Written by Eddy Ramírez

Are you planning to study in Canada or are you about to graduate from a college or university and have doubts about the language exams and the level you need to take? Then you should know that the IRCC announced news on this topic and November 1, 2024 will mark a before and after for many international students in Canada. 

Today I bring you a very important topic in this blog blog about languages for immigration purposes for Canada, as once again the government announced changes for the study permit and the PGWP and they affect the international recognition language tests and the required CLB level. Read this article with me to the end so you know which language tests the government will recognize, the level of English or French you must demonstrate, and the immigration courses available to improve your score and apply. Let's get started.

Changes to the study permit and its relation to language examinations

The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Marc Miller, gave significant news for international students, he spoke of a reduction in study permits and said that the requirements will be higher and they will have to prepare very well for the language exams recognized by Immigration.

It is worth mentioning that for immigration situations the general exam has always been taken into account, so it is assumed that for the PGWP the exam is also of this type. Although the news has been fast, it has taken many by surprise and there are data to know, so far the language exams recognized by Canadian immigration for such purposes are:

1. For English:

• IELTS General
• CELPIP General
• Pearson

1. For the French:

• TEF 
• TEC
• Neither Duolingo nor TOEFL are valid for immigration in Canada!

Important: this announcement is even more comprehensive, it also covers changes to the open work permit for spouses, if you wish to to know moreyou can watch this video.

Changes to the PWGP and their relation to the CLB level

New for this November 1, 2024 for the post-graduation work permit include demonstrating a minimum proficiency in French or English, depending on the student's program of study, to enhance the applicant's ability to transition to permanent residence and adapt to the economic conditions inherent in Canada's variable dynamics. As of November 1, 2024, there will be a specific CLB in order to apply for the PGWP:

1. A CLB 7 level will be required for university graduates,
2. and a CLB 5 level for college graduates.

Do you need to bring your level of English or French to CLB 7 or CLB 5, our language school, Planeta Immiland, has courses with specific migratory purposes to reach these levels. See English courses, French courses.

When is the language test not required?

If you are an international graduate and applying to the PGWP on or near the date of this article, don't worry because you don't need to demonstrate English or French language proficiency, this change affects international students applying after November 1, 2024. 

Preparing for language exams is key in Canada

International students should prepare very well before taking the language exam to travel to Canada, whether for study or to travel to Canada, whether for study or work. It is not just a matter of taking a leveling course; you must be familiar with the format of the exam and the skills required. Each student is unique and must surely reinforce one or another specific area, which may be speaking, listening, writing or reading, so it is important to be aware of the weak points to be reinforced so that the time of the test is optimal and favorable, otherwise, you may not achieve a good score and even lose your money.

Remember that a good score not only increases the chances of acceptance into universities and immigration programs, but also facilitates communication and adaptation in a new cultural and professional environment, so it is important to study and train to successfully take the IELTS or CELPIP and apply to the Canadian immigration system. 

If you need help familiarize themselves with the international language exams for Canada for Canada, you can see our preparation courses.

That's as far as I'll go with you for today. Thank you for reading this article. I hope this information will be useful to successfully apply for a study and work permit in Canada. Contact us at to help you with whatever you need.

Stay informed about the news in Canadian immigration and its relationship with English and French because, just as the IRCC today requires a higher level in the language, it also continues to offer more flexible pathways to permanent residency through Express Entry and its categories and scores, so the key is to adapt your profile as best as possible to the options available in this country and the time to do it is now.

Success in your language leveling!

With love,

Planet Immiland