it has expired.
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General Test (CELPIP-G) or the CELPIP-General LS (listening and speaking).
- If you took the test after April 1, 2014, you must have a score of level 4 or higher in listening and speaking.
- If you took the test before April 1, 2014, you must have a score of 2H or higher (i.e., 3L, 3H, 4L, 4H, 5L, or 5H) in listening and speaking.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS), General Training. You must have a score of:
- 4.0 or higher in speaking and
- 4.5 or higher in listening. (Note: If the test was done before November 28, 2008, we will accept a level 4 or higher)
- Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF), Test d’Évaluation du Français adapté au Québec (TEFAQ) or TEF pour la naturalisation.
- If you took the test afterJuly 1, 2012:
- Niveau B1 or higher, (i.e. B2, C1 or C2) in Compréhension de l’oral and Expression orale
- If you took the test beforeJuly 1, 2012:
- Niveau 3 or higher in Compréhension de l’oral and Expression orale.
- If you took the Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF) before July 1, 2012, you need a level 3 for expression orale only. This applies only to the TEF and not the TEFAQ or TEF pour la naturalisation.
- We will accept the following proof if you have submitted them in the past for immigration purposes to Quebec (note: these tests align with the échelle québécoiseand not officially with CLB/NCLC 4):
- Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF) – All test results
- Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF) – Level B1 or higher
- Test de connaissance du français(TCF) – Niveau B1 or higher
- Test de connaissance du français pour le Québec (TCFQ) – Niveau B1 or higher
If you're able to submit official transcripts from an education program you are currently attending, this leads me to believe that a transcript for only one semester is fine. I am not sure about this though, because I have seen elsewhere that they mention
completion of secondary or post-secondary education.
