IELTS vs CELPIP: Which English Test for Canadian Immigration?

A third option, PTE Core, has been accepted for economic immigration since January 2024. For French, IRCC accepts TEF Canada and TCF Canada. See language tests for Canada.

IRCC does not compare raw test scores; it converts every result to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level for each skill. Your lowest skill often decides whether you qualify.

The table shows the minimum score for each level, from IRCC's equivalency tables. CELPIP levels 11 and 12 also count as CLB 10. Convert your own results with the CLB converter.

Language is the biggest factor you can still improve after you apply:

• Eligibility: the Federal Skilled Worker Program needs CLB 7 in all four skills; the Canadian Experience Class needs CLB 7 or CLB 5 depending on your job.
• CRS points: moving from CLB 8 to CLB 9 in all four skills adds points directly and raises your skill transferability points when combined with your education or work experience. Try the CRS calculator.
• Work permits and PGWP: graduates need CLB 7 (university) or CLB 5 (college) to get a PGWP.
• Citizenship: adults aged 18 to 54 need CLB 4. CELPIP-General LS (listening and speaking only) is accepted for citizenship, but not for PR.

Many candidates retake a test to reach CLB 9, because it can add a large number of CRS points.

CELPIP-General is taken entirely on a computer in about 3 hours, in one sitting. For speaking, you answer prompts into a microphone, and recordings are rated later. The tasks use everyday Canadian situations, such as workplace emails and neighborhood issues. People who type well and are comfortable speaking to a computer often prefer it.

IELTS General Training can be taken on paper or on a computer. Listening, reading, and writing are taken together, and speaking is a face-to-face conversation with an examiner, sometimes on another day. People who find it easier to speak with a person, or who are less comfortable typing, often prefer IELTS.

Before booking, check IRCC's list of accepted test versions. IRCC does not accept every product from each provider (IELTS Academic, for example, does not count for permanent residence), so confirm that the exact version you book, including any retake option, is accepted.

• Book early. Test dates fill up in many cities, especially before Express Entry deadlines and in university intake seasons.
• Use the same passport you will list on your immigration forms, and make sure your name matches exactly.
• Prepare with official materials. Both providers publish free and paid practice tests; practice under timed conditions and on the same format (paper or computer) you will take.
• Plan for results. Results usually arrive within days to a couple of weeks, depending on the test and format. You enter your test details (such as the IELTS test report form number or CELPIP registration number) in your Express Entry profile.
• Plan retakes around validity. If your results will expire before you might receive an invitation, retake early so your profile stays eligible.

Test fees are set by each provider and vary by country; check the official sites for current prices.

CELPIP is often the better fit if you:

• live in Canada or in a country where CELPIP is offered
• type quickly and are comfortable with computer-based tests
• are used to North American English
• want all four skills done in one sitting

IELTS is often the better fit if you:

• live outside Canada where CELPIP is not available
• prefer a face-to-face speaking test with a person
• also need a test for another country or a university
• prefer writing by hand (paper-based test)

Both count the same once converted to CLB, so choose the one where you expect to score higher. If French is strong, also consider TEF Canada or TCF Canada: French at NCLC 7 or higher can add up to 50 CRS points and qualifies you for French-language draws. See also CEC vs FSW.