10/14/2025
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Language scores can have a tremendous impact on the chances of immigration to Canada.
Express Entry
Although minimum scores in each language skill are required to be eligible for Express Entry programs, achieving the minimum scores may not be enough to receive an invitation to apply (ITA).
Did you know – If your language scores are not at the highest CLB band, you can gain significant points in Express Entry by increasing your language scores.
For example:
- Increasing from a CLB5 to a CLB7 in only one section could increase your score by 11 points, or up to 44 points if the increase is in all sections.
- Earning a CLB7 in all sections may add up to 50 additional transferability points (when combined with your education and foreign work experience).
- Increasing from a CLB5 to a CLB9 in only one section could increase your points by 25 points, or up to 100 points if the increase is in all sections.
- Earning a CLB9 or higher in all sections may add up to 100 additional transferability points (when combined with your education and foreign work experience.
- Earning a CLB7 in each section combined with a certificate of qualification may add up to 50 transferability points.
An Express Entry candidate with CLB5 in each section, who has completed two or more post-secondary credentials (one minimum 3 years) or a master’s degree AND has a minimum of 3 years skilled foreign work experience could increase their score by up to 150 points by achieving a CLB9 in each section.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
OINP awards points for language ability in the International Student Stream and Foreign Skilled Worker Stream.
Did you know – OINP assigns points based on the lowest band score. This means that even if an applicant has the highest possible scores in 3 sections, but has a CLB5 in one section, the points awarded will be based on the one CLB5 score (which gives 0 points). Having a CLB9 or higher in all sections will give you the maximum language points in OINP.
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