Which English test is best for Canadian immigration — IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF?

For Canadian immigration purposes, you have several test options depending on whether you want to immigrate in English or French:

For English (Express Entry, PR applications):
- IELTS General Training: Most widely used globally; accepted for all Canadian immigration pathways; results in 3–13 days
- CELPIP-General: Canada-specific test; computer-delivered; results in 4–8 days; accepted by all Express Entry programmes and most PRPs; widely available in Canada
- TOEFL iBT: Accepted for student admissions but NOT for Canadian immigration (PR applications) — do not use for Express Entry or PNP

For French:
- TEF Canada: Most widely used; results in 3–5 weeks
- TCF Canada: Alternative French test; shorter; results in 3 weeks
- Both are accepted for Express Entry, Quebec immigration, and Francophone streams

Score equivalents (CLB to test scores):

| CLB Level | IELTS General | CELPIP |
|-----------|---------------|--------|
| CLB 9 | 8.0 L/W, 7.5 R/S | 9-10 |
| CLB 10 | 8.5 L/W, 8.0 R/S | 10+ |
| CLB 7 | 6.0 each band | 7+ |

Which should you choose?
- If applying for study visa AND immigration: IELTS Academic (admissions) + IELTS General Training (immigration) — two different tests for the same suite
- If in Canada already: CELPIP for convenience (faster results, no paper-based option needed)
- If you want to boost CRS: Both IELTS and CELPIP — take the one where you score higher

Maximising your CLB level in Express Entry is critical — CLB 9 vs CLB 10 can mean 12–32 additional CRS points per skill area.