PGWP CELPIP Requirement: What CELPIP Score Do You Need for a Post-Graduation Work Permit?

Most people applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit on or after November 1, 2024 must include proof of English or French ability. IRCC's only listed exception is for graduates of PGWP-eligible flight schools.

CELPIP is one of the simpler tests to read for PGWP purposes, because its skill scores line up directly with CLB levels. The level you need, though, still depends on the program you completed.

Which CELPIP Test Does IRCC Accept for a PGWP?

IRCC identifies CELPIP-General as the CELPIP test for PGWP applicants. It is a computer-delivered test covering reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Make sure you book the full CELPIP-General test. CELPIP-General LS covers only listening and speaking and is used for other purposes, so it does not give you the four scores the PGWP requires.

What CELPIP Score Do You Need for a PGWP?

IRCC converts your CELPIP-General results into Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels. These are the minimum scores for CLB 7 and CLB 5, taken from IRCC's PGWP language results page:

Because each CELPIP-General skill score matches the CLB level of the same number, reading your results is straightforward: look at your lowest skill score. If your lowest score is 6, your results meet CLB 5 but not CLB 7 — even if the other three scores are 8 or higher.

CLB 5 vs CLB 7: Which Level Applies to You?

The level you need depends on the program you completed, not on the test you take:

• CLB 7 in all four abilities — generally applies to graduates of bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs, and certain other university programs.
• CLB 5 in all four abilities — generally applies to graduates of college, polytechnic and other non-university programs.

Not every PGWP applicant needs CLB 7, and not every applicant can rely on CLB 5. If you completed more than one program, IRCC notes that you may need to meet the higher requirement. The exact assessment depends on your program and circumstances, so check IRCC's eligibility page for your situation.

Do You Need the Required Score in Every Section?

Yes. There is no overall CELPIP score that IRCC uses for the PGWP. Your reading, writing, listening and speaking scores are each compared with the CLB level that applies to your program, and all four must meet it.

How Old Can Your CELPIP Results Be?

Your language test results must be less than 2 years old when you submit your PGWP application. Results that are older than 2 years at the time you apply are not accepted, even if the scores were high enough.

IRCC also expects you to include proof of your results with your application. See IRCC's PGWP document requirements for how to submit them.

What If You Don't Meet the Required CELPIP Score?

If your results fall below the level that applies to your program, don't assume you are eligible. Depending on your circumstances, you may consider:

• retaking CELPIP-General;
• taking another English test that IRCC accepts for PGWP purposes;
• confirming which language threshold applies to your specific program; and
• reviewing the full PGWP eligibility requirements before you apply.

A new test result does not, on its own, make you eligible. All other requirements must still be met.

If you're weighing a different test, IRCC also accepts IELTS General Training (see our PGWP IELTS Requirement guide) and PTE Core (see our PGWP PTE Requirement guide) for PGWP purposes, among others listed on IRCC's language results page.

Language Ability Is Only One Part of PGWP Eligibility

Meeting the language requirement does not mean you qualify for a PGWP. You may also need to meet requirements related to:

• an eligible designated learning institution and program;
• graduating from your program;
• your study permit and status;
• full-time study, where applicable;
• field of study, where applicable;
• when you apply; and
• any other current IRCC requirements.

For a broader overview of eligibility and how we can help, see our Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) page.