What Is CLB & Why Is It Important to Know?

What is CLB?

Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) refers to the official standard in Canada for assessing and evaluating an individual’s English language skills before migration to Canada. CLB is a 12-point scale for English language proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking that is separated into three levels of proficiency: basic (1-4), intermediate (5-8), and advanced (9-12). Though each of these language proficiency tests has a different scoring approach, CLB serves as a common benchmark for both IELTS and CELPIP. The higher the CLB score, the more points are awarded in assessments and ranking systems. Whether an individual chooses to take CELPIP or IELTS, the focus should be on obtaining strong CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) scores, which evaluate English language ability based on daily life in an English-speaking country. CLB is a government-approved standard for determining how language scores translate to Canadian immigration.

Read this article to know how CLB Levels & IELTS Bands are interrelated

What Role Does CLB Play in Canadian Immigration?

This is indeed an excellent question! To meet the application requirements for permanent residence (PR), you must complete a language test that has been approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). CLB is required for Canadian immigration for these reasons:

• Regular assessment: the CLB standard assures that every candidate is evaluated the same way, using a single standardized scoring system, regardless of which certified test you take. The language test result is recalculated to the CLB standard so that all applicants are compared using the same standard.
• The effect of your CRS points: the Government of Canada uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to establish your eligibility for Express Entry aligned migration programs. Your CLB level can have a bearing on your CRS points. The higher your CLB level while applying for PR through Express Entry, the more CRS points you gain.
• Basic CLB score criteria: your application will be considered only if you meet the program’s minimal CLB score requirements. For example, in order to be considered for the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program through Express Entry, you must have a CLB level of 7 in each language ability.