Work & Settle Abroad | Permanent Resident

A new language test for Canada Immigration

A new language test is approved by IRCC for Canadian immigrants applying under the economic class. The new test is anticipated to be put into use by the middle of 2023, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Based on information requests made by several authorities, the name of the new test has been changed. Nowadays, language tests are assigned to four organizations. IRCC has decided to look for improvements and has published a memo, despite the fact that the currently designated organizations for language tests are meeting demand from immigrants and citizens, the ongoing demand for new language test providers, and the rise in demand for immigrants and citizens across the globe.

IRCC to evaluate the CLBs that are lined up with the CLBs with CEFR

Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB), is being explored by the IRCC with respect to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). CEFR test scores will be on the alpha-numeric scale with A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2 unlike the scores on a scale of one to seven.

In order to ensure that the already approved language tests are equal in terms of the level of difficulty and the test's intended purpose, the memo includes a document that discusses the research on the CLB levels.

The documents related to any of the language tests are important for Canada Immigration through express entry.

French Language testing must not be neglected

The need for increase of the testing capabilities of the French-designated organizations is growing. To assess the potential rise in demand, a new appointed French testing has been added in addition to TEF and TCF.

Chronicles of language tests

The IRCC had only been accepting language test results from organizations that have been nominated as evidence of language proficiency, till now. This procedure for demonstrating the language's capability must be fair and transparent.

The Director of Economic Immigration Plans and Policies has been assigned this responsibility. Formerly, the authorities had to first identify and then approve a language testing agency to assess the language proficiency of immigration applicants.

[Read More: Know How to Improve Your CRS Score]

Based on a variety of considerations, the department devised this form of designation method. Any entity that administers a language exam may request to be designated by the department. This procedure is based on a number of variables, regulations, legal requirements, and program objectives.

Who needs a language test for Canada Immigration?

The majority of Canada's economic class immigration programs require applicants to pass a required English or French language test. The Canadian government uses the language proficiency test to evaluate candidates' language skills in order to build the Canadian economy.

Since they are admitted to Canada for social and humanitarian reasons, immigrants who fall under the ancestry and refugee classes are exempt from taking a language exam. Candidates between the ages of 18 and 54 must demonstrate their linguistic skills in either English or French after applying for Canadian citizenship. The outcomes will show proficiency, which the IRCC will then accept.

The Canadian government has different rules and regulations for this language competence demonstration for the approved learning institution in Canada, and these laws are a component of the approval process for study permits.

[Read More: How to Get Canada PR in 10 Steps?]

Which language test should you choose for Canada Immigration?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) are the two currently recognized test providers for English. In order to satisfy the IRCC's language competency standards for Canadian immigration applicants, Pearson created the Pearson English Test (PTE), a new English test. The PTE test will start to be approved for immigration by the end of 2023.

You must take the Test d'évaluation de Français if you want to take your language test in French (TEF). There is no preferred test for IRCC. You can select the test that is more convenient for you to take because the outcomes of all three tests are equally valued. Any language test you take must have results from within the last two years (24 months) in order for it to be considered valid. A score is given for each of the four language skills—listening, reading, writing, and speaking—in the IELTS, CELPIP, PTE, and TEF tests.

IELTS

IELTS is highly recommended for immigrants because it is an internationally available English test and also has many testing centres in India. IELTS has two categories: General Training and Academic, and IELTS General Training must be taken for Canadian immigration. The IELTS test results provides scores for each language ability and as well as an overall band score, which is an average result in each ability.  When it comes to IELTS score for Canada PR, overall band score doesn’t matter for Canadian immigration purposes.

CELPIP

CELPIP is designed by IRCC for Canadian English, which has elements of British English, American English, and Canadian accents as well. The CELPIP has two types of tests: the CELPIP – General Test and the General LS Test. You must take the CELPIP-General Test for immigration. With test centres now located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Republic of Korea, Singapore, the Philippines, India, China, and the United States, the CELPIP is now available outside of Canada. Previously, it could only be taken from within Canada.

PTE

The Pearson English Test, sometimes known as the PTE, is a new English exam that Pearson created to satisfy the IRCC's requirements for language competency for Canadian immigration applicants. The PTE will assess your proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in addition to other language skills. By "late 2023," the IRCC will start accepting test results from the PTE. Students who are planning to give a PTE exam can take PTE coaching classes nearby for expert guidance.

TEF

TEF is recommended for a native French speaker or for applicants who would like to submit results of a language test proving your competency in the language. The TEF and the TEFAQ are the two forms of the TEF test that are available. While the TEF is approved by both federal and Quebec immigration, the TEFAQ is only accepted for Quebec immigration.

Canadian Language Benchmark

The Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de competency linguistique canadiens (NCLC) levels will be determined based on the exam results, regardless of the test you take. From 4 (poor) through 10 are the CLB levels (excellent). A CLB level is typically referred to when Canadian immigration programs mention a language requirement.

 (Read More: PTE Vs IELTS: Choose which one is better)

What Score do I Need for Canada immigration?

There are minimal language requirements for the majority of Canadian economic immigration programs, although they are not all the same. Your required score will vary according on the program you're applying to.

Many programs use point systems in addition to basic criteria. Together with language competency, other factors such as age, work history, and education may also be given points. The language test score you need to pass could range from the minimal requirement depending on your profile.

Give your best shot at the test and if you are not satisfied with your scores, you can always retake the test to improve the score. And if you require help preparing for the tests, you can always contact us! We are happy to help.