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Section Title: Immigrate to Canada

Home » Immigrating to Canada » Skilled Worker Class » Will You Qualify?

Language Proficiency

The ability to communicate and work in one or both of Canada’s official languages is very important to you as a skilled worker. Proficiency 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 proficiency in English and French. You will be given points based on your ability to:

  • listen;
  • speak;
  • read; and
  • write.

 
Description of Each Level of Proficiency

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.

You can view and print the entire Canadian Language Benchmarks from your computer. It is a very long document and may take some time to view on your computer [Acrobat PDF format, 780 K].

 
Your First and Second Official Languages

If you have some proficiency 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 proficiency.

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 proficiency on your application, you must provide conclusive proof of your level. You must choose one of two options to do this. You can:

  1. take a language test by an approved organization; or
  2. provide other written documentation that supports your claim.

We strongly recommend that you take a language test from an approved organization if you are claiming skills in a language that is not your native language.
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Last Updated: 2002-09-10 Return to top of page Important Notices