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How much Celpip Score is required for PR: As an immigration consultant with over a decade of experience guiding clients through Canada’s complex permanent residency (PR) pathways, I’ve seen firsthand how language proficiency can make or break an application. 

The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) is a computer-based test which is especially designed to fulfill requirement for the Canadian Immigration. Unlike other general exams, CELPIP matches effortlessly with the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), which makes CELPIP Test as a preferred choice for the applicants who want to achieve Canada PR.

In this article, we will see how much Celpip Score are required to get Canada PR. Firstly, let’s see what CELPIP includes. Developed by Paragon Testing Enterprises, a subsidiary of the University of British Columbia, CELPIP is an English language assessment recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for immigration, citizenship, and professional designation purposes. 

It’s unique in being fully computerized, completed in a single sitting, and focused on North American English accents and contexts—perfect for immigrants adapting to Canadian life. 

There are two main variants: the CELPIP-General Test, which evaluates all four language skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) and takes about three hours, and the CELPIP-General LS Test, which covers only Listening and Speaking in roughly one hour and is primarily for citizenship applications.

The scoring system of CELPIP Test is straightforward, which ranges from Level M to Level 12. Level M is minimal Proficiency and Level 12 is Advanced Proficiency. Every level relates directly to a CLB level.

For example, a CELPIP score of 7 in every module is equal to to CLB 7, which is the baseline for a large number of PR programs. 

Scores are valid for two years from the test date, and as of 2025, IRCC continues to enforce this validity period strictly—meaning your results must be current both when entering the Express Entry pool and upon submitting your PR application. If they expire mid-process, you’ll need to retake the test or risk refusal.

To put this in perspective, consider a client of mine, Raj, an IT professional from India applying under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). Raj scored 8 in Listening, 7 in Reading, 7 in Writing, and 8 in Speaking on his CELPIP-General Test. 

This translated to CLB 7 across the board, meeting the minimum threshold and earning him 16 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for language alone (4 points per skill). 

However, by aiming higher retaking and achieving 9s, he boosted his CRS by another 8 points, pushing his total score over 480 and securing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in a competitive draw.

Now, turning to the core question: how much CELPIP score do you need for PR? The answer hinges on the specific immigration pathway, as requirements vary. 

Most PR applications flow through the Express Entry system, which manages three key programs: FSWP, Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). As of 2025, IRCC has maintained the language benchmarks established in prior years, with no major overhauls to CELPIP equivalencies. 

However, updates to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, now fully transitioned to the Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) categories since 2022 impact how CEC requirements are applied.

For the FSWP, which targets skilled workers with foreign experience, you need a minimum CLB 7 in each of the four abilities. This means a CELPIP score of at least 7 in Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing. 

Falling short in even one module disqualifies you from entering the pool. In CRS terms, CLB 7 yields 4 points per ability (total 16 for the first official language), while CLB 9 or higher jumps to 6 points each (total 24). 

If you claim points for a second official language (French), a minimum CLB 5 (CELPIP 5) across all skills adds up to 4 more points. An example here is Maria, a nurse from the Philippines, who initially scored 6 in Writing, missing the CLB 7 mark. 

After targeted practice using resources like oetpro for occupational English refinement—though OET is more healthcare-focused, its structured approach helped her—she improved to 7 and entered the pool successfully.

The FSTP, aimed at tradespeople, has slightly lower thresholds: CLB 5 (CELPIP 5) for Speaking and Listening, and CLB 4 (CELPIP 4) for Reading and Writing. This shows the program focus more on academic language over the practical skills.  

For the CEC, requirements depend on your job’s TEER level—a shift from the old NOC A/B categories. If your experience is in TEER 0 (management) or TEER 1 (professional occupations requiring university degrees), you need CLB 7 (CELPIP 7) in all four skills. 

For TEER 2 (occupations needing college diplomas or apprenticeships) or TEER 3 (jobs requiring high school or job-specific training), CLB 5 (CELPIP 5) suffices. This update ensures fairness across skill levels. 

Take Li, a former international student in Canada working as a software developer (TEER 1). Her CELPIP scores of 8 across the board not only met the CLB 7 requirement but also maximized her CRS points, combining with her Canadian work experience for a swift PR approval.

Beyond Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) often align with federal standards but can vary by province. For example, Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities stream typically requires CLB 7, while Alberta’s Opportunity Stream might accept CLB 4-5 for certain in-demand occupations. 

As of 2025, many PNPs continue to accept CELPIP, with some provinces like British Columbia emphasizing higher scores for tech and healthcare roles to boost CRS via nominations (adding 600 points). 

In my experience, clients nominated through PNPs with CELPIP scores at CLB 9+ see approval rates exceed 90%, as these scores enhance adaptability factors.

For Canadian citizenship, the CELPIP-General LS Test is key, requiring a minimum CLB 4 in Listening and Speaking (CELPIP 4). This lower bar focuses on basic communication for integration. Validity remains two years, and IRCC accepts it alongside other tests like IELTS or TEF for French.