The Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is the national standard used in Canada to assess English and French language proficiency for immigration, work, and study purposes. It measures four language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
CLB Levels and Language Proficiency
The CLB system has 12 levels, divided into three main categories:
- Basic Proficiency (CLB 1-4): Limited ability to understand and communicate; can handle simple conversations and basic tasks.
- Intermediate Proficiency (CLB 5-8): Can engage in daily activities, work, and social interactions; required for many immigration programs.
- Advanced Proficiency (CLB 9-12): Strong ability to communicate effectively in professional and academic settings; higher CLB levels improve eligibility for Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
CLB Equivalencies for Language Tests
To meet immigration requirements, CLB levels are matched with scores from approved language tests:
For English: IELTS (General Training), CELPIP (General)
For French: TEF Canada, TCF Canada
| CLB Level | IELTS (General) | CELPIP (General) | TEF Canada | TCF Canada |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 4 | 4.5 (L), 3.5 (R), 4.0 (W, S) | 4 | 121-150 (L), 121-150 (R), 181-225 (W), 181-225 (S) | 331-368 (L), 342-374 (R), 4 (W), 4 (S) |
| CLB 7 (Minimum for Express Entry) | 6.0 (All) | 7 | 248-279 (L), 207-232 (R), 310-348 (W), 310-348 (S) | 458-502 (L), 453-498 (R), 10 (W), 10 (S) |
| CLB 9 (Extra CRS Points) | 8.0 (L), 7.0 (R, W, S) | 9 | 298+ (L), 233+ (R), 349+ (W), 349+ (S) | 523+ (L), 499+ (R), 11+ (W, S) |
How CLB Affects Immigration Programs
- Express Entry: A higher CLB level improves Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Some provinces have language-specific streams requiring a minimum CLB level.
- Citizenship: CLB 4 is the minimum requirement for Canadian citizenship applications.
Improving Your CLB Score
- Practice speaking and writing daily in English or French.
- Take language courses or use online learning platforms.
- Use official test prep materials for IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada.