English to immigrate to Canada: how to reach your CLB level | ImmigraCan

Why English is the #1 factor in immigrating to Canada

If you want to immigrate to Canada in 2026, language is the biggest lever for your CRS score. A Brazilian with CLB 9 English can add up to 136 points from language alone — more than a master's degree in education (135). Improving your English is, almost always, the fastest and cheapest way to increase your chances.

In this guide, you'll learn where to start from scratch, which tests IRCC accepts, how long it takes to reach each CLB level, and the most effective study strategies for 2026.

What level of English do you need?

It depends on the program:

| Program | Minimum level (CLB) | IELTS equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry FSW and CEC (TEER 0-1) | CLB 7 | ~6.0 in each skill |
| University PGWP | CLB 7 | ~6.0 in each |
| CEC TEER 2-3 and college PGWP | CLB 5 | ~5.0 in each |
| Federal Skilled Trades | CLB 5 (speaking/listening) | ~5.0 |
| Canadian citizenship | CLB 4 | ~4.5 |

CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) is IRCC's official scale. Use our CLB converter to turn your current scores into CLB.

Tests accepted by IRCC in 2026

For English

• IELTS General Training — the most popular in Brazil, offered in person in several cities
• CELPIP-General — 100% Canadian, taken entirely on a computer, results in 8 days
• PTE Core — accepted since 2023, fast digital format

Important: IELTS Academic is NOT accepted for economic immigration — only General Training.

For French (bonus points)

• TEF Canada
• TCF Canada

Having French at CLB 7+ adds up to 74 bonus points to your CRS.

From zero to CLB 7 in 12-18 months

If you're starting from absolute zero, a realistic plan to reach CLB 7 (intermediate-advanced level) takes 12 to 18 months of consistent study. Here's the typical breakdown:

Months 1-4: Foundation (A1-A2 / CLB 2-4)

Focus on basic vocabulary, essential verbs, and phonetics.

What to do:
- Duolingo or Busuu for 20 minutes/day
- Basic grammar course (Cambridge Grammar in Use — Elementary)
- Watch series in English with Portuguese subtitles
- Learn 5 new words a day

Months 5-9: Intermediate (B1 / CLB 5-6)

Now you build real fluency.

What to do:
- Classes with a teacher twice a week (Cambly, Preply, italki)
- Podcasts with transcripts: BBC Learning English, EnglishPod
- Watch series with English subtitles
- Start writing a paragraph a day in English

Months 10-14: Test preparation (B2 / CLB 6-7)

Focus on speaking, listening, and the test format.

What to do:
- IELTS/CELPIP-specific prep course (Magoosh, Kaplan)
- 3 full mock tests a month
- A conversation group with a native speaker at least once a week
- Read the news in English daily (CBC News, BBC)

Months 15-18: Test day and refinement

• Take the official test
• If you don't hit your target, work on your weakest skill and retake in 3-4 months

How to speed up your English progress

1. Prioritize speaking from the start

It's what Brazilians train the least, and where the most CRS points are lost. Speaking 30 minutes a day beats 3 hours of grammar.

2. Listen for 1 hour a day

Podcasts during your commute, a playlist while you work. Your ear needs to get used to Canadian accents (different from the classic British accent on IELTS).

3. Write even if it's not perfect

Keep a diary in English, post short LinkedIn updates in English. IRCC doesn't ask for "artistic" writing — it asks for clarity.

4. One-on-one classes beat group classes

A teacher twice a week on Cambly gets you further than a group school, because you're speaking half the class (not 5% of it).

5. Take mock tests BEFORE investing in the real test

IELTS costs CAD 320. CELPIP costs CAD 290. Only book the official test after hitting your target in at least 3 different mock tests.

Common mistakes that delay your CLB

• Focusing only on grammar — gets you a certificate, not fluency
• Studying only when you have time — inconsistency kills progress
• Ignoring accents — real listening tests use Canadian/American accents, not clean British ones
• Taking the test without specific prep — the format trips people up, even with good English

How much it costs to learn English for immigration

Realistic scenario for 12 months from zero to CLB 7:

| Item | Total cost |
|---|---|
| Apps (Duolingo, Anki free) | R$ 0 |
| 1-on-1 online classes (2x/week, Cambly) | ~R$ 6,000 |
| Books + study material | ~R$ 500 |
| IELTS/CELPIP prep course | ~R$ 1,500 |
| Official test | ~R$ 1,500 |
| Total estimated | ~R$ 9,500 |

That's small compared to the impact: 136 CRS points from language are worth more than any MBA in the eyes of Express Entry.

Suggested timeline for 2026

• July 2026: start studying with a CLB 7 target
• December 2026: first mock test — assess whether you're on pace
• June 2027: first official test (IELTS or CELPIP)
• September 2027: enter the Express Entry pool with a competitive CRS

Conclusion

Language is the biggest, and most predictable, lever for boosting your CRS score. With consistent study, 12 to 18 months are enough to reach CLB 7. Start today: even 20 minutes a day changes the trajectory.

Once you've set your target, use our CLB converter to find out which score on each test matches your goal, and simulate your total score with the CRS calculator.

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*This content is informational and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. ImmigraCan is not affiliated with the Government of Canada or IRCC. Always confirm official data on canada.ca and, for your specific case, consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or lawyer.*