Written by Eddy Ramírez

When a person wants to travel to Canada and obtain permanent residency through Express Entry or Express Entrythey should focus on reaching a language level of CLB 7as this is the one that allows to apply under the special category French Proficiency. However, there is another more accessible alternative, since the level is lower on the Canadian Language Benchmark scale: it is the CLB 5 level.

How to immigrate to Canada with a CLB 5? Read this blog to learn about the language skills of this level, the differences between a CLB 7 and a CLB 5 and how to prepare professionally with our courses. Let's get started.

CLB 5 vs. CLB 7 to emigrate to Canada

If the goal is to to travel to Canada to work and gain Canadian experienceyou can opt for the category Mobilité Francophonewhich grants a work permit. To access this option, all that is required is a CLB 5is required to access this option, unlike the fast-track entrywhich requires a CLB 7. It is important to note that the CLB 7 assesses listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing, while CLB 5 in the French-speakingwhile the CLB 5 in the French-speaking program only considers listening and speaking listening comprehension and speaking.

Differences between CLB 5 and CLB 7

To better understand the differences between these levels, it is necessary to situate them within the Canadian Language Benchmarks. This is the scale used by the Canadian government to define a foreigner's level of English, which can range from basic to native proficiency.:

• CLB 7 is equivalent to a level B2where argumentative ability is required. At this level, the candidate must be able to present ideas, defend points of view, debate, make oppositions and concessions.
• CLB 5 corresponds to a level B1level, which focuses more on the presentation of information without the need for argument or debate.

In practical terms:

• A speaker of CLB 7 must be able to answer questions, defend his or her position and interact critically with the audience.
• With a CLB 5With a CLB 5, the person can present basic information, but without the depth needed for discussions.

Important fact: The CLB scale is specific to Canada and is named in the context of migration for many programs such as Express Entry. The MERC scale is the Common European Framework of Reference and, although it also captures the general language proficiency of users, it is not the one used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the assessment of the country's official languages: English and French.

How feasible is it to obtain a CLB 5?

Obtain a CLB 5 is faster than achieving CLB 7. At Planeta Immiland, we work with different language levels and our students achieve a CLB 5 in less time for two main reasons:

1. Learning content: A1, A2 and B1 levels focus on fundamental aspects such as talking about the environment, describing personal experiences and using the past and imperfect tense. Achieving these levels requires less reading and less complex grammatical structures.
2. Study time:
• A French course to reach the CLB 5 usually takes about 12 weekswith approximately 150 to 200 hours of study..
• For Mobilité Francophonethe program usually lasts 15 weeksIt includes an additional 3 weeks of specialization in the professional field, where migrants learn to describe their profession and present their CV.

Professional preparation with the Mobilité Francophone course

In the program Mobilité Francophone program of Planeta Immilandthe last modules focus on:

• Preparation for job interviewswhere the student learns how to answer key questions and avoid common mistakes.
• Presentation of CV and professional skillsCV and professional skills: this section deals with the fundamental aspects of applying for jobs in Canada.

At the end of the course, candidates must present their CV and explain their professional qualities and future projects, demonstrating communicative competence in French in the workplace.

If you are planning to travel to Canada, but you have not reached the CLB 7 level of French to apply for Express Entry under the French Proficiency category and you wish to achieve a CLB 5, contact us to start your course as soon as possible. 

If you want to learn from the basics, this course is for you.. See the program Mobilité Francophone here.

I hope this topic will clarify your doubts about the CLB 7 and CLB 5 levels and take advantage of the immigration opportunities that Canada offers for French speakers. 

Thank you very much for reading, see you soon!

With love, 

Planeta Immiland Education