The ability to
communicate and work in one or both of Canada's official languages
is very important to you, as a skilled worker. Abilities in English,
French or both will help you in the Canadian labour market.
Language
proficiency is one of the six selection factors for skilled workers.
You will be awarded up to 24 points for your basic, moderate or high
abilities in English and French. You will be given points based on
your ability to:
-
listen;
-
speak;
-
read; and
-
write.
Description of Each Level of Ability:
Use the
following chart to assess your skill levels according to the
Canadian Language Benchmarks. Follow the links for a description of
each skill level.
|
Proficiency
Level |
Ability |
|
Speaking |
Listening |
Reading |
Writing |
|
HIGH:
You can communicate effectively in most social and work
situations. |
Speaking: High |
Listening: High |
Reading: High |
Writing: High |
|
MODERATE:
you can communicate comfortably in familiar social and work
situations. |
Speaking:
Moderate |
Listening:
Moderate |
Reading:
Moderate |
Writing:
Moderate |
|
BASIC:
You can communicate in predictable contexts and on familiar
topics, but with some difficulty. |
Speaking: Basic |
Listening:
Basic |
Reading: Basic |
Writing: Basic |
|
NO:
You do not meet the above criteria for basic proficiency. |
Does not meet
Basic Level. |
Does not meet
Basic Level. |
Does not meet
Basic Level. |
Does not meet
Basic Level. |
Your First and Second Official Languages
If you have some
abilities in both the English and French language, decide which
language you are more comfortable using. This is your First Official
Language. The other is your Second Official Language.
Calculate Your Language Points
Use the
descriptions from the table above to score your language abilities.
|
First Official
Language |
|
|
Speaking |
Listening |
Reading |
Writing |
|
High
proficiency |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
Moderate
proficiency |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Basic
proficiency |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Please Note: You
can score a maximum of only two points in total for basic-level
proficiency. |
|
No proficiency |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Second Official
Language |
|
|
Speaking |
Listening |
Reading |
Writing |
|
High
proficiency |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Moderate
proficiency |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Basic
proficiency |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Please Note: You
can score a maximum of only two points in total for basic-level
proficiency. |
|
No proficiency |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Language ability documentation
If you are
claiming language skills on your application, you must
provide conclusive proof of your language skills. You must
choose one of two options to do this. You can:
-
take an official language test by an approved
organization; or
-
provide other written documentation that supports
your claim.
We
strongly recommend that you take an official language test if you
are claiming skills in a language that is not your native language.
English
Tests
French
Tests
International
English Language Testing System
(IELTS):
Test Score
Equivalency Chart
|
Level |
Points
(per ability) |
Test
Results for each Ability |
|
Speaking |
Listening |
Reading
(General Training) |
Writing
(General Training) |
High
(CLB/SLC 8-12) |
First
Official Language: 4 |
7.0 - 9.0 |
7.0 - 9.0 |
7.0 - 9.0 |
7.0 - 9.0 |
|
Second
Official Language: 2 |
Moderate
(CLB/SLC 6-7) |
2 |
5.0 - 6.9 |
5.0 - 6.9 |
5.0 - 6.9 |
5.0 - 6.9 |
Basic
(CLB/SLC 4-5) |
1
(to a maximum of 2) |
4.0 - 4.9 |
4.0 - 4.9 |
4.0 - 4.9 |
4.0 - 4.9 |
No
(CLB/SLC 0-3) |
0 |
Less than
4.0 |
Less than
4.0 |
Less than
4.0 |
Less than
4.0 |
You can use
language test results for one year from the time you took the test.
|
