For a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you need CELPIP 7 in all four skills if you graduated from a university program, or CELPIP 5 in all four skills if you graduated from a college or other non-university program.
Source: IRCC, PGWP eligibility. Last checked Oct 2026. IRCC's latest rules always apply.
Minimum score by program
| You graduated from | IRCC minimum | CELPIP-General |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree | CLB 7 in all 4 skills | 7 in each skill |
| Any other university program | CLB 7 in all 4 skills | 7 in each skill |
| College, polytechnic or other non-university program | CLB 5 in all 4 skills | 5 in each skill |
Each skill has to reach the minimum on its own. A high Speaking score does not make up for a low Reading score.
- Take CELPIP-General. IRCC needs all four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
- Your results must be less than 2 years old when you submit your PGWP application.
- If you submitted your PGWP application before November 1, 2024, the language requirement does not apply to you.
- Graduates of a PGWP-eligible flight school have no language requirement.
The language score is one of several PGWP conditions. Meeting it does not guarantee approval.
CELPIP level and CLB
IRCC sets PGWP language rules in CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks). CELPIP reports a level for each skill, and each level is the same CLB number. CELPIP 7 in Reading is CLB 7 in Reading. There is nothing to convert.
To see how many correct answers a level takes, use the CELPIP score chart.
Check your level before you book
Practise each skill, then take a full mock test for an estimate of where you stand.
FAQs
Do I need CELPIP 7 in all four skills for PGWP?
If you graduated from a university program, yes: CLB 7 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. College and other non-university graduates need CLB 5 in all four.
Can I use CELPIP-General LS for PGWP?
No. IRCC asks for the CELPIP-General test, which covers all four skills. CELPIP-General LS tests only Listening and Speaking.
How old can my CELPIP results be for PGWP?
Less than 2 years old when you submit your PGWP application.
Is CELPIP 7 the same as CLB 7?
Yes. Each CELPIP level is the same CLB level, skill by skill.
Sources
Going for permanent residence next? See what CELPIP score you need for PR and Express Entry.