A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows eligible graduates of designated learning institutions in Canada to gain Canadian work experience after completing their studies. The language requirements for a PGWP require applicants to meet CLB/NCLC 7 for bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and other university programs, or CLB/NCLC 5 for other college, polytechnic, and non-university programs. IRCC accepts CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, PTE Core, TEF Canada, and TCF Canada, with applicants required to meet the applicable score in all four language abilities.
To prove language ability, applicants must submit accepted test results that are less than two years old when they apply. PGWP language requirements differ from Express Entry and CEC requirements, which use separate language thresholds based on the immigration program and NOC TEER category. Applicants should identify their required benchmark, review the relevant CELPIP, IELTS, PTE Core, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada score conversion, and prepare through test-format review, language skill development, and timed practice tests.
What Are the PGWP Language Requirements in Canada?
The PGWP language requirement in Canada is the minimum English or French language proficiency a PGWP applicant must prove when applying for a post-graduation work permit. For PGWP applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024, applicants generally need to provide an approved language test result showing the required level in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Applicants who submitted their PGWP application before November 1, 2024, do not have to meet this language requirement. Graduates of PGWP-eligible flight schools are also exempt.
IRCC measures English proficiency using the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) and French proficiency using the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC). The required benchmark depends on the type of program completed.
| Program completed | English requirement | French requirement |
| Bachelor’s degree | CLB 7 | NCLC 7 |
| Master’s degree | CLB 7 | NCLC 7 |
| Doctoral degree | CLB 7 | NCLC 7 |
| Other university program | CLB 7 | NCLC 7 |
| College, polytechnic or other non-university program | CLB 5 | NCLC 5 |
| PGWP-eligible flight school | No language requirement | No language requirement |
Does Getting a PGWP Require a Language Test?
Yes, PGWP applicants who submit an application on or after November 1, 2024, must provide proof of English or French proficiency through an IRCC-accepted language test, unless they graduated from a PGWP-eligible flight school. University graduates must generally achieve at least CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French, while college, polytechnic, and other non-university graduates require at least CLB 5 or NCLC 5. You must meet the required level in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Accepted tests include CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, and PTE Core for English, and TEF Canada and TCF Canada for French. You must take language tests in person, and your results must be less than 2 years old when you submit your PGWP application. Applicants who submitted their PGWP application before November 1, 2024, do not need to meet the language requirement.
Minimum Language Level Required for PGWP Applicants
The minimum language level depends on the type of program completed. Graduates of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and other university programs require CLB/NCLC 7 in Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Graduates of other college, polytechnic, and non-university programs require CLB/NCLC 5 in all four language abilities. Applicants must meet the required level in each language ability separately.
The required benchmark applies to all four abilities, listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Applicants must achieve the minimum score corresponding to the required CLB or NCLC language level in each ability. You must meet the minimum language level separately in each of the four abilities, so a score below the required benchmark in any one ability does not meet the PGWP language requirement.
PGWP Language Requirements Based on Program Type
PGWP language requirements are based on the type and level of program completed, with university graduates generally requiring CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French, while graduates of college, polytechnic, and other non-university programs require CLB 5 or NCLC 5. You must meet the required level in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Graduates of PGWP-eligible flight schools are exempt from the language requirement.
- Bachelor’s degree: Minimum CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all four language abilities.
- Master’s degree: Minimum CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all four language abilities.
- Doctoral degree: Minimum CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all four language abilities.
- Other university programs: Graduates of university programs other than bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees also require a minimum CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all four language abilities.
- College, polytechnic, and other non-university programs: Graduates require a minimum CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all four language abilities.
- PGWP-eligible flight schools: Graduates of eligible flight schools are exempt from the PGWP language requirement and do not need to provide proof of a minimum CLB or NCLC level.
English and French Language Proof Requirements for PGWP
PGWP applicants who are subject to the language requirement must prove their English or French ability through an IRCC-approved language test. English results use CLB, while French results use NCLC. IRCC accepts CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, and PTE Core for English, and TEF Canada and TCF Canada for French. IRCC states that language tests should be taken in person, and results must be less than 2 years old when you apply for a PGWP.
What CELPIP Score Is Required for PGWP?
