English test requirements for Canadian citizenship
If you are 18 to 54, you normally need proof of CLB 4 in speaking and listening and must take the citizenship test. IRCC may grant a waiver on compassionate grounds.
- Facts from IRCC
- CELPIP-General LS accepted
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Requirements at a glance
The usual requirements for language proof and the test.
Ages 18 to 54
Normally, prove your English or French and take the citizenship test. Adults 55 and older and children under 18 need neither.
1,095 days in Canada
You must have been physically in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the 5 years before you apply. Each qualifying day as a temporary resident or protected person counts as half a day, up to 365 days. So at least 730 of the 1,095 days must be as a permanent resident.
CLB 4 in speaking and listening
Normally, send accepted proof with your application. If requesting a waiver, follow IRCC's waiver instructions. Missing or unreadable required proof can cause IRCC to return it.
20 questions, 15 to pass
The citizenship test checks what you know about Canada. It has no questions about your English.
If a situation prevents you from meeting the language requirement or taking the test, you can request a compassionate-ground waiver; IRCC decides each request. Check IRCC's waiver criteria.
Language proof IRCC accepts
If you are not requesting a language waiver, normally send at least one of these with your citizenship application.
Language tests
| Test | Result you need |
|---|---|
| CELPIP-General or CELPIP-General LS | 4 or higher in listening and speaking |
| IELTS General Training | 4.5 or higher in listening, 4.0 or higher in speaking |
| PTE Core | 28 or higher in listening, 42 or higher in speaking |
| TEF Canada, TEFAQ, TEF IRN, TCF Canada or TCFQ (French) | B1 or higher in listening and speaking |
| DELF or DALF (French) | DELF B1 or higher; all DALF results |
IRCC accepts only IELTS General Training for citizenship, not IELTS Academic.
Other accepted proof
- A diploma, transcript or certificate from a secondary or post-secondary program taught in English or French, in or outside Canada.
- Language test results you sent with your permanent residence application, if the scores are high enough. Expired results are accepted.
- LINC or CLIC language training at CLB 4 or higher in speaking and listening.
- Some provincial language programs in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec, at level 4 or higher.
The citizenship test
- 20 multiple-choice or true-or-false questions
- 45 minutes, in English or French
- At least 15 correct answers (75%) to pass
- Up to 3 chances within your 30-day test period
- Questions come from the official study guide, Discover Canada: rights and responsibilities, history, geography, economy, government, laws and symbols
If you fail 3 times, IRCC invites you to a hearing. The officer may ask 20 questions about Canada (pass 15) and up to 9 questions to assess your English or French (pass 6). Hearings last 30 to 90 minutes.
Prove your English with CELPIP-General LS
CELPIP-General LS tests listening and speaking only, the two abilities citizenship needs. You need level 4 or higher in each. Start with the free diagnostic to see where your listening and speaking stand.
- CELPIP 4 = CLB 4
- CELPIP 5 = CLB 5
- CELPIP 6 = CLB 6
- CELPIP 7 = CLB 7
- CELPIP 8 = CLB 8
- CELPIP 9 = CLB 9
- CELPIP 10 = CLB 10
CELPIP-General LS: test format and LS mock tests
Citizenship English questions
Do I need to take an English test for citizenship?
Normally only if you are 18 to 54 and have no other accepted proof. A diploma from a program taught in English or French, LINC or CLIC training at CLB 4, some provincial programs, or results from your permanent residence application may also be used. If you cannot meet the language requirement on compassionate grounds, you may request a waiver from IRCC.
What CELPIP score do I need for citizenship?
Level 4 or higher in listening and speaking, on either CELPIP-General or CELPIP-General LS. Reading and writing scores are not needed.
Can I use the test results from my permanent residence application?
Yes, if your scores meet the citizenship level. IRCC accepts these results even if they have expired. Include a copy with your application.
Is IELTS Academic accepted?
No. IRCC accepts only IELTS General Training for citizenship, with 4.5 or higher in listening and 4.0 or higher in speaking.
Does the citizenship test check my English?
No. The test checks your knowledge of Canada and has no language questions. If you are invited to an interview, the officer notes how well you communicate in English or French.
What happens if I fail the citizenship test?
You have up to 3 chances within your 30-day test period. If you fail all 3, IRCC invites you to a hearing with a citizenship official. If you fail the hearing, IRCC refuses the application and you must reapply and pay the fees again.
What if I am 55 or older?
Adults 55 and older do not need to prove their language skills or take the citizenship test. IRCC may still invite you to an interview.
How long must I live in Canada before I apply for citizenship?
You must have been physically in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the 5 years before you apply. Each qualifying day as a temporary resident or protected person counts as half a day, up to 365 days. So at least 730 of the 1,095 days must be as a permanent resident.
Photographs: Citizenship ceremony Corus Quay. 04, PvOberstein, CC0 · Canadian Passports - Old and New, Jusfiq, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Centre Block, Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (29442182363), Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 · Hand-writing-exam-classroom, Alison wood, CC BY 3.0