Language Requirements

Citizenship Language Requirement 

Applicants for Canadian citizenship aged 18-54 are required to provide proof of proficiency in one of Canada's official languages at the time of submitting their application. The minimum language abilities required are outlined in the regulations and include the ability to: 

- Participate in brief, everyday conversations; 

- Comprehend basic instructions and questions; 

- Use simple grammar, basic sentence structures, and tenses in spoken communication; 

- Employ vocabulary sufficient for routine oral exchanges. 

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in speaking and listening in either English or French, as written proficiency is not a requirement. Acceptable proof of language skills must include one of the following: 

- Results from a third-party language test approved by IRCC, showing a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level of 4 or higher in speaking and listening; 

- Diplomas or transcripts confirming secondary or post-secondary education in English or French, whether completed in Canada or abroad; 

- Results from a government-funded language course demonstrating a CLB or NCLC level of 4 or higher. 

Applicants who have previously completed language testing during their permanent residency application can submit those results, even if they have since expired. Approved language tests for the citizenship application include: 

- International English Language Testing System (IELTS); 

- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP General and LS); 

- Test d'évaluation de français (TEF), TEFAQ (for Quebec access), or TEF pour la naturalisation; 

- Test d'évaluation du français adapté au Québec (TEFAQ).