If you are 18 to 54, you need CELPIP 4 or higher in Listening and Speaking (CLB 4) for Canadian citizenship. IRCC accepts both CELPIP-General and CELPIP-General LS, the version that tests only Listening and Speaking.
Source: IRCC, language proof for citizenship. Last checked Oct 2026. IRCC's latest rules always apply.
What counts as language proof
A CELPIP test is one way to prove your level. You need to send at least one of these:
| Your situation | What IRCC accepts |
|---|---|
| You take a CELPIP test now | CELPIP-General or CELPIP-General LS with 4 or higher (up to 12) in Listening and Speaking. |
| You sent CELPIP-General results with your PR application | A copy of those results, even if expired, if they show 4 or higher in Listening and Speaking (tests taken on or after April 1, 2014). |
| You studied in English or French | A diploma, transcript or certificate from a secondary or post-secondary program taught in English or French, in or outside Canada. |
| You took LINC or CLIC classes | A certificate showing CLB 4 or higher in speaking and listening. |
| You took a provincial language program | Some programs in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec count. Rules vary by program. |
IRCC also accepts some other English and French tests. The full list and score for each is on IRCC's accepted tests page.
Send your proof with your application. IRCC returns applications when the proof is missing, can't be read, or is not in English or French without a certified translation.
CELPIP level and CLB
IRCC sets the citizenship requirement in CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks). Each CELPIP level is the same CLB number, so CELPIP 4 in Speaking is CLB 4 in Speaking. Both Listening and Speaking need to be at 4 or higher. Reading and Writing are not part of the citizenship requirement.
If you only need citizenship, CELPIP-General LS is the shorter test. If you also need a score for Express Entry, that needs CELPIP-General with all four skills. See what CELPIP score you need for PR and Express Entry.
Practise the two skills that count
Work on Listening and Speaking, then take a full mock test for an estimate of where you stand.
FAQs
Is CELPIP-General LS accepted for citizenship?
Yes. IRCC lists CELPIP-General LS, which tests only Listening and Speaking, as accepted proof. You need 4 or higher in both.
Do I need Reading and Writing scores for citizenship?
No. The citizenship language requirement covers speaking and listening only.
Can I reuse the CELPIP results from my PR application?
Yes, if they show 4 or higher in Listening and Speaking. IRCC accepts them even if they have expired. This applies to CELPIP-General tests taken on or after April 1, 2014.
Who has to prove their language level for citizenship?
Applicants aged 18 to 54.
Sources
- IRCC: Find out if you have the language proof for citizenship
- IRCC: Language tests accepted for citizenship
Language proof is one part of a citizenship application. Meeting it does not guarantee approval.