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CELPIP scores needed for Express Entry, PR, PGWP and citizenship

IRCC sets minimum CLB levels by program, and a CELPIP-General level equals the same CLB. The table below summarizes what IRCC’s pages said when we checked on 19 October 2026. It is a summary, not immigration advice: rules change, so confirm on the IRCC page linked in each row before you book a test or apply.

By Certloom Learning, publisher of CLB Mock. Unofficial guide, checked against the sources listed at the end.

Minimum CELPIP levels by program (IRCC)

ProgramMinimum IRCC listsWhich test
Express Entry: Federal Skilled WorkerCLB 7 in all four abilities (first official language)CELPIP-General
Express Entry: Canadian Experience ClassCLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs; CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs (all four abilities)CELPIP-General
Express Entry: Federal Skilled TradesCLB 5 Speaking and Listening; CLB 4 Reading and WritingCELPIP-General
Post-graduation work permit (applications from 1 November 2024)CLB 7 for university bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and other university programs; CLB 5 for college and other non-university programs (all four abilities)CELPIP-General
Citizenship (applicants aged 18–54)CLB 4 or higher in Speaking and ListeningCELPIP-General LS or CELPIP-General
Start-up VisaCLB 5 in all four abilitiesCELPIP-General

Sources by row: Express Entry language tests (modified 2026-10-16), PGWP language results (modified 2026-05-27), citizenship language proof (modified 2025-09-11) and Start-up Visa language testing (modified 2025-03-12). CELPIP-General LS covers only Listening and Speaking, so it is for citizenship, not for programs that need all four abilities.

Express Entry CRS points for CELPIP levels

Meeting the minimum makes you eligible; a higher level earns more Comprehensive Ranking System points. IRCC’s CRS page (modified 2026-10-16) lists these points per ability for your first official language:

CELPIP level (= CLB)Points per ability, with a spouse or partnerPoints per ability, without
4 or 566
689
71617
82223
92931
10 or more3234

CLB 7 and CLB 9 also unlock skill-transferability points when combined with education or foreign work experience. IRCC says CRS changes take effect on 3 November 2026, so check the CRS criteria page for the current numbers.

How to use these numbers

  • Every ability counts. A requirement of CLB 7 means CELPIP 7 or higher in each skill named, so one weak skill decides the result.
  • Find your gap. Take a timed practice test, estimate your levels with the calculator, and spend most of your study time on the skill furthest below your target.
  • Results expire. IRCC generally needs results less than two years old when you apply. For citizenship, IRCC accepts expired CELPIP results.
  • Provincial programs differ. Provincial nominee streams set their own minimums and change often; check the province’s official site.

Frequently asked questions

What CELPIP score do I need for Canadian PR?

It depends on the program. IRCC lists CLB 7 in all four abilities for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and lower minimums for some Canadian Experience Class and Skilled Trades cases. Check the IRCC page for your program.

What CELPIP score do I need for a PGWP?

IRCC lists CLB 7 for university degree programs and CLB 5 for college and other non-university programs, in all four abilities, for applications from 1 November 2024.

What CELPIP score do I need for citizenship?

IRCC asks applicants aged 18 to 54 for CLB 4 or higher in speaking and listening. CELPIP-General LS tests only those two skills.

Does a higher CELPIP score give more Express Entry points?

Yes. IRCC’s CRS table gives more points per ability at each CLB level up to 10 and above. IRCC has announced CRS changes from 3 November 2026.

Sources

Checked October 19, 2026. Rules and fees change: check the official page before you act. celpip.ca pages were read from public archive snapshots because the site blocks automated access.