Proving your English or French for citizenship

If English or French is not your first language, the language part of the citizenship application can feel like the scariest box to tick. Please take heart: the level is basic, it only covers speaking and listening, and most people already have a document that proves it. You may have it sitting in an old email from your PR application. This guide explains who needs proof, what level counts, every kind of proof IRCC accepts, and what to do if you do not have it yet.

Who needs to prove their language

You need language proof if you are 18 to 54 years old on the day you sign your application. If you are 55 or older, or under 18, you are automatically exempt, and you also do not take the citizenship test. If a medical condition or other compassionate reason makes it impossible for you to meet the requirement, you can ask IRCC for a waiver of the language requirement.

What level you need

IRCC asks for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) level 4 in English, or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 4 in French, in speaking and listening only. Reading and writing are not part of the citizenship language requirement. You only need to meet the level in one of the two languages, not both.

Option 1: an approved language test

• Good news for many Express Entry applicants: if you sent language test results with your PR application and your scores meet the minimums above, include a copy with your citizenship application, even if the results have expired.
• IELTS Academic is not accepted. Only IELTS General Training counts.
• Certificates from other courses or schools only count if they are on the official list, so check before you rely on one.

Option 2: education in English or French

If you completed, or are attending, a secondary (high school) or post-secondary program taught in English or French, in Canada or abroad, you can send a diploma, transcript or certificate from that program. If the document is in another language, include a certified English or French translation, and make sure it shows that the language of instruction was English or French.

Option 3: government-funded language training

If you took federally funded LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) or CLIC (Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada) classes and reached CLB 4 or higher in speaking and listening, that counts. For training on or after November 1, 2012, send a copy of your certificate. For training between January 2008 and October 2012, mark the box on your application and IRCC will check it electronically. A placement test alone is not proof. Some provincial programs are also accepted:

• British Columbia: English Language Services for Adults (ELSA) only, at CLB 4 or higher.
• Saskatchewan: a Statement of Student Language Proficiency from the Ministry of Education showing CFR level B1 or higher.
• Manitoba: a Manitoba CLB/NCLC Benchmark Report or EAL student progress report showing CLB/NCLC 4 or higher in speaking and listening.
• Nova Scotia: a Proficiency in English Nova Scotia (PENS) learner certificate at CLB 4 or higher in speaking and listening.
• Ontario: an Adult Non-Credit Language Training certificate (ESL, FSL, or Citizenship and Language Training) dated December 2013 or later, at CLB 4 or higher in speaking and listening.
• Quebec: results from MIFI (formerly MICC) or MEES programs at level 4 or higher on the Échelle québécoise, with the specific documents canada.ca lists.

If you don't have proof yet

This part matters, so here it is plainly: if you are 18 to 54 and you send your application without accepted proof, IRCC will not process it and will return it to you. The same happens if the proof cannot be read or verified, or is in another language without a certified translation. So get your proof first. Search your old emails and files for PR test results, ask your school for a transcript, or find a LINC or CLIC certificate. If you have nothing, you can book one of the approved tests. If your results are not high enough yet, government-funded language classes are available across Canada, and they can be a warm, welcoming place to build confidence.

Your documents are not the only thing IRCC looks at. Staff and citizenship officers also notice how well you communicate with them during the process, and if needed IRCC can assess your language further. A citizenship officer makes the final decision on whether you have adequate knowledge of English or French. At CLB 4, everyday conversation is what counts, so you do not need perfect grammar or a perfect accent.

Tips that make this easier

• Look for your PR test results first. For many people this is the fastest proof, and it is accepted even if it has expired.
• Use the official language proof questionnaire on canada.ca. It walks you through each type of proof step by step.
• Upload a clear, complete copy. If IRCC cannot read your proof, the application is returned.
• If your diploma is not in English or French, get a certified translation that shows the language of instruction.
• Keep practising out loud. Speaking with neighbours, coworkers or a conversation group helps with the test and the interview too.
• Remember that proving your language is separate from the citizenship test, which checks your knowledge of Canada.

Related guides: the citizenship overview, are you eligible? physical presence, explained, how to prepare for the citizenship test, and what happens at the ceremony.