Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Who needs language proof
If you are 18 to 54, you must send proof that you can speak and listen at CLB 4 or higher in English or French with your citizenship application. IRCC returns the whole application if the proof is missing, unreadable, or not in English or French without a certified translation (IRCC).
Proof can also be a diploma, transcript or certificate from a secondary or post-secondary programme taught in English or French, in or outside Canada.
PTE Core scores IRCC accepts
IRCC's citizenship test page lists PTE Core with a minimum of 28 in listening and 42 in speaking. Include a copy of your results even if they have expired (IRCC). The English tests it lists are CELPIP-G, IELTS General Training and PTE Core; it says it only accepts IELTS General Training, not IELTS Academic.
| Test | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|
| PTE Core | 28 | 42 |
| CELPIP-G (tests from 1 April 2014) | 4 | 4 |
| IELTS General Training (tests from 28 November 2008) | 4.5 | 4.0 |
Need CLB 4 for Canadian citizenship?
IRCC accepts IELTS General Training and PTE Core, not IELTS Academic or PTE Academic. Practise the test you will actually sit, free.
Try PTE Core free →Practise before you book: free PTE mock test, PTE predictions, PTE Core practice test and PTE to IELTS converter.
How this fits the CLB table
On IRCC's PTE Core to CLB table, CLB 4 is 28–38 in listening and 42–50 in speaking, so the citizenship minimums are the bottom of CLB 4 (IRCC). Share your result with IRCC using the Score Report Code on your PTE Core report (PTE Core FAQ).
Frequently asked questions
What PTE Core score is CLB 4?+
Listening 28–38 and speaking 42–50 on IRCC's table. Citizenship needs at least 28 listening and 42 speaking.
Can I use an expired PTE Core result for citizenship?+
Yes. IRCC says to include your results even if they have expired.
Is PTE Academic accepted for Canadian citizenship?+
IRCC's citizenship page lists PTE Core, not PTE Academic.
Do I need PTE Core reading and writing for citizenship?+
No. IRCC assesses speaking and listening for citizenship.
Keep reading
Related
- CELPIP for Canadian citizenship
- IELTS for Canadian citizenship
- PTE Core to CLB calculator
- PTE Academic vs PTE Core
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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