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How to convert CEFR levels to Canadian immigration requirements visualisation

How to convert CEFR levels to Canadian immigration requirements

Achieve French Fluency: Your Comprehensive Proficiency Test Guide: How to convert CEFR levels to Canadian immigration requirements
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To convert CEFR levels to Canadian immigration language requirements, Canada uses its own proficiency scales called Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English and Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) for French. The equivalence between CEFR and these Canadian benchmarks is essential to understand eligibility and requirements for immigration programs.

Here is a summary of the equivalence and how CEFR levels correspond to Canadian immigration language requirements:

CEFR to Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB/NCLC) Equivalence

  • CEFR A1 corresponds to NCLC 1-2 (Beginner level)
  • CEFR A2 corresponds to NCLC 3-4 (Elementary level)
  • CEFR B1 corresponds to NCLC 5-6 (Intermediate)
  • CEFR B2 corresponds to NCLC 7-8 (Upper Intermediate)
  • CEFR C1 corresponds to NCLC 9 (Advanced)
  • CEFR C2 corresponds to NCLC 10+ (Proficient) 1, 2

Minimum Language Requirements by Canadian Immigration Programs

  • For Federal Skilled Worker Program (Express Entry): Minimum CLB 7 (equivalent to CEFR B2) in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) for the first official language.
  • For Canadian Experience Class: Minimum CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs (CEFR B2), CLB 5 (CEFR B1) for TEER 2 or 3 jobs.
  • For Federal Skilled Trades Program: Lower minimums, often CLB 5 in speaking/listening (CEFR B1), CLB 4 in reading/writing.
  • Quebec Skilled Worker Program emphasizes French with a recommended minimum around NCLC 7-8 (CEFR B2) 2, 3, 4

Practical Application

  • Candidates with CEFR B2 level in English or French are generally meeting the minimum language levels required for most federal Canadian immigration programs.
  • Tests accepted for English include IELTS and CELPIP, with scores mapped to CLB levels.
  • Tests accepted for French include TEF and TCF Canada, with scores mapped to NCLC levels.

This equivalence helps immigrants understand which language test scores meet Canadian immigration criteria by comparing them to CEFR levels, which are internationally recognized. For example, a CEFR B2 in English would typically mean scoring CLB 7 in Canadian standards, qualifying the candidate for major immigration streams like Express Entry.

If there is interest, specific tables for test score equivalencies and program requirements can be provided as well.

References

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