Everything You Need to Know About CELPIP for Your Immigration to Canada
The IELTS is one of the most recognized English proficiency tests internationally. However, if you’re looking to immigrate to Canada, there is a test specifically designed for Canadian English and recognized by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency and citizenship applications: the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP).
Proving your proficiency in English is a key requirement if you plan to immigrate to Canada. To ensure you have the communication skills to integrate into Canadian society, IRCC requires aspiring immigrants to take standardized language tests to assess an applicant’s English skills.
CELPIP Test Versions
There are two versions of the test: the CELPIP-General and the CELPIP-General LS.
CELPIP-General is the test you are required to take to apply for Permanent Residency. CELPIP-General LS is used for citizenship applications and professional designations.
CELPIP Format
Similar to the IELTS, the CELPIP comprises four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
The CELPIP-General test typically takes around three hours, including the Speaking component. Meanwhile, the CELPIP-General LS takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes.
| Component | Time |
| Listening | 47 to 55 minutes |
| Reading | 55 to 60 minutes |
| Writing | 53 to 60 minutes |
| Speaking | 15 to 20 minutes |
Listening
The Listening component consists of six sections, each containing varying numbers of questions, and covers tasks like listening to problem-solving discussions, daily life conversations, and analyzing viewpoints.
Reading
The Reading section has four sections with a total of 38 questions. It covers reading correspondence, diagrams, analyzing information, and viewpoints.
Writing
There are two tasks in the Writing component:
- Task 1: Writing an email.
- Task 2: Responding to survey questions.
Speaking
The Speaking component takes around 15 to 20 minutes and uses North American accents. There are eight tasks, giving advice, talking about personal experiences, describing a scene, making predictions, comparing options, discussing difficult situations, expressing opinions, and describing unusual situations.
CELPIP Scoring
Each section is scored on a band scale of 1 to 12. Unlike the IELTS, which is scored in 0.5-point intervals, the CELPIP is scored in one-point intervals.
Results and Validity
Your results will be available online within 3 to 4 business days. The scores are valid for up to two years, meaning you must submit your immigration application within two years of the release of your test results.
Where can I take the CELPIP test?
Though the CELPIP is entirely computer-delivered, you will need to take the test at one of CELPIP’s testing centres. The CELPIP is administered in 23 countries. There are 109 test centres across Canada, including over 40 in Ontario, with a huge concentration in the Greater Toronto Area.
CELPIP Cost
- CELPIP-General: $280 plus taxes (increasing to $290 plus taxes as of October 1, 2024).
- CELPIP-General LS: $195 plus taxes.
What score do I need to immigrate to Canada?
Canada uses the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) to evaluate the English proficiency of immigration applicants.
For Express Entry, the required minimum level and number of points you will earn depend on the program you are applying for. There is a corresponding CLB level for each CELPIP score.
- For the Federal Skilled Worker Program, you will need a minimum CLB Level 7.
- For the Canadian Experience Class program, those who are working in TEER 0 or 1 occupations will need a CLB Level 7, while those who work in TEER 2 or 3 occupations must obtain a minimum CLB Level 5.
- For the Federal Skilled Trades Program, applicants must obtain a CLB Level 4 for Writing and Reading, and a CLB Level 5 for Listening and Speaking.
Below is a breakdown of the CELPIP scores corresponding to each CLB level and its level descriptor, via CELPIP:
|
Test Level Descriptor |
CELPIP Level | CLB Level |
| Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 12 |
12 |
|
Advanced proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
11 | 11 |
| Highly effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 10 |
10 |
|
Effective proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
9 | 9 |
| Good proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 8 |
8 |
|
Adequate proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
7 | 7 |
|
Developing proficiency in workplace and community contexts |
6 |
6 |
| Acquiring proficiency in workplace and community contexts | 5 |
5 |
|
Adequate proficiency for daily life activities |
4 | 4 |
| Some proficiency in limited contexts | 3 |
3 |
|
Limited ability in contexts related to immediate needs |
2 | 1 or 2 |
| Insufficient information to assess | 1 |
/ |
|
Insufficient information to assess |
0 | / |
| Not Administered: test taker did not receive this test component | NA |
/ |
While there are minimum required scores, you should aim for higher scores in each component to improve your chances of a successful application. The higher your score for each component, the more points you will earn for your application.
Get in Touch with Nihang Law
If you have any questions or further clarifications regarding CELPIP, language requirements, or any other immigration matters, Nihang Law’s immigration lawyers are here to help and guide you through the entire process. Nihang Law offers personalized consultations to guide you through the entire process, ensuring you understand all the requirements and steps involved.
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