Language requirements are an important part of the Canadian immigration process, and all applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English or French, which are Canada’s official languages.
The language requirements may vary depending on the specific immigration program or visa category that the applicant is applying under. Here are some examples of the language requirements for some of the most popular immigration programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or French by taking a language test approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The minimum language requirement is Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7, which means that the applicant must achieve a minimum score of 6 in each of the four language abilities (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
If in addition to English you also can pass a French language test you will get extra points for your immigration score.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC):
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or French by taking a language test approved by IRCC. The minimum language requirement is CLB 7 for TEER 1 or 0 occupations, and CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 occupations.
If in addition to English you also can pass a French language test you will get extra points for your immigration score.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or French by taking a language test approved by IRCC. The minimum language requirement is CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):
The language requirements may vary depending on the specific province or territory that the applicant is applying to. Some provinces may require a higher language proficiency than the federal requirements, and some might require no language proficiency.
It’s important to note that meeting the language requirements is crucial to being eligible for many of the immigration programs. Applicants who do not meet the minimum language requirement may be deemed ineligible for the program, even if they meet other eligibility criteria.