Written by Gabriela Estrada

Demanding yes, impossible never! These are the internationally recognized language exams to immigrate to Canada. I am referring to IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, among others. Whether the user wants to study, work or apply for citizenship, taking these tests is not as simple as just filling out a series of answers about the level of languages we have, on the contrary, this is a task that requires preparation and recognition of which are the specific tests for each immigration situation.

This is today's theme for our blog of Planet Immiland Education. Here I will give you details on what the specific tests are for each type of visa, what score you need to achieve and the key to passing these difficult and demanding language tests. Let's get started!

Why are language tests required to immigrate to Canada?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires visa applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English or French (the country's two official languages). These tests are crucial in assessing your language skills and eligibility. As I mentioned at the beginning, they are very demanding, but if you know yourself well in terms of your immigration function and the areas of training to be enhanced (speaking, reading, writing and/or listening), you will most likely succeed in the required score. Let's describe each test and take note of the most important according to your needs.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

The IELTS is an international English language test recognized worldwide and accepted by Canadian Immigration to study, work or adapt to the language in the country. 

Examination structure

• Listening comprehension (listening): evaluates how well they understand spoken English.
• Reading comprehension (reading): evaluates reading comprehension.
• Writing (writing): evaluates the ability to express oneself in writing.
• Oral expression (speaking): evaluates the ability to communicate orally.

Score

• The IELTS is scored on a scale of 1 to 9, where 1 indicates a non-proficient user and 9 indicates a proficient speaker. Each section is given an individual score, and then averaged to obtain the overall score.

• The results are translated into the Canadian Language Reference Scale (CLB). 
• CLB 7 is the required average for Canada.

Important: the Canadian government has established the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in order to assess your language proficiency, see the equivalency table at CLB equivalencies with Canadian Migration Language Exams. Read on!

Migratory function

• University studies: for admission to academic programs.
• Immigration: for immigration and visa processes.
• Employment: some employers in Canada may request IELTS scores in their selection process.
• For most programs, the General Training version should be taken.
• For study purposes, the IELTS Academic version is recommended.

CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)

The Celpip is another option for demonstrating English skills, but this is more commonly used within Canada. 

• This test is designed to assess the ability of non-native English speakers in Canada who require it to demonstrate that they can communicate in this country in everyday situations. 
• The Celpip is recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and by many academic institutions and employers in the region, although not many foreigners who want to live in Canada are aware of it, however, it is very useful.

It has two versions: 

• Celpip-General LSLS: tests only listening comprehension and oral expression, and is ideal for applying for citizenship in Canada.
• Celpip General: for professionals seeking appointment. In this test, speaking, reading, listening and writing skills are evaluated.

Important: if you need to accredit your English level for work purposes in Canada, the Celpip is a valid alternative. Planeta Immiland offers the preparation you need to achieve the best score in this test. See preparation course.

The CAEL exam (Canada)

This academic English test measures the level of English proficiency of students planning to study at Canadian universities and colleges.

• The CAEL exam is designed solely for international students to demonstrate their proficiency in English to attend Canadian post-secondary institutions.
• It is accepted by the main Canadian institutions.
• It is intended to assess students' foundational skills while in a Canadian educational setting.
• Like the rest of the language tests we have seen, the CAEL is very demanding and applicants for this test must prepare to achieve the high score required by the university.

If you want to achieve a high score to pass this exam, you can take our three-month course: CAEL Preparation.

Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo test evaluates your English for immigration purposes to study in Canada, although it is important to note that not all universities and colleges accept it. This is a unique type of test because it starts from your basic knowledge to the most complex ones, which makes it a personalized and adaptive test.

As with the IELTS, Celpip or any other language test, it is essential to prepare very well before taking this test, as the student must first become familiar with its format and structure. Duolingo is presented online and is timed, so the recommendation of our educational team is that, before the day of the test, you have done several practices.

Planeta Immiland has a Duolingo English Test preparation course that offers very good results because it is designed to help you improve the four language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking, with the objective of taking the exam with confidence and achieving the necessary score to pass it successfully. View Duolingo Prep course.

Important: students must be sure that their Canadian university or college accepts the Duolingo test to prove their English. If you have any doubts, you can contact us here.

TEF Canada (Test d'évaluation de français)

TEF Canada assesses your French skills and, as with IELTS, the results are translated into the Canadian CLB scale.

• This test is accepted by IRCC to demonstrate proficiency in French.
• The main difference between their versions lies in the scope of the tests, i.e. their specific use in one or the other context, depending on their migratory purpose. More details in TEF to immigrate to Canada or to apply for citizenship?

Important: if you wish to study in Canada and the required language is French, be aware that scores may vary depending on the institution and academic program. If you need to improve your level of French, you can see our courses for immigration purposes for Canada.

Preparation for international exams

Planeta Immiland Education is the first immigration language school for Canada. We have preparation courses that will help you get the score you need in any of the international certifications and a curriculum designed to bring the student closer to Canadian life. 

Thank you for reading. That's as far as I'll keep you company for today. I hope you have found this information useful. Remember that good preparation before taking any of the international language exams is the key to success in Canadian immigration. 

For more information or to see all our coursesclick hereSee you in the next blog and success in the exam!

With love,

Planet Immiland