CELPIP vs IELTS: Which is Better for Canada Visa?

Most Canada immigration visas require that you have proof of English and French language skills in order to be allowed to enter Canada. This article was written by our Toronto immigration lawyer Ronen Herzfeld. We will be looking at CELPIP and IELTS, the only English tests that Canada Immigration and Citizenship accepts.

IELTS was the only way to test your English language skills. CELPIP is now available in other countries than Canada. It can be found in India, the Philippines, and the UAE. Many people are wondering “CELPIP vs. IELTS which is easier?“

A language test is required for almost every immigrant, whether they are a worker, businessman, spouse, or family member, as well as international students in Canada. CIC would like to see how fluent your English and French are.

You don’t need to be bilingual. Only one language proficiency is required. English is the main language spoken in Canada.

Learn if CELPIP and IELTS are right for you

Importance of IELTS and CELPIP

Your English test is essential for any application. Your score will determine how many points you receive for your visa application. This is why it’s important to choose the right test.

Here’s an example of how points are allocated in Express Entry (Federal Skills Worker) to IELTS scores.

You can only get 24 CRS points based on your IELTS exam. These points are what you will get if your English test score is above the minimum.

You can increase your chances of getting accepted by the IELTS. Answering the CELPIP question vs IELTS is crucial. IELTS and CELPIP are different and focus on different language skills. You should choose the right one based on your strengths and weaknesses.

What’s IELTS?

IELTS stands to International English Language Testing System. IELTS is one of the most widely used English language tests in the world. IELTS is used by many countries, including Canada. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people take IELTS.

IELTS offers two types of tests: Academic and General Training. IELTS General Training is required for Canada immigration. CIC doesn’t accept academic scores for immigration. Normaly, students take the IELTS Academic test.

IELTS General Training tests your ability to communicate in English. The nine-point scale is used to determine proficiency levels. There are four types of tests:

• Reading
• Listening
• Writing
• Speak
• The paper-based test can be taken in two sessions. Each section, which includes listening, reading and writing, is completed in one session that lasts 2 hours 30 minutes.
  The speaking test must be taken at a different time. The test lasts between 11 and 14 minutes. It involves speaking with a human examiner about a topic, then answering questions.
  What’s CELPIP?
  The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) is a more recent test than IELTS. It is designed for international students and immigrants. Canadian and provincial governments, colleges, universities, and employers in Canada accept CELPIP. CIC accepts CELPIP as Canada immigration in:
  • Permanent residence
  • Canadian citizenship
  • Express Entry
    • Federal Skilled Worker Program
    • Federal Skilled Trades Program
    • Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
  • Visas for start-ups
  • Most Provincial Nominee Programmes
• There are two types of CELPIP, General Test and General LS Test. The CELPIP General Test is required for Canada immigration. The General LS Test does not cover Speaking or Listening.
  The CELPIP test format mirrors that of IELTS. There are four sections to the test: listening, reading and writing. Unlike IELTS however, they can all be completed in just three hours.
  What’s the CELPIP passing score for ?
  CELPIP scoring can give you up to 12 points per section. CELPIP scoring aligns with the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). This means that each CELPIP level corresponds to the CLB level.
  This is how CELPIP scoring can give you CRS points, based on the Federal Skilled Worker program’s Express Entry.

• 
  Your Canada immigration application will determine the CELPIP passing score. Express Entry requires a minimum score of 7 points for each category. The maximum score you can achieve for your language is 24.
  You can see that there is no difference in the IELTS and CELPIP scores for visa applications. It all comes down to whether the CELPIP format is something that you are better at.
  What makes CELPIP more valuable than IELTS?
  CELPIP scoring is not necessarily more beneficial to your application just because CELPIP testing is Canadian. There are some advantages to the CELPIP format test format:
  • This is the English language test you are taking for Canada immigration.
  • You have ever spent time in Canada as a student, worker, or visitor.
• CELPIP tests English in Canada according to Canada’s English language. It is a mixture of British and American English. Employers may be happier with CELPIP than IELTS, as it is a better way to test their ability to speak Canadian English.
  You will also be able to understand the way people communicate and write if you have been to Canada. In this case, it will be more practical to administer a Canada-focused test.
  There are many other benefits to the CELPIP format than IELTS.
  • Because it is completely done on a computer, the CELPIP format is modern.
  • CELPIP results will be available in 8 days as opposed to 13 for IELTS.
  • You can have your results within 3 days if you pay an extra for the ‘Express Rating.
  • The test can be completed in just one sitting. People with jobs or who need to travel long distances only need to go to the test centre once.
  • There is no need to schedule additional interviews.
  • The CELPIP fee for IELTS is lower than the CELPIP fee (at the time that this article was written).

Is CELPIP more difficult than IELTS?
It is not clear that CELPIP scoring, or the CELPIP exam is more difficult than IELTS. They are actually very similar in difficulty. The differences lie in the IELTS and CELPIP test formats.
CELPIP tests Canadian English but accepts American spellings. This is a huge advantage for the test-taker.
CELPIP has a shorter listening and speaking section than IELTS. The writing section is therefore smaller. This is a big help to those who struggle with writing (something that even native English speakers may have difficulty with).
Is it harder to pass IELTS than CELPIP?
In order to determine the maximum CELPIP score vs. IELTS score you need to ask yourself if IELTS is more difficult than CELPIP. Even though it is the most popular option, this is a good question. There is no evidence that IELTS is more difficult than CELPIP. Your score can be affected by the way the test is administered.
Many people feel more at ease with paper when taking the IELTS test. This is especially true if you don’t know how to use computers.
Some prefer to split the test over two days. This allows you to take a break between sections, and gives you the chance to prepare and relax. People who are concerned about their ability to speak and listen well may choose IELTS instead of CELPIP.
What’s a good IELTS score for ?
It’s easy to answer. Higher scores are better. The Canada immigration program through which you are applying will also determine your IELTS score. Check out our tips to maximize your IELTS score. The minimum IELTS score that you are able to attain, just like the passing score for CELPIP, will depend on the student visa or immigration program you have.
CELPIP or IELTS? Both are great options for candidates
This is the moment when the debate between IELTS and CELPIP is going to get even bigger. In the past few years, the CELPIP test format became very popular. You can find test centers all over Canada. However, they are now available in major Canada immigration countries.
Start by taking sample tests to determine which test is best for you. This will help you to understand the differences between the tests and determine which one is more familiar. Good preparation is the best thing. It’s true what they say: “Failure to prepare will cause you to fail!” So prepare well to score the best marks possible in any test.
Ronen Kurzfeld, an immigration lawyer in Toronto, can help you apply for Canada immigration. We will increase your chances of receiving the stamp of approval.