The short answer
Many immigration routes ask you to prove your English or French with an approved language test, and some ask for an educational credential assessment (ECA) that shows your foreign degree or diploma is equal to a Canadian one. Both are done by organisations IRCC approves or designates, you pay for them yourself, and the results can expire. This guide uses the Express Entry pages as the example. Other routes may ask for different evidence, so read your own route's checklist.
Key terms in plain English
- Approved language test: a test IRCC accepts for the route. For Express Entry, IRCC lists tests in English and in French and says which version or option of each to take.
- CLB and NCLC: the Canadian Language Benchmarks (English) and the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (French), the scales IRCC uses to measure test results.
- ECA: an assessment, done by an organisation IRCC designates, that tells you what your education is equal to in Canada.
- Regulated profession: a job such as nursing or engineering that needs a licence in the province where you work. An ECA is not a licence.
Language tests
- Pick a test from IRCC's list. For Express Entry, the English tests listed are CELPIP (General), IELTS (General Training) and PTE Core. The French tests listed are TEF Canada and TCF Canada. IRCC specifies the exact version, so do not book the wrong one by accident.
- Book with an approved test provider and pay the costs yourself.
- Add the results to your profile or application, with any form or reference number the system asks for.
- Check how long your results stay valid. IRCC says results must still be valid when you complete your profile and when you apply.
Educational credential assessment
- Check whether your route asks for an ECA. IRCC says that if your education was completed outside Canada, you may need one for some programmes.
- Choose a designated organisation or professional body from IRCC's list. Costs and speed vary between them.
- Get your highest credential assessed. In most cases IRCC says you only need the assessment for your highest level, but check your route.
- Include the report and its reference number in your profile or application.
- Check validity. An ECA must still be valid when you apply. IRCC says an application with an expired ECA is refused.
What an ECA does not do
IRCC states that an ECA does not guarantee a job in your field, a particular job level or a licence to practise a regulated profession. If you plan to work in a regulated job, you must get your licence in the province or territory where you will live. The guide on finding work and recognising credentials covers that.
Checklist
- To do: Find the language and education requirements on your official route page
- To do: Book only a test and a version your route accepts
- To do: Keep your test report and reference or PIN numbers safe
- To do: Check how long the results stay valid against your likely application date
- To do: If an ECA applies, pick an organisation on IRCC's designated list
- To do: Order the ECA early: speed varies between organisations
- To do: Note the ECA reference number for your profile
- To do: Keep copies of every report
Common mistakes
- Booking the wrong test version. Some tests have several options, and only one is accepted.
- Letting results or an ECA expire before applying. Check the dates.
- Assuming a good score equals an invitation. The test is one requirement among many.
- Assuming the ECA is a licence. It is not.
- Using an organisation not on IRCC's list. It may not be accepted.
Things that change
Accepted tests, required levels, validity periods and the list of designated organisations can change. IRCC also publishes arrangements for people who cannot complete a test section because of a disability.
Verify before you act
Read IRCC's pages for language test results and the educational credential assessment. For advice on which evidence your case needs, speak to a licensed professional.