The language proof for citizenship
Alongside the knowledge test, you show that you can speak and listen in English or French. Here’s what counts.
Checked against IRCC’s pages on .
What you need
If you’re 18 to 54 when you sign your application, you show speaking and listening at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 or higher in English, or its French equivalent (NCLC 4).
What counts as proof
- Results from an accepted language test.
- Or a diploma, certificate or transcript showing you completed, or are attending, a secondary or post-secondary program in English or French, in Canada or abroad. A document in another language needs a certified English or French translation, which shows that the program was taught in English or French.
- Or some proof of government-funded language training.
The accepted tests, named as IRCC names them
- In English: CELPIP-General or CELPIP-General LS, IELTS General Training, or PTE Core.
- In French: TEF Canada, the Test d’évaluation de français adapté au Québec (TEFAQ), or the TEF Intégration, Résidence et Nationalité; TCF Canada or the Test de connaissance du français pour le Québec (TCFQ); DELF at B1 or higher; or DALF. For TCF Canada, IRCC asks for at least B1 in listening and speaking.
- IRCC accepts no other tests, “even if they’re similar”.
CELPIP-General LS, the version for citizenship
It’s the two-skill version of CELPIP: listening and speaking only, with no reading or writing.
If you choose CELPIP for citizenship, it covers exactly what IRCC asks for.
Speak, then see how it went
Record your answer to a speaking task modelled on CELPIP’s, and get feedback on what worked, what to improve, and an estimated level for your practice answer.
Levels here are estimates based on your practice answers. They aren’t official results.
Not sure what applies to you?
IRCC’s pages on applying for citizenship list the proof you need. NestLibre is test practice and doesn’t give immigration advice. For your own case, go to IRCC or a licensed immigration lawyer or consultant.
Sources
- What language level do I need when I apply for citizenship? (checked )
- What documents can I use to prove that I meet the citizenship language requirement? (checked )
- Find out if you have the language proof for citizenship: Step 1 (checked )
- I graduated from an English- or French-language high school, college or university. What can I use to show that I can communicate in one of the official languages when I apply for citizenship? (checked )
- What third-party language tests will you accept as proof I have adequate knowledge of English or French when I apply for citizenship? (checked )
- Find out if you have the language proof for citizenship: Step 5 (checked )
- Canadian citizenship for adults: Forms and documents to apply on paper (checked )