Is IRCC Planning to Increase Language Requirements for Express Entry?

Key Takeaways 

• The C.D. Howe Institute identified language background as a factor that impacts immigrant literacy skills in Canada. This seems to have trickle on effects when it comes to earnings in Canada.  
• Canada’s government is considering adjusting the language requirement if (or when) it streamlines the Express Entry programs, potentially next year.  
• Improving your official language skills might be a good idea regardless of IRCC’s plans.  
• Keen to learn which is the easiest language test in Canada? We’ve compared the English tests for you.

What Are the Current Language Requirements for Express Entry? 

The current language requirements vary by program, and which NOC TEER your job is classified under. 

For the Canadian Experience Class program: 

• TEER 0 or 1 occupations require a CLB of 7 in English or French 

• TEER 2 or 3 occupations require a CLB of 5 in English or French. 

For the Federal Skilled Worker program, there’s a minimum of CLB 7 for all 4 abilities in English or French.  

For the Federal Skilled Trades Program, workers must demonstrate a minimum of CLB/NCLC 5 for speaking and listening, and a CLB/NCLC of 4 in reading and writing.  

Higher language scores (CLB7 or CLB9+) can also unlock higher scores in Express Entry through skills transferability points. With good official language proficiency plus either a post-secondary degree or foreign work experience, candidates can access up to 50 additional points.  

What May Change in 2027? 

The 2026 Consultations Express Entry Reforms Report noted that it had proposed changing the minimum language requirement to CLB 6 for the streamlined Express Entry program. This would be an increase for some programs, and a decrease for others. The increase would impact those applying for the Federal Skilled Trades program (which has been a limited number in recent years) and the Canadian Experience Class program for those in TEET 2 or 3 occupations.  

Stakeholders in IRCC’s roundtables and written submissions were split on whether CLB 6 was too high or too low. Separately, 64.7% of survey respondents noted that strong language skills should earn more points. It’s worth noting at this point that most survey respondents wanted to immigrate through Express Entry (72%).  

What Language Skill Level Does the C.D. Howe Institute Propose 

The C.D. Howe Institute report found that immigrants are more likely to hold university degrees, but still score lower on tests that measure literacy, numeracy and problem solving. The largest skill gap was evident in literacy, and it is concentrated among those who do not speak an official language (English or French) at home.  

The reporting went on to refer to a 2023 study linking CLB scores with tax records found that “official language proficiency matters as much as pre-immigration Canadian work experience and more than education or age in predicting immigrants’ initial earnings.”  

The threshold for earnings rising was around CLB 7 upward.  

The report also noted that Canada’s current system rewards applicants with points with a lower language proficiency than this. It proposes ‘stronger language selection’ as a policy recommendation for the Express Entry system.  

While not related to language skills, the report also noted that immigrants with foreign credentials tended to earn less and tended to be less likely to work in a high-skill occupation. They are also more likely to be overqualified for the role they work in. This takeaway is worth noting if you’re moving to Canada and hope to rely on your foreign credentials to find work in Canada. 

What Should Express Entry Candidates Do to Prepare? 

Step one is don’t panic. These changes are not confirmed. IRCC may not implement them at all, and if it does, there will be time to prepare.  

Step two is to consider whether you can and should start improving your official language proficiency anyway – yes, even above CLB 7 if that’s what you’ve already achieved for the CEC or FSW programs.  

As we outlined above, higher levels of language proficiency can help with your earning potential in Canada. Increased language proficiency (CLB9+) also unlocks potential higher CRS points for Express Entry. Outside of work and immigration, being more proficient in the official language/s of Canada can make it easier to connect with others in Canada, which may help make Canada feel more like home and open doors you might not expect (networking is powerful!).  

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