Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) asks for language proof with Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications sent on or after November 1, 2024; CELPIP-General is one accepted test. IRCC pages read on November 4, 2026 set a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in English in all four abilities for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates and for any other university program, and CLB 5 for college, polytechnic and other non-university programs (IRCC’s PGWP eligibility page). CELPIP is the English test that Paragon Testing Enterprises organizes, and IRCC’s tables give CELPIP-General levels 4 to 10 the same CLB number, so those minimums are CELPIP 7 and CELPIP 5 in each ability.
Why does the PGWP language requirement matter?
For applications sent on or after November 1, 2024, IRCC says the PGWP application must come with proof of language ability, and the only exception it names is graduating from a PGWP-eligible flight school (IRCC’s PGWP documents page). The proof is a language test result, and IRCC writes that the language score requirement is based on the study program: its eligibility page groups the language requirement with the field of study requirement under the requirements that depend on the study program. IRCC’s application checklist shows the proof of language results as an optional item, and IRCC adds that the proof must still be included with the application when it is a requirement for the study program.
Which language level does IRCC set for each type of program?
IRCC sets the minimum by the kind of program the graduate completed, and it writes the minimum for all 4 language areas: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
| Program the graduate completed | Minimum CLB level in each of the four abilities | Same level on CELPIP-General |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree | CLB 7 | CELPIP 7 |
| Any other university program | CLB 7 | CELPIP 7 |
| Any other college, polytechnic or non-university program | CLB 5 | CELPIP 5 |
Source: IRCC, PGWP eligibility for the minimums and IRCC, PGWP language levels for the CELPIP numbers, read November 4, 2026.
The minimum is not a CELPIP score of its own: IRCC writes it as a CLB level for English, and the CELPIP column shows the CELPIP level that carries the same number in IRCC’s table. A CELPIP 6 in all four abilities, for example, is CLB 6 in all four. IRCC lists CLB 5 for college, polytechnic and other non-university programs and CLB 7 for university programs, so the same result is read against two different minimums, and the program the graduate completed decides which one applies.
How does a CELPIP result convert to the CLB level IRCC reads?
IRCC’s PGWP table gives CELPIP (General) the same number as the CLB level from 4 to 10 in each of the four abilities: CELPIP 7 is CLB 7 and CELPIP 5 is CLB 5 (IRCC’s PGWP language page). IRCC prints a separate table for each test it lists, so the numbers of another test do not carry over to CELPIP. Each ability is converted on its own, and CELPIP scores and CLB levels covers the full conversion.
How can you practise while you are still studying?
celpip.ca says every CELPIP account includes one set of 2 free practice tests, and it offers a free online sample test that shows the test format and timing (as of November 4, 2026). Express Prep (expressprep.ca), which offers preparation for the CELPIP test, lists video lessons (live and recorded) among its course materials, and its terms say that live sessions are available for 30 days from the purchase date. Practice material is not a CELPIP result: the level IRCC reads is the one reported for a test that was taken.
What does the CELPIP-General test involve?
IRCC asks for all four abilities, and CELPIP-General has four components, each with a time that celpip.ca publishes.
| Component | Published time | What the test taker does |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 46–55 minutes | Listens to passages and answers questions |
| Reading | 43–56 minutes | Reads passages and answers questions |
| Writing | 53 minutes | Responds to questions with written answers |
| Speaking | 15 minutes | Replies to on-screen prompts verbally |
Source: celpip.ca, CELPIP-General, read November 4, 2026.
Other celpip.ca material lists different ranges for some sections, so the registration page is the place to confirm the length of a sitting.
Each component gets its own CELPIP level, and those four levels are what IRCC’s table converts.
Which tests and results does IRCC list for the PGWP?
IRCC’s PGWP documents page lists CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core among the accepted English tests, and it says to take the CELPIP-General test when CELPIP is the choice. CELPIP vs IELTS vs PTE Core compares the three tests. IRCC asks for results in each of the four abilities and for results that are less than 2 years old when the application is submitted, and how long a CELPIP score is valid explains that limit. celpip.ca announced on November 4, 2024 that the CELPIP Test is accepted by IRCC for the PGWP (celpip.ca announcement).
What can a retake change?
The CELPIP Office recommends additional studying before retaking the test (celpip.ca, as of November 4, 2026). IRCC’s limit of less than 2 years applies to the age of a result on the day the application is submitted. IRCC’s Express Entry pages have their own CELPIP-to-CLB table, and what CELPIP score Express Entry programs ask for lists the minimum for each of those programs.
FAQ
Is the CELPIP-General LS test accepted for the PGWP?
IRCC’s PGWP page says to take the CELPIP-General test, and it asks for all four abilities: reading, writing, listening and speaking. celpip.ca describes the CELPIP-General LS as a test of Listening and Speaking only, used for citizenship applications, so it covers two of the four.
Does the language requirement apply to applications sent before November 1, 2024?
No. IRCC says applicants who submitted the PGWP application before November 1, 2024 do not need to meet the language requirement for their program, and that the minimum level for later applications is based on the study program.
What does CELPIP say to select when registering?
In its announcement of November 4, 2024, celpip.ca says the CELPIP Test is accepted by IRCC for the PGWP and asks test takers to select IRCC as the primary reason for taking the test when registering.
Where should the language test be taken?
IRCC’s PGWP page says language tests should be taken in person. It asks for results in each of the four abilities and for CELPIP-General, rather than the CELPIP-General LS, among the CELPIP versions.
Do all four abilities have to reach the minimum?
IRCC writes the minimum for all 4 language areas: reading, writing, listening and speaking. In IRCC’s PGWP table each CELPIP ability converts to its own CLB level, so the minimum is read ability by ability.
The bottom line
- For PGWP applications sent on or after November 1, 2024, IRCC asks for proof of language ability, and CELPIP-General is one of the accepted tests (IRCC, as of November 4, 2026).
- IRCC sets CLB 7 in all four abilities for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates and other university programs, and CLB 5 for college, polytechnic and other non-university programs (IRCC).
- IRCC’s PGWP table gives CELPIP (General) levels 4 to 10 the same CLB number, so the minimums are CELPIP 7 and CELPIP 5 in each ability (IRCC).
- IRCC asks for all four abilities and for results less than 2 years old when the application is submitted (IRCC).
- The minimum level is based on the study program, and IRCC’s PGWP pages are the source to check before relying on any number here.
Express Prep offers preparation for the CELPIP test, including a 7-day trial of its simulator. The trial becomes a paid monthly subscription unless you cancel before day 7; current price and terms: Express Prep trial page.
General information, not immigration advice. For your case, talk to a licensed consultant (RCIC) on the CICC public register, or a lawyer, Quebec notary or licensed paralegal in your province.
Published by Express Prep, which offers preparation for the CELPIP test. Last updated November 4, 2026.