Canadian Citizenship Language Requirements

Your Complete Guide to CLB/NCLC Level 4 Proof of Canadian Citizenship Language Requirements

Do you want to become a citizen of Canada? It’s quite important to show that you can speak one of Canada’s official languages, English or French. The government says that applicants must be able to speak and understand at least Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) Level 4.

If you meet these language criteria for Canadian citizenship, you will be able to fully participate in Canadian society, work safely, and enjoy the benefits of being a Canadian citizen.

This tutorial tells you everything you need to know about how to give proof of your language skills and avoid delays in your application for Canadian citizenship.

Who Needs to Provide Language Proof?

If you are between the ages of 18 and 54 on the day you apply for citizenship, you must show proof of your language skills that is acceptable.

You only need to show that you can speak and listen well; you don’t need to show that you can read or write well. At the CLB/NCLC 4 level, you should be able to:

Participate in short, normal talks.
Understand simple instructions and basic queries.
Use core grammar and vocabulary for ordinary communication.

Exemption: Applicants who are less than 18 or older than 54 do not need to show proof of language.

Language Level Required: CLB/NCLC 4

The minimal language standard is CLB or NCLC Level 4 in both speaking and listening. This level demonstrates you can communicate successfully in familiar contexts and conduct uncomplicated conversations.

Can I utilize old test results? Yes! If you completed an approved language test when applying for permanent residence that showed CLB/NCLC 4 or higher, you can reuse those results, even if the test report has expired.

Accepted Ways to Prove Your Language Skills

You have various options to satisfy the citizenship language requirement:

1. Approved Language Tests

You can utilize results from one of the following formal, government-approved language tests:

• Language Approved Test Minimum Score Required (Listening & Speaking)
• English CELPIP-General or CELPIP-General LS Score of 4 or higher in both areas.
• English IELTS (General Training) 4.5 or higher in hearing and 4.0 or higher in speaking.
• English Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core 28 or higher in listening and 42 or higher in speaking.
  French TEF Canada, TEFAQ, or TEF IRN B1 or above in both areas.
• French TCF Canada or TCF Québec (TCFQ) B1 or above in both categories.
• French DELF or DALF B1 or higher approved for DELF; all results accepted for DALF.

Important: Your test report must clearly display both your speaking and listening scores. Attach a clear copy to your application.

2. Education as Language Proof

If you completed a secondary (high school) or post-secondary (college/university) program where the primary language of instruction was English or French, you can use your educational records.

Acceptable Documents: A copy of your diploma, certificate, or transcript.

Foreign Documents: If your educational documents are not in English or French, you must submit a certified translation that certifies the program’s language of teaching.

3. Government-Funded Language Training

Certificates from the following Canadian government-funded programs are acceptable, provided they indicate CLB/NCLC 4 or higher in speaking and listening:

• Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
• Cours de language pour les immigrants au Canada (CLIC)

Note: For training conducted on or after November 1, 2012, you must supply a copy of the certificate. Older training (Jan 2008 to Oct 2012) can typically be confirmed electronically by IRCC.

4. Provincial Language Program Certificates

Various provincial language program certifications are also accepted:

• British Columbia: English Language Services for Adults (ELSA) credential.
• Manitoba: Manitoba Canadian Language Benchmark Report or Adult EAL progress report.
• Nova Scotia: Proficiency in English Nova Scotia (PENS) learner certificate.
• Ontario: Certificate from the Adult Non-Credit Language Training Programs or Citizenship and Language Training (dated Dec 2013 or later).
• Quebec: A “Bulletin” from MIFI or a “Relevé des apprentissages” from MEES demonstrating Échelle Québécoise/oral communication level 4 or higher.
• Saskatchewan: Statement of Student Language Proficiency showing CFR level B1 or higher in EAL.
  Submitting Your Language Proof

To prevent delays, ensure you submit a clear, readable copy of your language proof document(s) to your citizenship application.

Avoid Application Returns:

If your proof is unreadable, missing, or requires translation (without a certified translation), your application will be returned unprocessed.
If you are required to give proof and fail to include it, IRCC will return your complete application.

The best technique is to validate your chosen document fits IRCC’s criteria before submission. If there is any uncertainty, conducting a recognized test like CELPIP or TEF is the fastest approach to receive verifiable, acceptable results.

Canadian Citizenship Language FAQs

Who must submit language proof for Canadian citizenship?

Applicants aged 18 to 54 must produce proof of speaking and listening competence in English or French at CLB or NCLC level 4 or above. Those outside this age range are exempt.

What is the required language level for Canadian citizenship?

You require at least CLB or NCLC Level 4 in both speaking and listening, which demonstrates you can handle simple conversations and follow everyday instructions.

Can I utilize my expired language test results?

Yes. If you used an approved language exam when applying for permanent residency and the scores met CLB or NCLC 4 or higher, you can reuse those results for your citizenship application, even if they have expired.

Is education a legitimate type of language proof?

Yes. If you finished secondary or post-secondary education where the medium of instruction was English or French, you can submit your diploma, certificate, or transcript as proof.

Do you already have one of these accepted documents, or are you intending to take an approved language test?