When you apply for Canada PR through Express Entry, IRCC doesn't use CEFR levels (A1, B2, C1) — they use CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks). Understanding CLB levels is essential for setting your study goals and knowing exactly what score you need on TEF Canada or TCF Canada.
CLB Levels 1–12: The Full Scale
CLB 1–4 is basic proficiency (A1–A2 CEFR). CLB 5–8 is intermediate proficiency (B1–B2 CEFR). CLB 9–12 is advanced proficiency (C1–C2 CEFR). For Express Entry, CLB 7 (roughly B2) is the minimum for French to count as a second official language.
What CLB 7 Looks Like in Practice
At CLB 7, you can understand the main points of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics. You can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible. You can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects.
Most of our students arrive at Languages Academy at CLB 4–5 (B1 level). With 4 months of intensive TEF Canada preparation, the majority reach CLB 7+ — which is exactly what they need for Canada PR. Book a demo class to get your current CLB level assessed.
