An overview of the language tests for Canada PR


 Are you planning to settle down in Canada as a PR but are still confused about the language tests?

If this is the case, then you have landed on the right place.

 Let us understand the tit and bits of the language tests required to apply for a Canada PR. These tests will help you showcase and prove your English or French speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.

 If you seek a Canadian PR visa under the Express Entry Program, you should have a minimum of 6 bands in each module in IELTS, which is equal to CLB (Canadian Level Benchmark) level 7. However, there are alternative immigration options that will allow you to apply for a Canada PR Visa even if you have a poor IELTS score. Once you have submitted your express profile in the Express Entry pool and received your CRS score, you will be able to obtain an ITA that will allow you to submit your application for a Canada PR Visa to IRCC.

If you have a poor IELTS score, you can still apply for a Canada PR Visa under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNPs). But it is advised that you should try to score as much as possible as that will help you easily sail through the immigration process with higher CRS scores and profile visibility.

The Canadian government has announced English and French as their official languages. Therefore, it implies that any skilled immigrants who wish to relocate to Canada must demonstrate linguistic fluency in one or both languages. In addition, candidates must complete language tests authorized by the federal government of Canada to demonstrate competence in the English language.

The following are language tests for Canada Express Entry to demonstrate your English proficiency:

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

  • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)

 The recognized examinations for the French languages are as follows:

  • TEF Canada (Test d’evaluation de francais)

  • TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du francais)

 IELTS Overview

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most widely used high-stakes English language examinations globally. It assesses the ability of those who wish to study or work in an overseas nation. It works on a nine-band scale to determine the candidate's competency, ranging from non-user (scoring 1) to expert (score 9).

IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training are the two main categories of IELTS tests. IELTS Academic is for students applying to universities in English-speaking countries. In contrast, IELTS General Training is designed for candidates who will be travelling to an English-speaking nation for work experience or training programs. It is required for immigrants to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Candidates' abilities are assessed in four areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The overall duration of the test is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The listening, reading, and writing portions can all be done on the same day, whereas the speaking section can be completed before or after completing other modules within a week.

It is important to note that IELTS can be attempted in two modes, i.e., paper-based and computer-delivered. The following are the specifics of how the testing for various modules is carried out:

 LISTENING

Duration: 30 minutes

In this portion, candidates will listen to four recordings of native English speakers and will be asked questions about them.

  • Recording 1: Conversation between two persons in a social setting.

  • Recording 2: A monologue presented in a familiar social context, such as a speech on local amenities.

  • Recording 3: Conversation between four persons in an educational or training setting.

  • Recording 4: An academic monologue, such as a university lecture and so on.

 READING

Duration: 60 minutes

There are 40 questions in this section. These questions consist of gist reading, reading for key ideas, reading for detail, skimming, comprehending logical argument, and identifying the writer's beliefs, attitudes, and intent.

 WRITING

Duration: 60 minutes

This section includes two writing assignments.

SPEAKING

Duration: 11-14 minutes

This portion consists of an oral interview between test-takers and an examiner.

 IELTS Band for PR Visa to Canada

The optimal IELTS score for Canada PR is six bands, which qualifies you for PNPs. IELTS testing is required for all immigrants wishing to relocate to Canada. The Canada PR Visa is one of the most acceptable methods to move to Canada. In addition, immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have a method known as the Canadian Language Benchmark to create Canadian equivalence and evaluate test scores from various Express Entry language tests.


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