The required CELPIP-General score depends on the applicant’s program type. Graduates of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and other university programs require CELPIP 7 in each language ability, equivalent to CLB 7. Graduates of other college, polytechnic, and non-university programs require CELPIP 5 in each language ability, equivalent to CLB 5.
CELPIP General Score Required for PGWP
The required CELPIP-General score for a PGWP is 7 in listening, reading, writing, and speaking for university graduates, and 5 in each of these four language abilities for college, polytechnic, and other non-university graduates. These scores correspond to the PGWP language requirements of CLB 7 and CLB 5, respectively, under IRCC’s CELPIP-General conversion table.
- CELPIP 7 for CLB 7: The applicant must score at least 7 in Listening, 7 in Reading, 7 in Writing, and 7 in Speaking. For PGWP eligibility, CLB 7 applies to graduates of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and other university programs.
- CELPIP 5 for CLB 5: The applicant must score at least 5 in Listening, 5 in Reading, 5 in Writing, and 5 in Speaking. For PGWP eligibility, CLB 5 applies to graduates of college, polytechnic, and other non-university programs.
Each CELPIP-General component must meet the required CLB level. An applicant who requires CLB 7, for example, must have CELPIP 7 or higher in all four language abilities, rather than meeting level 7 through an average score.
CELPIP Score Conversion to CLB for PGWP
For PGWP language eligibility, CELPIP-General scores map directly to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels from CLB 4 to CLB 10. IRCC assesses each language component separately, so applicants should compare their CELPIP scores for reading, writing, listening, and speaking with the corresponding CLB level.
| CELPIP-General Score | CLB Equivalent | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
| 10 | CLB 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| 9 | CLB 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| 8 | CLB 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| 7 | CLB 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| 6 | CLB 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 5 | CLB 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 4 | CLB 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
All score mappings above come from IRCC’s official PGWP language-results table. For PGWP applicants, the key conversions are CELPIP 7 = CLB 7 and CELPIP 5 = CLB 5. You must reach the required CELPIP score separately in each of the four language abilities, rather than calculating an overall or average score.
What IELTS Score Is Required for PGWP?
The IELTS score required for PGWP depends on the applicant’s program type. Graduates of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and other university programs require CLB 7, which corresponds to IELTS General Training 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Graduates of other college, polytechnic, and non-university programs require CLB 5, which corresponds to Reading 4.0, Writing 5.0, Listening 5.0, and Speaking 5.0. Each language ability must meet the required score separately.
IELTS General Training Score Required for PGWP
The IELTS General Training score required for a PGWP depends on whether the applicant needs CLB 7 or CLB 5. IRCC converts each IELTS language ability separately to its Canadian Language Benchmark level.
- CLB 7: Applicants must score at least 6.0 in Listening, 6.0 in Reading, 6.0 in Writing, and 6.0 in Speaking.
- CLB 5: Applicants must score at least 5.0 in Listening, 4.0 in Reading, 5.0 in Writing, and 5.0 in Speaking.
Applicants must meet the required IELTS band in each of the four abilities. For example, an applicant who requires CLB 7 must have at least IELTS 6.0 in every component rather than relying on an overall band score.
IELTS Band Score Conversion to CLB for PGWP
For PGWP applicants, IELTS band scores are converted to CLB levels to determine whether the required English language level is met. The conversion applies separately to Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking, so applicants must meet the required IELTS band score in each language ability rather than relying on their overall band score.
| CLB Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
| CLB 10 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| CLB 9 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 |
| CLB 8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| CLB 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| CLB 6 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| CLB 5 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| CLB 4 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
Each ability receives its own CLB equivalent. An interactive IELTS-to-CLB conversion table can make this easier by allowing applicants to enter their four component scores and immediately view the corresponding CLB level for each ability.
What PTE Core Score Is Required for PGWP?
The PTE Core score required for PGWP depends on the applicant’s program type. Graduates of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and other university programs require CLB 7, with minimum scores of Reading 60+, Writing 69+, Listening 60+, and Speaking 68+. Graduates of other college, polytechnic, and non-university programs require CLB 5, with minimum scores of Reading 42+, Writing 51+, Listening 39+, and Speaking 51+.
PTE Core Score Required for PGWP
The PTE Core score required for a PGWP depends on the CLB level that applies to the applicant’s program category. Applicants who need CLB 7 must meet higher PTE Core component scores than applicants who need CLB 5, and IRCC assesses Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking separately.
