One of the most important requirements for immigration to Canada is to demonstrate adequate language skills in English or French, depending on the province or immigration program you choose. To assess your language proficiency, the Government of Canada has established the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). In addition, official language tests such as IELTS, CELPIP, TEF and TCF are used to assess your level of proficiency in both languages. In this blog, we will provide you with information about CLB equivalencies in English and French with the scores of these exams.

CLB equivalencies with IELTS

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a language test widely recognized around the world. For Canadian immigration purposes, it is used to assess your English proficiency. Below are CLB equivalencies to IELTS scores:

• CLB 7: Writing (6.0), Reading (6.0), Listening (6.0), Speaking (6.0)
• CLB 8: Writing (6.5), Reading (6.5), Listening Comprehension (7.5), Speaking (6.5)
• CLB 9: Writing (7.0), Reading (7.0), Listening (8.0), Speaking (7.0)

CLB equivalencies with the CELPIP

The CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) is another accepted test to demonstrate your English proficiency. Here are the CLB equivalencies to CELPIP scores:

• CLB 7: Writing (7), Reading (7), Listening Comprehension (8), Speaking (7)
• CLB 8: Writing (7.5), Reading (8), Listening Comprehension (8), Speaking (7.5)
• CLB 9: Writing (8), Reading (9), Listening Comprehension (9), Speaking (8)

CLB equivalents with the TEF

The TEF (Test d'Évaluation de Français) is used to assess French language proficiency for immigration to Canada. These are the CLB equivalencies to the TEF scores:

• CLB 7: Oral Comprehension (310), Written Comprehension (249), Oral Expression (310), Written Expression (249)
• CLB 8: Oral Comprehension (349), Written Comprehension (280), Oral Expression (349), Written Expression (280)
• CLB 9: Listening Comprehension (398), Reading Comprehension (316), Speaking (398), Writing (316)

Equivalences of CLB with TCF

The TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) is another language test accepted to assess French language skills for immigration to Canada. These are the equivalencies of CLB to TCF scores:

• CLB 7: Listening Comprehension (369-397), Writing Comprehension (351-368), Speaking (349-369), Writing (310-348)
• CLB 8: Listening Comprehension (398-415), Reading Comprehension (369-383), Speaking (370-392), Writing (349-309)
• CLB 9: Listening Comprehension (416-450), Writing Comprehension (384-397), Speaking (393-415), Writing (310-348)

Language proficiency in English or French is a crucial factor in the immigration process to Canada. If you are considering moving to Canada, it is important that you assess your language level through recognized tests such as IELTS, CELPIP, TEF or TCF, and understand the CLB equivalencies associated with the scores obtained. 

In addition, if you need to prepare for language exams or improve your language skills, at Planeta Immiland Education we are here to help. We offer CELPIP, CAEL and IELTS preparation courses, as well as English and French courses, and French courses that prepare you for the Mobilité Francophone program. These will allow you to reach the required level for these exams effectively and reliably. Our team of highly trained instructors will guide you every step of the way to achieve your language goals and succeed in your journey towards immigration to Canada.

Don't wait any longer and start your journey to a new life in Canada with Planet Immiland Education!