English/French Language Tests Accepted by Canadian IRCC for Work, Study, and Visit Visas in 2025

Engr Asifa KarimMay 3, 2025

Planning to work, study, or visit Canada in 2025? Navigating the visa application process can seem complex, especially when it comes to language requirements. Proving your English proficiency is a crucial step for many Canadian visa categories, demonstrating your ability to communicate and integrate into Canadian society.

This guide provides an updated overview (as of May 2025) of the English language tests accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the main visa types: study permits, work permits (including pathways to Permanent Residency), and visitor visas.

Why Does Canada Require Language Tests?

Canada is officially bilingual (English and French). For most immigration streams, particularly economic ones, IRCC requires applicants to demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in one or both official languages. This ensures newcomers can effectively communicate in workplaces, academic settings, and daily life.

To standardize results from different tests, Canada uses:

Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English (Ref)
Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for French (Ref)

Your test scores will be converted to a CLB or NCLC level to determine if you meet the requirements for your chosen visa program.

1# English Tests for Studying in Canada (Study Permit)

If you’re applying to study at a Canadian educational institution, you’ll need a study permit. While IRCC issues the permit, the primary language proficiency requirement usually comes from the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) – the college or university you plan to attend.

Requirement Source: Set by the specific DLI (check their admissions website).
Commonly Accepted Tests: DLIs vary, but often accept:
- IELTS Academic: This is very widely accepted. Minimum overall scores often range from $6.0$ to $6.5$ for undergraduate programs and $6.5$ to $7.5$ (or higher) for postgraduate programs, usually with minimum scores required in each band (e.g., no band below $6.0$ ).
- TOEFL iBT: Also widely accepted. Minimum scores typically range from $80$ to $100$ , varying by institution.
- PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English): Accepted by a vast majority (around 98%) of Canadian institutions. Typical minimum scores range from $50$ to $65$ .
- CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Test): Another option accepted by many Canadian universities and colleges.
- Duolingo English Test: Accepted by an increasing number of institutions, often as an alternative, especially since the pandemic.
Student Direct Stream (SDS): If applying through the SDS program for faster processing (available to residents of certain countries), you generally need an IELTS Academic test result showing an overall band score of $6.0 (Ref)$ .
Key Takeaway: Always verify the specific tests and minimum scores required directly with your chosen DLI(s) as requirements can differ significantly.

2# English Tests for Working (Work Permits & Permanent Residency)

This category covers various economic immigration programs, including those managed under the Express Entry system (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), Caregiver programs, the Start-Up Visa, and others.

Requirement Source: Set by IRCC for the specific immigration program.
Accepted English Tests (as of 2025):
- IELTS General Training: Note: This is the General Training version, not the Academic version used for studies. IRCC does not accept the IELTS One Skill Retake for Express Entry.
- CELPIP-General (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program): This test is specifically designed for Canadian immigration.
- PTE Core (Pearson Test of English): This is a newer addition accepted for economic immigration streams. Note: This is the Core version, not PTE Academic.
Minimum Scores (CLB Levels): Requirements vary significantly by program:
- Express Entry – Federal Skilled Worker (FSW): Minimum CLB 7 in all four abilities (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). This translates to IELTS General Training scores of $6.0$ in each band.
- Express Entry – Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Minimum CLB 7 (for jobs classified under TEER 0 or 1) or CLB 5 (for jobs under TEER 2 or 3).
- Express Entry – Federal Skilled Trades (FST): Minimum CLB 5 for Speaking and Listening, and CLB 4 for Reading and Writing.
- Caregiver Pilots: Minimum CLB 4 or 5 depending on the specific pilot program.
- Start-Up Visa: Minimum CLB 5 in all four abilities.
Key Takeaway: You must take the correct version of the test (IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, PTE Core).

3# English Tests for Visiting Canada (Visitor Visa / TRV)

Planning a short trip for tourism, family visits, or business meetings?

Requirement Source: Standard IRCC eligibility criteria for visitor visas.
Language Test Requirement: Generally, NO formal English language test (like IELTS, CELPIP, or PTE) is required to apply for a Canadian visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV).
Focus of Application: Eligibility mainly depends on proving:
- You have a valid travel document (passport).
- You are in good health.
- You have no criminal or immigration-related convictions.
- You have sufficient funds for your stay.
- You have strong ties to your home country (job, family, assets) and will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.
Officer’s Discretion: While a test isn’t required, a visa officer must be convinced you can understand instructions and communicate adequately during your visit. In rare cases, if concerns arise, they might assess this during an interview or request further information, but a formal test submission is not part of the standard application.
Key Takeaway: Focus on meeting the standard eligibility criteria for visitor visas; a language test is typically not needed.

Summary of the English Tests (2025) for Canadian Visa Applications

Test Name	Primary Use Stream	Accepted Version(s) by IRCC/DLIs
IELTS	Study / Work & PR	Academic (Study) / General Training (Work/PR)
CELPIP	Work & PR	General
PTE	Study / Work & PR	Academic (Study) / Core (Work/PR)
TOEFL	Study	iBT (Check DLI acceptance)
CAEL	Study	Check DLI acceptance
Duolingo Test	Study	Check DLI acceptance

Important Considerations for 2025 Applicants

Test Validity: Language test results are generally valid for two (02) years from the date the results are issued. Ensure your test results remain valid throughout your application process.
Booking: Approved test centres can get busy. Book your test well in advance of application deadlines.
Preparation: Achieving the required score often takes dedicated preparation. Utilize official practice materials and consider preparation courses if needed.
Accuracy: Ensure you select and take the correct test (and version) required for your specific visa pathway. Taking the wrong test (e.g., IELTS Academic instead of General Training for Express Entry) will result in your application being refused or delayed