Free guide for newcomers
English tests for Canada and the USA
Which test to take, the scores you need, and how to prepare: a plain-English summary of the official rules for immigration and citizenship.
Checked against official sources in October 2026.
Canada
Which tests count for Express Entry
- CELPIP-General
- IELTS General Training (not IELTS Academic, and not the One Skill Retake)
- PTE Core (not PTE Academic)
Results must be less than two years old on the day you create your profile and on the day you apply. Scores are converted to Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), from 1 to 12, for each of the four skills.
Minimum levels by program
- Federal Skilled Worker: CLB 7 in all four skills.
- Canadian Experience Class: CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs, CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs.
- Federal Skilled Trades: CLB 5 for speaking and listening, CLB 4 for reading and writing.
The minimum makes you eligible. Higher scores give you more points in the Comprehensive Ranking System, and CLB 9 or above usually makes a large difference.
Citizenship
If you are 18 to 54, you must show CLB 4 or higher in speaking and listening. You can use an approved test result, or proof of education in English or French, or a government-funded language program at CLB 4.
| CLB | ≈ CEFR | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | C1 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| 9 | C1 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | B2 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | B2 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | B1 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | B1 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | A2 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| CLB | ≈ CEFR | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | C1 | 88–90 | 90 | 89–90 | 89–90 |
| 9 | C1 | 78–87 | 88–89 | 82–88 | 84–88 |
| 8 | B2 | 69–77 | 79–87 | 71–81 | 76–83 |
| 7 | B2 | 60–68 | 69–78 | 60–70 | 68–75 |
| 6 | B1 | 51–59 | 60–68 | 50–59 | 59–67 |
| 5 | B1 | 42–50 | 51–59 | 39–49 | 51–58 |
| 4 | A2 | 33–41 | 41–50 | 28–38 | 42–50 |
CELPIP-General is the simplest: your CELPIP level in each skill is the same as the CLB level.
United States
No test score for immigration, but an English test for citizenship
Most US immigration routes do not require an English test score. Universities and some employers ask for TOEFL, IELTS Academic or Duolingo instead. When you apply to become a citizen (naturalization), an officer tests your English during the interview.
How the naturalization English test works
- Speaking: the officer judges your English during the interview, including your answers about your application.
- Reading: you read one of up to three sentences aloud correctly.
- Writing: you write one of up to three sentences the officer reads aloud.
- You have two attempts. If you fail any part, you are retested on that part, usually within 60 to 90 days.
Who is exempt from the English test
- Age 50 or older with 20 years as a permanent resident.
- Age 55 or older with 15 years as a permanent resident.
- Age 65 or older with 20 years as a permanent resident (also gets a simpler civics test).
- People with a qualifying medical condition, using Form N-648.
How to prepare with Baobab
- Take the free placement test to see your CEFR level today. B2 is roughly CLB 7 to 8; C1 is roughly CLB 9 to 10.
- Use Exam Practice in Tests for timed reading, listening and writing in the IELTS and TOEFL style.
- Practise speaking every day with the AI coach, and rehearse job interviews with the interview simulator.
- Follow the Newcomer English track: renting, the doctor, banking, your résumé, your child's school, pay slips and emails to your manager.
Official sources
- Canada.ca: Language test equivalency charts
- Canada.ca: Express Entry language requirements
- Canada.ca: Citizenship language requirements
- USCIS: The naturalization test
- USCIS: Exceptions and accommodations
This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Rules and score tables change; always confirm on canada.ca or uscis.gov before you book a test or apply.