FSW Step 6 - English Exam

Canada has two official languages: English and French.

So, it is fair that it asks for future immigrants to speak at least one of them. And this is not one of those things that you need to have just move on the process. These languages will be extremely important for you to integrate the society, get a job, etc.

Of course, just saying you have a good English or French won't be enough. You must prove your language skills. For that, you can choose one of the 4 accepted tests.

Accepted tests

• English
  • IELTS - International English Language Testing System (General Trainning)
  • CELPIP - Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (General)
• French
  • TEF Canada - Test d'évaluation de français
  • TCF Canada - Test de connaissance du français

All these tests evaluate 4 main skills: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing.

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Minimum Score

Doesn't matter which test you choose to do, there is a minimum score required to be eligible on the Express Entry.

If you didn't go as well as expected on a test, you can do it again - bad part is you'll need to pay necessary fees and wait for another test availability.

These are the minimums for each test, according to IRCC :

	Speaking	Listening	Reading	Writing
IELTS	6.0	6.0	6.0	6.0
CELPIP	7	7	7	7
TEF Canada	310	249	207	310
TCF Canada	10	458	453	10

All four tests have a different scales for scores, so the minimum score absolute values should not be compared among them.

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Which test should I take?

You can choose whichever exam you prefer, as long as you score the minimum points on it. The dificulty is about the same for all, so your criteria should be something else (like price, availability, etc). Here are some differences between the two English exams:

	IELTS	CELPIP
Test environment	Paper or Computer	Computer
Listening	30 min	47-55 min
Reading	60 min	55-60 min
Writing	60 min	53-60 min
Speaking	11-14 min	15-20 min
Time for results	13 days (paper) 5-7 days (computer)	4-5 days

So your decision must be made based on personal preferences. Ashton College has a good article comparing IELTS and CELPIP.

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How to do the test

You will need to check availiability in a place near you, pay the fees, and attend on the scheduled day.

Price and availability change according to the location. Visit their official websites for more information:

IELTS | CELPIP | TEF Canada | TCF Canada

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't get the minimum results?
You won't be eligible and will need to redo the test.

If I take 2 different English tests, will it improve my score?
No. But if you take one English and one French, you do get more points for it. More details here.

I did one of these tests, but a long time ago, is it still valid?
The test must be less than 2 years old by the time you apply for Permanent Residency, so if you think it will be expired by then, you should do another one now.

Does my spouse need to do a language test too?
Not necessarely, but you might get more points if you both do it. More details here.

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FSW Steps

FSW Step 1 - Understand the whole process

FSW Step 2 - Check eligibility

FSW Step 3 - Inform dependents

FSW Step 4 - Find out your NOC

FSW Step 5 - Get passport(s) ready

FSW Step 6 - Do English Exam

FSW Step 7 - Get an ECA

FSW Step 8 - Create and submit profile

FSW Step 9 - Wait for ITA

FSW Step 10 - Fill out the online form

FSW Step 11 - Get Police Certificates

FSW Step 12 - Get Medical Exams

FSW Step 13 - Get Proof of Funds

FSW Step 14 - Get Work Experience Letters

FSW Step 15 - Translate all documents

FSW Step 16 - Scan and upload documents

FSW Step 17 - Pay the fees

FSW Step 18 - Submit application

FSW Step 19 - Receive request for Biometrics

FSW Step 20 - Schedule and do Biometrics

FSW Step 21 - Wait for approval

FSW Step 22 - Send passport to VAC

FSW Step 23 - Receive COPR + visa

FSW Step 24 - Arrange travel

FSW Step 25 - Do the landing

FSW Step 26 - Receive PR Card