Canadian Experience Class

Language Requirements

Being able to communicate and work in one or both of Canada’s official languages is very important. Knowing English, French or both helps you in the Canadian job market.

You must prove your ability in English or French to qualify for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class.

If most of your work experience is classified as Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A under the NOC, you must show you meet the requirements for level 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmarks. If most of your work experience is classified at Skill Level B under the NOC, you must show you meet the requirements for level 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmarks. These are the minimum levels needed to apply for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class based on your occupational skill level.

If you do not meet the minimum language skill requirement for your NOC category, your application for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class will be refused.

Proof of your language abilities

If you have some abilities in both English and French, decide which of the two is your first official language. The other is your second official language.

You must prove your abilities in your first official language only. There are two ways to do this. You can:

• take a test from a designated testing agency or
• provide written proof of your abilities.

Note: If your first language is neither French nor English, CIC recommends taking a language test from an approved organization before starting the application process. This will help you find out if you meet the minimum language requirement.

Providing other written evidence

We strongly recommend that you take an official language test if you are claiming skills in English or French and it is not your first language.

If you choose not to take a language test from a designated agency, you must prove your ability to speak, listen, read and write English or French through written evidence. You must provide written proof and an explanation that clearly shows you meet the benchmark criteria listed in the Canadian Language Benchmarks in each of the four skills.

You must:

Clearly indicate which Canadian Language Benchmark you are seeking according to your occupational skill level in each category (speaking, listening, reading and writing).

Submit, with your immigration application, a written explanation and supporting documents as proof that you meet the minimum language requirement.

This material must include:

• a written submission explaining your background or education in English or French
• an explanation of how you commonly use English or French
• official documentation of education in English or French and
• official documentation of work experience in English or French.