- PTE Core scores for CLB 7
Applicants who need CLB 7 must score 60-68 in Reading, 69-78 in Writing, 60-70 in Listening, and 68-75 in Speaking. These values correspond to CLB 7 in IRCC’s official PTE Core conversion table.
- PTE Core scores for CLB 5
Applicants who need CLB 5 must score 42-50 in Reading, 51-59 in Writing, 39-49 in Listening, and 51-58 in Speaking. These values correspond to CLB 5 under the same IRCC conversion table.
For PGWP language eligibility, applicants must meet the required PTE Core score in each of the four language abilities. A higher score in one component does not compensate for a score below the required CLB level in another component.
PTE Core Score Conversion to CLB for PGWP
For PGWP applicants using PTE Core, Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking scores are converted separately to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels. Because the score ranges differ across the four abilities, each PTE Core component must be checked individually against IRCC’s conversion chart.
| CLB Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
| CLB 10 | 88–90 | 90 | 89–90 | 89–90 |
| CLB 9 | 78–87 | 88–89 | 82–88 | 84–88 |
| CLB 8 | 69–77 | 79–87 | 71–81 | 76–83 |
| CLB 7 | 60–68 | 69–78 | 60–70 | 68–75 |
| CLB 6 | 51–59 | 60–68 | 50–59 | 59–67 |
| CLB 5 | 42–50 | 51–59 | 39–49 | 51–58 |
| CLB 4 | 33–41 | 41–50 | 28–38 | 42–50 |
| CLB 3 | 24–32 | 32–40 | 18–27 | 34–41 |
For PGWP purposes, applicants who need CLB 7 must reach at least 60 in Reading, 69 in Writing, 60 in Listening, and 68 in Speaking. Applicants who need CLB 5 must reach at least 42 in Reading, 51 in Writing, 39 in Listening, and 51 in Speaking. Each ability must independently meet the required CLB level.
What French Language Tests Are Accepted for PGWP?
IRCC accepts TEF Canada and TCF Canada as French language tests for PGWP applications. Graduates of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and other university programs require NCLC 7 in all four language abilities, while graduates of other college, polytechnic, and non-university programs require NCLC 5 in all four language abilities.
TEF Canada Requirements for PGWP
The TEF Canada score required for PGWP depends on the applicant’s program type. Graduates of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and other university programs require NCLC 7, with minimum scores of Reading 434+, Writing 428+, Listening 434+, and Speaking 456+. Graduates of other college, polytechnic, and non-university programs require NCLC 5, with minimum scores of Reading 352+, Writing 330+, Listening 352+, and Speaking 387+.
- NCLC 7: Reading 434–461, Writing 428–471, Listening 434–461, Speaking 456–493.
- NCLC 5: Reading 352–392, Writing 330–378, Listening 352–392, Speaking 387–421.
- Reading: The Reading test component measures written comprehension. A minimum score of 434 corresponds to NCLC 7, while 352 corresponds to NCLC 5.
- Writing: The Writing component measures written expression. The minimum TEF Canada score is 428 for NCLC 7 and 330 for NCLC 5.
- Listening: The Listening component measures oral comprehension. Applicants need at least 434 for NCLC 7 or 352 for NCLC 5.
- Speaking: The Speaking component measures oral expression. The minimum score is 456 for NCLC 7 and 387 for NCLC 5.
TCF Canada Requirements for PGWP
The TCF Canada score required for PGWP depends on the applicant’s program type. Graduates of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and other university programs require NCLC 7, with minimum scores of Reading 453+, Writing 10+, Listening 458+, and Speaking 10+. Graduates of other college, polytechnic, and non-university programs require NCLC 5, with minimum scores of Reading 375+, Writing 6+, Listening 369+, and Speaking 6+.
- NCLC 7: Reading 453–498, Writing 10–11, Listening 458–502, Speaking 10–11.
- NCLC 5: Reading 375–405, Writing 6, Listening 369–397, Speaking 6.
- Reading: The TCF Canada Reading test component assesses how well applicants understand written French. Applicants must score at least 453 for NCLC 7 or 375 for NCLC 5.
