Last Updated on August 22, 2022 by Visa Journal
Language test results are required for skilled workers seeking entry into Canada, in order to establish their proficiency in either English or French language. There are various standardized language tests around the world. Only a selected number of tests are acceptable for the purpose of Canadian immigration. Read on to know more about express entry eligibility.
Express Entry System
You can avail yourself of three pathways to gain entry via the Express Entry System. They are:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
If you have the desired educational qualifications at the university level, along with work experience and are proficient in English, you may be eligible to apply.
Express Entry Eligibility
You have to prove your language skills by first scheduling your test with an agency that is approved by IRCC. Thereafter, you are required to pay the fees.. Additionally, you have to post the results when asked for. With the same, your application will not be processed. You need to keep your original test result securely, as the authorities may ask to verify the physical copy at a later date.
If you want to head to Canada for your career, you can either sit for IELTS or CELPIP. The former stands for International English Language Testing System, while the latter stands for Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program. Apart From the above, if you want to give your language test in French, that is absolutely possible, as well. For that you need to pass Test d’évaluation de français or TEF. The results of these three tests provide value to the application and are a mandate as well. You can take any one of the language tests. However, the results must be from the period of the last 24 months.
All three tests examine your ability on four aspects of the language. They are speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
You must have heard about this test quite often. Moreover, it is a popular test today. For all kinds of immigration purposes for most countries, this works out. You will be amazed to know that more than 11,000 organizations globally trust test scores. So, when you take this test, you can be confident, that this will be accepted by most organizations, universities, and governments worldwide. It is one of the pioneers of English Language Testing and has been going strong. Australia, Canada, the UK, and New Zealand are a few countries that rely on this test for immigration purposes.
The world’s leading language assessment experts have developed the test. It tests all the components of the language, English. It is required for your study or work abroad aspirations. Now, you need to know about the test in complete detail. It will help you decide better. You will come across two types of tests here. One is Academic and the other one is for General Training. The first one will measure your abilities to use the language in an academic context.
The latter will measure or assess your abilities to communicate in the language on a practical basis. However, there is a small catch here. If you are looking forward to sit for the test for permanent residency in Canada, you have to sit for General Training. Get express entry within six months by cracking the examination. You need to score at least 6.0 to gain entry into Canada. For CLB score conversion, you can refer to our article through the link.
CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
The second most popular test, especially for people seeking to immigrate to Canada, is the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program. The test is approved by the Canadian Government. Moreover, many colleges and universities in Canada accept the test scores for students as well. Paragon Testing Enterprises conducts this test. There are two versions for this test as well. They are General and General LS.
The Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council accepts the General test. The parameters are speaking, reading, writing, and listening. If you want to apply for permanent residency in Canada under any of the programs listed above under Express Entry, you can appear for the test. You can also look for employment with this test.
The General LS tests the candidate for functional aspects of speaking and listening. It is for those who have to prove their mettle in speaking and listening, for Canadian citizenship. The test is for 3 hours duration. You can either register for the course online, through the mail, or in person. Initially, one could appear for the test from within Canada. However, now you can give the test from the UAE, Korea, Singapore, India, China, and the US. The scores of the test are valid for 2 years.
TEF (Test d’évaluation du français)
The third test called TEF applies to native French speakers. There are two types of TEF, the normal one by the same name and TEFAQ. TEF is generally required for immigration to Canada. If you want to go to Quebec you have to pass the TEFAQ.
Canada has a minimum benchmark in relation to the scores in the language tests, and other parameters. Points are awarded on the basis of test scores, age, work experience, financial background, and profile. You also have the option to sit for a second test if you are not happy with the initial test results. All your test scores will be converted into the Canadian Language Benchmark or CLB.
Now, you have all the details about the Express Entry for Canada. Have a great career and life ahead.
Related Article: How to Create Express Entry Online?