Canada subjects immigration language tests to greater scrutiny

New instructions to immigration officers have put them on the lookout for fraudulent language test results.

The updated instructions to officers, published online on June 23, 2026, require that officers cross-reference the applicant’s photographs to validate language test results.

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Officers must now also perform an in-depth search of case notes and testing provider-issued Info-Alerts for signs that could indicate language test fraud.

Officers must document and forward any potential fraud concerns to the Tips and Reports Management Unit (TMRU), a dedicated fraud investigation team, for further review.

The updated instructions require officers to “perform this verification at all stages of application processing and prior to rendering a decision.”

None of the above procedures were specified in the previous version of the instructions to officers.

In another departure from the previous instructions, there is no mention of providing applicants with the option of taking a second language test under visa office supervision.

The updated instructions specify that if a conclusion of fraud is reached, “the application may be refused for misrepresentation, in accordance with procedural fairness requirements”

About immigration language tests

Canada has long required economic immigration applicants to demonstrate minimum language proficiency through a government-approved, third-party test.

The scores of approved third-party language tests are converted to a standardized 12-point scale, the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) for English or a Niveau de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) for French.

Generally, immigration programs require a minimum language proficiency score of 7 for workers with occupations in management or requiring university education, or 5 for workers with occupations in the skilled trades or requiring college education.

Proposed reforms to Express Entry, Canada’s flagship system for selecting permanent residents, would set a minimum score of 6 for candidates across all occupations.

Most programs award additional points for higher scores, giving candidates with higher language test results a greater chance of being selected.

Official language proficiency tests are valid for two years from the date of the test (after which they expire), and generally must be valid at the time an application is received by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

There are currently five language tests to prove proficiency, three for English and four for French:

• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP);
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS);
• Pearson Test of English (PTE Core);
• Test d'Évaluation de Français (TEF); and
• Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF)

In August last year, plans were announced to add the Test of English as a Foreign Language as an accepted immigration language test in the future. IRCC’s updated instructions, however, confirm that the test is still not being accepted at present.

In late 2024, expanded language test requirements to international student graduates seeking post-graduation work permits (PGWPs), with required level of proficiency tied to the applicant’s level of study.

A PGWP is an open work permit, issued for up to three years, allowing international student graduates to work in Canada after graduating from an eligible Canadian institution.

Despite the introduction of language test requirements for PGWP applicants, the PGWP application portal has not yet been updated to include a field for language test results due to “system limitations.”

In May of 2025, the government noted that it is working on developing a dedicated field, though no implementation date has been shared. Currently, those applying for a PGWP must upload their language test results under the “Client Information” section of their online account. 

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