- Writing: The Writing component evaluates an applicant’s ability to communicate ideas in written French. It uses a different score scale, requiring a minimum of 10 for NCLC 7 or 6 for NCLC 5.
- Listening: The Listening component evaluates an applicant’s ability to understand spoken French. Applicants must achieve at least 458 for NCLC 7 or 369 for NCLC 5.
- Speaking: The Speaking component assesses an applicant’s ability to communicate orally in French. On its 20-point score scale, applicants need a minimum of 10 for NCLC 7 or 6 for NCLC 5.
Each TCF Canada test component must independently meet the required NCLC level. TCF Canada and TEF Canada use different score scales, so their numerical scores should not be compared directly.
TEF and TCF Score Conversion to NCLC for PGWP
TEF Canada and TCF Canada scores are converted to Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) levels separately for Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. The two French tests use different score scales, so applicants should use the conversion table for the specific test they completed. These TEF Canada values are IRCC’s conversion ranges for tests taken after December 10, 2023.
TEF Canada Score to NCLC Conversion
| NCLC Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
| NCLC 10 | 546–699 | 558–699 | 546–699 | 556–699 |
| NCLC 9 | 503–545 | 512–557 | 503–545 | 518–555 |
| NCLC 8 | 462–502 | 472–511 | 462–502 | 494–517 |
| NCLC 7 | 434–461 | 428–471 | 434–461 | 456–493 |
| NCLC 6 | 393–433 | 379–427 | 393–433 | 422–455 |
| NCLC 5 | 352–392 | 330–378 | 352–392 | 387–421 |
| NCLC 4 | 306–351 | 268–329 | 306–351 | 328–386 |
TCF Canada Score to NCLC Conversion
| NCLC Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
| NCLC 10 | 549–699 | 16–20 | 549–699 | 16–20 |
| NCLC 9 | 524–548 | 14–15 | 523–548 | 14–15 |
| NCLC 8 | 499–523 | 12–13 | 503–522 | 12–13 |
| NCLC 7 | 453–498 | 10–11 | 458–502 | 10–11 |
| NCLC 6 | 406–452 | 7–9 | 398–457 | 7–9 |
| NCLC 5 | 375–405 | 6 | 369–397 | 6 |
| NCLC 4 | 342–374 | 4–5 | 331–368 | 4–5 |
TCF Canada uses a different scoring system from TEF Canada, including a 20-point scale for Writing and Speaking. Each language ability receives its own NCLC equivalent, and PGWP applicants must meet the required NCLC level in all four abilities.
What Language Documents Are Required for a PGWP Application?
The language documents required for a PGWP application include valid results from an IRCC-approved language test as proof of English or French language ability, with the test results being less than two years old when the applicant submits the PGWP application. Applicants must provide results that show they meet the required CLB or NCLC level separately in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Language Test Results Required for PGWP
PGWP applicants who are subject to the language requirement must provide results from an IRCC-approved language test to prove that they meet the required English or French language level. The test results must show Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking scores for CLB or NCLC assessment. Applicants can use CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, or PTE Core for English and TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French and must include a copy of their valid results with the PGWP application.
Validity Period of Language Test Results for PGWP
Language test results for a PGWP application must be less than 2 years old when the applicant submits the application. IRCC determines validity based on the test date and the PGWP application submission date. Applicants must apply before their results reach the 2-year limit, as results that are 2 years old or older do not meet the validity requirement.
Proof of Language Ability for PGWP Application
Acceptable proof of language ability for a PGWP application is a copy of valid test results from an IRCC-approved English or French language test. The score report must show Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking, with each ability meeting the required CLB or NCLC level. Applicants must submit results from an accepted English or French test dated within the past 2 years. Applications submitted before November 1, 2024, and eligible flight school graduates are exempt.
