Language Requirements

Canadian citizens must show proficiency in one of the two official languages: English and French. French is the first official language for approximately 23% of the population. Canadian Francophones live predominantly in Quebec, however there are other French speaking communities in Canada. English, consequently, is spoken by approximately 77% of the Canadian population. 

In order to meet the language requirements, you will need to prove your proficiency in either English or French. 

Article Navigation:

1. Minimum age requirements & language test exemptions
2. Skills that are tested for Canadian citizenship
3. Approved Language Tests
4. Language Certifications Accepted by the Canadian Government
5. Government-Funded Courses for CLB4
6. Citizenship Language Test Exemptions
7. Are expired language tests accepted for Canadian citizenship?

Minimum and Maximum Age Requirements. Exemptions.

You will be required to prove your language proficiency if you are aged between 18 and 54 years old. All other ages are exempt from taking the language test.

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Skills That Are Tested for the Canadian Citizenship

Speaking and Listening. You don’t have to prove any other skills such as reading and writing. 

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Approved Language Tests

You have three options: IELTS (General), CELPIP (LS) and TEF. Let’s review each test in more detail.

If you have previously applied to any of the Quebec immigration programs, the following tests will also be accepted: 

The certification offer consists of diplomas and tests: initial diploma in French language (DILF), (DELF), advanced diploma in French language (DALF), test of knowledge of French (TCF) 

• DALF (Initial Diploma in French Language)
• DELF (Diploma in French Language Studies)
• TCF (Test of Knowledge of French)
• TCQF (Test of Knowledge of French for Quebec)

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Language Certifications Accepted By The Canadian Government

Certificates of your studies at secondary or post-secondary institutions in English or French can be presented to the Canadian government as proof of your language proficiency. For example, if you have a bachelor’s degree in Economics and every subject was taught in English, you can use this certificate as evidence of your language proficiency.

All other courses including English literature taught in languages other than English are unacceptable. Furthermore, you can complete degrees both inside and outside of Canada, but the degree programme must be in English or French.

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Government-Funded Courses to Achieve CLB4

One of the alternative methods is taking the following government-funded training courses: 

• Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC/CLIC) 
• MCIIT-ESL/FSL/CL 
• Progress Report (Manitoba) 
• MIDI-Echelle Québécoise (Quebec) 
• ELSA (British Columbia)

After completing these training programs and getting certificates that demonstrate your proficiency in listening and speaking in either English or French, and which are CLB level 4 or higher, you may use these certificates to apply for Canadian Citizenship. 

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What Score Is Sufficient For Getting A Canadian Citizenship?

The Canadian Government has made it mandatory to score at least level 4 or higher points in Canadian Language Benchmark CLB4 in order to become eligible for Citizenship. 

These are basic listening and speaking levels. Here is a useful table of equivalents for different language testing systems

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What Are The Canadian Citizenship Language Test Exemptions?

If a person has a listening, speaking, psychiatric or a psychological disorder that prevents him/her from being able to prove language ability, a proof from Canadian medical authorities will be required to be exempt from language testing. 

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Are Expired IELTS Test Results Accepted For Canadian Citizenship?

Yes, language tests for Canadian applications don’t have an expiration date and are accepted. 

Formally, IELTS certifications are valid for 2 years, but that requirement only holds for purposes other than citizenship applications – getting a student visa, becoming a permanent resident etc. 

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Frequently Asked Questions