The citizenship language requirement
IRCC says applicants aged 18 to 54 must send proof that they can speak and listen at Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) Level 4 or higher in English or French (IRCC). Proof must come with the application: if it is missing, unreadable, or not in English or French without a certified translation, IRCC returns the whole application.
Reading and writing are not tested for citizenship. Proof can also be a secondary or post-secondary programme taken in English or French, LINC or CLIC training at CLB 4, or some provincial language programmes (IRCC).
Tests IRCC accepts for citizenship
If you have no other proof, IRCC lists these tests and results (IRCC). Only IELTS General Training counts; IRCC says it does not accept IELTS Academic for citizenship (IRCC).
| Test | Result needed |
|---|---|
| CELPIP-General or CELPIP-General LS | 4 or higher (up to 12) in listening and speaking |
| IELTS General Training | 4.0 or higher in speaking and 4.5 or higher in listening |
| PTE Core | 28 or higher in listening and 42 or higher in speaking |
| TEF Canada, TEFAQ, TEF IRN, TCF Canada, TCFQ (French) | B1 or higher in listening and speaking |
| DELF (French) | B1 or higher |
| DALF (French) | All results accepted |
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Reusing your PR language test
If you sent language test results with your permanent residence application, IRCC's checker says to include a copy with your citizenship application, even if they are expired, as long as they are high enough (IRCC). For CELPIP-G taken on or after 1 April 2014 that means 4 or higher in listening and speaking; for tests on or before 31 March 2014 it means 2H or higher.
CELPIP-General LS: the citizenship version
CELPIP-General LS tests only Listening (38 questions, 46 to 55 minutes) and Speaking (8 tasks, 15 minutes). It takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes in one sitting, costs CAD 199 plus applicable taxes in Canada, and results are online in 2 to 4 business days; the PDF score report is official (celpip.ca). Celpip.ca asks you to check the Government of Canada's requirements before booking.
PTE Core and IELTS General Training work too (IRCC); see IELTS for Canadian citizenship or try a PTE Core practice test.
Frequently asked questions
What CELPIP score is needed for Canadian citizenship?+
Level 4 or higher in Listening and Speaking, on CELPIP-General or CELPIP-General LS. Reading and Writing are not required.
Who needs a language test for Canadian citizenship?+
Applicants aged 18 to 54 who have no other accepted proof, such as an English or French education programme or LINC training at CLB 4.
Can I use my old CELPIP from my PR application?+
Yes, if it is high enough. IRCC says to include a copy even if the results are expired.
Is IELTS Academic accepted for Canadian citizenship?+
No. IRCC accepts only IELTS General Training for citizenship, with 4.0 in speaking and 4.5 in listening.
How long is the CELPIP LS test?+
About 1 hour and 10 minutes: 38 Listening questions in 46 to 55 minutes and 8 Speaking tasks in 15 minutes.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for Canadian citizenship
- CELPIP exam fee 2026
- CELPIP score chart
- PTE Core practice test
- All 1712 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 14 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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