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Language Skills

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. The ability to communicate and work in one or both of Canada's official languages is very important to a skilled worker and abilities in English, French or both will help you in the Canadian labour market.

Do You Meet The Language Skills Requirement?

You will be given points based on your ability to:

• Listen;
• Speak;
• Read; AND
• Write.

Proficiency Levels

In order to qualify for points for language ability under the Canadian points system, your fluency must meet the standards set out by the Canadian Language Benchmarks.

The standards are set out as follows:

• High

  You can communicate effectively in most social and work situations.

• Moderate

  You can communicate comfortably in familiar social and work situations.

• Basic

  You can communicate in predictable contexts and on familiar topics, but with some difficulty.

To prove your language skills, you will have to take a language proficiency test. There are costs associated with language testing. The most common language test to complete for immigration purposes is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training option. If you are seeking recognition for French language skills, you will be required to take the Test d'Evaluation de Francais (TEF).

Do You Meet The Language Skills Requirement?