Which language tests does Express Entry accept, and how recent do they need to be?

Express Entry accepts specific approved language tests only. For English, the recognized tests are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS General Training) and the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP General). For French, the accepted tests are the Test d'évaluation de français pour le Canada (TEF Canada) and the Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF Canada).

Your test results must not be more than two years old at any point during your Express Entry process — from profile creation through to the time IRCC makes a final decision on your permanent residence application. If your results expire while your application is in progress, IRCC may request updated scores.

Each Express Entry stream has its own minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirements. Scoring above the minimum is important: language ability is one of the highest-weighted factors in the CRS, so stronger scores meaningfully increase your overall ranking. If you are bilingual in English and French, you can claim points for both languages, which can provide a significant CRS boost. Retaking a test before submitting your profile — if your scores have room to improve — is often one of the most cost-effective ways to increase your ranking.