PGWP Language Requirements vs Express Entry Language Requirements
PGWP language requirements apply when eligible graduates seek a post-graduation work permit, while Express Entry language requirements apply when skilled workers seek permanent residency through an Express Entry program such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).PGWP requirements differ from those used by Express Entry programs, including the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Both systems use CLB for English and NCLC for French, but they determine the required benchmark differently.
| Requirement | PGWP | Express Entry through CEC |
| Purpose | Supports eligibility for a post-graduation work permit | Supports eligibility for permanent residency through CEC |
| Benchmark basis | Based on the type of study program completed | Based on the NOC TEER category of qualifying work experience |
| CLB/NCLC 7 | Required for university graduates | Required for work experience in TEER 0 or 1 |
| CLB/NCLC 5 | Required for college, polytechnic and other non-university graduates | Required for work experience in TEER 2 or 3 |
| Work experience | The language threshold does not depend on NOC or TEER work experience | CEC requires at least 1 year or 1,560 hours of eligible Canadian work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 within the three years before applying |
Do PGWP Language Scores Affect Express Entry Eligibility?
Yes, PGWP language test results can support Express Entry eligibility if they remain valid and meet the requirements of the applicable Express Entry program, but they do not directly determine eligibility. Express Entry applies separate language requirements based on the immigration program and, for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the NOC TEER category of qualifying work experience. CEC requires CLB/NCLC 7 for TEER 0 or 1 and CLB/NCLC 5 for TEER 2 or 3. Higher language scores can also result in more CRS points.
How Should You Prepare for the PGWP Language Requirement?
To prepare for the PGWP language requirement, applicants should identify their required CLB or NCLC level, choose an accepted test, and practise all four language abilities based on the required component scores. CELPIP, IELTS, and PTE Core applicants should use test-specific practice materials and score conversions, while French-language applicants should prepare for TEF Canada or TCF Canada and their applicable NCLC benchmarks.
CELPIP Preparation for Meeting PGWP Score Requirements
PGWP applicants preparing for CELPIP-General should follow five preparation areas: understand the test format, set the required CELPIP score target, practise each language skill, complete mock tests, and practise test timing. Applicants should connect each preparation course to their required CLB target, which is CELPIP level 7 for CLB 7 or CELPIP level 5 for CLB 5 in Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.
- Understand the CELPIP-General format: Review the Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking sections and their question types.
- Set the required score target: Set a target of CELPIP level 7 for CLB 7 or CELPIP level 5 for CLB 5 in each ability.
- Practise each language skill: Prepare for Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking separately to meet the required CELPIP level in every component.
- Complete mock tests: Use practice tests to measure performance and identify components that remain below the target score.
- Practise test timing: Answer practice questions within the allotted time to develop appropriate pacing for each CELPIP-General component.
IELTS Preparation for Meeting PGWP Score Requirements
PGWP applicants should prepare for IELTS General Training according to their required CLB level. IELTS preparation classes can support structured practice across the four language abilities and test tasks.
- Learn the test structure: Understand the format and question types.
- Know your band target: Aim for the IELTS scores that correspond to CLB 7 or CLB 5.
- Strengthen each ability: Practise Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking separately.
- Take practice tests: Check progress against the required band scores.
- Manage test time: Prepare to complete each section within its time limit.
PTE Core Preparation for Meeting PGWP Score Requirements
PGWP applicants preparing for PTE Core should focus on learning the computer-based format, setting the required score target, taking practice tests, improving each language ability, and refining test strategy. A structured PTE Core preparation course can support these areas while helping applicants work toward their required CLB 7 or CLB 5 level.
- Learn the computer-based format: Understand how PTE Core delivers and scores each test component.
- Set your score target: Identify the PTE Core scores that correspond to CLB 7 or CLB 5.
- Take practice tests: Use timed tests to track performance against the required scores.
- Improve each ability: Practise Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking based on weaker component scores.
- Refine your test strategy: Develop pacing, question selection, and computer-based tasks under test conditions.
French Language Test Preparation for PGWP Applicants
PGWP applicants preparing for TEF Canada or TCF Canada should set the required NCLC target, understand the test format, strengthen all four language abilities, use test-specific resources, and improve weaker component scores. A structured TEF Canada and TCF Canada preparation course can support preparation for the applicable NCLC 7 or NCLC 5 requirement.
- Set your NCLC target: Identify whether your PGWP program category requires NCLC 7 or NCLC 5.
- Learn the test format: Review the structure, test components, and scoring system of TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
- Strengthen all four abilities: Develop Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking skills separately to reach the required NCLC level.
- Use practice resources: Complete TEF Canada or TCF Canada sample questions and timed practice tests.
- Improve component scores: Track individual results and work on any language ability that remains below the required PGWP benchmark.
