What is CLB? Canadian Language Benchmarks for Express Entry
Complete guide to Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) — what the levels mean, how to convert your IELTS or CELPIP scores, and how CLB affects your CRS score for Express Entry.
What Are Canadian Language Benchmarks?
CLB stands for Canadian Language Benchmarks — Canada’s national standard for describing English and French language proficiency. IRCC uses CLB levels (1 to 12) to assess language ability for all immigration programs. Your IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada scores are converted to CLB levels using official conversion tables.
For Express Entry, you need a minimum of CLB 7 in all four skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing) to qualify for most programs. Each CLB level above the minimum adds significant CRS points.
Critical Rule — No Rounding Up
IELTS General Training to CLB Conversion
Scroll right on mobile to see the full table. For CELPIP: your score equals your CLB level directly (CELPIP 9 = CLB 9). For French, use the TEF Canada or TCF Canada conversion tables.
Use our built-in IELTS/CELPIP converter to find your CLB instantly
What is CLB? Canadian Language Benchmarks Explained
How CLB levels work, how to convert your IELTS or CELPIP scores, and how each CLB level affects your Express Entry CRS score.
IELTS General Training → CLB Conversion
CELPIP General: Your score equals your CLB level directly. CELPIP 9 = CLB 9, CELPIP 8 = CLB 8.