By - AVF Consultant
Are you embarking on your Canadian immigration journey? If so, proving your English or French language proficiency is a crucial step. This is where the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) and their corresponding equivalency charts come into play. Understanding the language proficiency requirements, crucial for eligibility under various economic immigration programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). These programs stipulate minimum language scores that applicants must meet, assessed through internationally recognized tests such as IELTS, TEF, and CELPIP.
Key Thresholds for Language Proficiency
Each program under the Express Entry system has specific Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) thresholds:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): Requires a minimum CLB level 7 across all language skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking).
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Requires CLB 7 for NOC skill types 0 and A, and CLB 6 for NOC skill type B.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): The requirements vary with CLB levels set at L: 5, R: 3.5, W: 4, S: 5.
Equivalency Charts for Language Tests
Understanding how scores from different language tests align with CLB levels is crucial:
CELPIP General 2014 Test Score Equivalency Chart
| CLB LEVEL | READING | WRITING | LISTENING | SPEAKING |
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training Equivalency Chart
| CLB LEVEL | READING | WRITING | LISTENING | SPEAKING |
| 10 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) Equivalency Chart
| CLB LEVEL | READING | WRITING | LISTENING | SPEAKING |
| 10 | 263-277 | 393-415 | 316-333 | 393-415 |
| 9 | 248-262 | 371-392 | 298-315 | 371-392 |
| 8 | 233-247 | 349-370 | 280-297 | 349-370 |
| 7 | 207-232 | 310-348 | 249-279 | 310-348 |
| 6 | 181-206 | 271-309 | 217-248 | 271-309 |
| 5 | 151-180 | 226-270 | 181-216 | 226-270 |
Finding your equivalency
To determine your CLB level based on your test score, consult the specific equivalency chart for the language test you took. Locate your score in the relevant skill section (reading, writing, listening, speaking) and match it to the corresponding CLB level.
Important note
It's essential to remember that the equivalency charts provided serve as a general guideline. The specific requirements for each immigration program may differ. Always refer to the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to stay up-to-date on the latest language test requirements for your chosen program.
For personalized guidance on selecting the right language test and understanding how your scores align with immigration program requirements, consult Anand Visa Consultancy. Our experts specialize in visa and immigration services, providing tailored advice to maximize your chances of success in the Express Entry system.
Ready to embark on your Canadian journey? Contact us today to get started!