English Tests for Canada: Immigration, Citizenship, Study and Nursing

Permanent residence and work permits

For programs such as Express Entry, IRCC accepts only these designated tests:

• CELPIP-General (not CELPIP-General LS)
• IELTS General Training (not IELTS Academic)
• PTE Core (not PTE Academic)
• For French: TEF Canada and TCF Canada

Results must be less than two years old when you apply, and they are converted to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels. Since 1 November 2024, most applicants for a post-graduation work permit must also give results from one of these tests. Our CELPIP, IELTS General Training and PTE Core practice tests match these exact versions. We do not offer French practice.

Canadian citizenship

If you are 18 to 54 years old, you must show you can speak and listen at CLB 4 or higher in English or French. You can do this with a secondary or post-secondary program completed in English or French, or with an accepted test result. The accepted tests are CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, PTE Core, TEF Canada and TCF Canada. CELPIP-General LS, which covers listening and speaking only, is the CELPIP version made for citizenship. IELTS Academic is not accepted.

Only your speaking and listening results count toward the citizenship requirement. Each applicant aged 18 to 54 needs their own proof, even if you apply as a family.

Colleges and universities

IRCC does not set an English test for a study permit. Your school decides. Common choices are IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, CAEL, PTE Academic and the Duolingo English Test. Keep in mind that an admission test will not count later for a work permit or permanent residence. If you plan to stay after graduating, you will need a designated test as well.

Nurses

Internationally educated nurses must meet the English standard of the provincial regulator where they want to register. CELBAN is a language test built for nursing and is recognised by Canadian nursing regulators. Some regulators also accept other tests, so check with your province.

Nursing registration and immigration are separate. A CELBAN result does not replace the IRCC-designated test you will need for permanent residence, such as CELPIP-General or IELTS General Training.

CELPIP, IELTS General Training or PTE Core?

IRCC converts results from all three tests into CLB levels, so choose the format that suits you best. CELPIP-General is taken entirely on a computer and uses everyday Canadian situations. IELTS General Training includes a speaking interview with a live examiner. PTE Core is computer-based and scored automatically. Try a full practice test in each format before you decide. In Express Entry, higher CLB levels usually earn more points, so aim above the minimum for your program.

English tests in other countries

Australia · United Kingdom · United States