Immigrant Visa Center

Canadian Language Benchmark Level

IELTS to CLB conversion

As an applicant for skilled immigration, you must meet Canada’s language requirement. This standard is the Canadian Language Benchmark or CLB. The CLB describes, measures, and recognizes the English language ability of test-takers. Language skill is one factor Canada uses to assess your eligibility to apply to the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

If you intend to take a language exam in French, the standard used is the ‘Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadiens’ or NCLC. Whichever language you choose, your test results must be valid from the time you opened an Express Entry profile.

The raw scores you get in your exam correspond to a Canadian Language Benchmark (or CLB) score. The higher your raw score, the higher your CLB is.

Language proficiency isn’t the only. Check the Federal Skilled Worker Eligibility Requirements and get tips on how to improve your migration points.

Authorized Language Tests.

You may take any of the following authorized English tests:

  • CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
    • You must take the CELPIP-General test. 
    • IRCC does not accept the General-LS test for Express Entry
  • IELTS: International English Language Testing System 
    • You must take the General Training option
    • IRCC will not recognize scores from the Academic option for Express Entry

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, or IRCC, will use your scores as proof of your language skills. The results of the tests are valid for two years. If you meet the language requirement but want to get higher migration points, you may retake any of the language tests to better your scores.

The Canadian Language Benchmark Equivalents

Look for your raw scores under the test results per ability. Once you’ve found it, check the equivalent Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level on the first column of each table. You must meet the score per ability to get the correct CLB level.

Learn how to immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry system, the electronic system used by the federal immigration classes and some provincial nominee programs.

IELTS General Training

CLB LevelAbility: SpeakingAbility: ListeningAbility: ReadingAbility: Writing
11.01.01.01.0
21.52.01.52.0
32.53.52.53.0
43.54.53.54.0
54.55.04.05.0
65.55.55.05.5
76.06.06.06.0
86.57.56.56.5
97.08.07.07.0
107.58.58.07.5
118.09.08.58.0
129.09.09.09.0

CELPIP-G

CLB LevelAbility: SpeakingAbility: ListeningAbility: ReadingAbility: Writing
55555
66666
77777
88888
99999
10

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