CELPIP for the PGWP
The post-graduation work permit (PGWP) lets graduates of Canadian schools work in Canada — and since 1 November 2024, most applicants must now prove their language as part of it. The good news: CELPIP-General is an accepted test, and your CELPIP level is the same as your CLB level. Here is who is affected and the score you need.
The score you need
The minimum depends on the level of the program you graduated from — and it must be met in all four skills:
| Your program | Minimum language level |
|---|---|
| University graduates (bachelor's, master's, doctoral) | CLB 7 in all four skills |
| College & other programs | CLB 5 in all four skills |
Because CELPIP maps 1:1 to the CLB, “CLB 7” simply means a CELPIP level of 7 in each skill, and “CLB 5” a CELPIP level of 5 in each skill.
You need the full CELPIP-General
The PGWP requires proof in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, so you must take the full CELPIP-General. The shorter CELPIP-General LS (Listening and Speaking only) is designated for citizenship and cannot be used for a work permit. Your results must be less than two years old when you submit your PGWP application.
Who has to meet the requirement
The language requirement applies to PGWP applications submitted on or after 1 November 2024. If you applied before that date you are assessed under the earlier rules, and some applicants — such as certain flight-school graduates — are exempt. Because the details can change, confirm your own situation on canada.ca before you rely on this.
How to prepare
Hitting CLB 5 or CLB 7 across four skills is very achievable with focused practice. Use our skill guides for Writing, Reading, Listening and Speaking, rehearse under real timing with full mock exams, and track your level with the CLB calculator. For all the other Canadian uses of CELPIP, see CELPIP for Canada.
Sources: Government of Canada (IRCC) at canada.ca for the PGWP language requirement, and Paragon Testing Enterprises at celpip.ca for the test. Rules can change; Celpip.me is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with IRCC or Paragon — always confirm the current requirements on the official sites before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a language test for the PGWP?
If you apply for a post-graduation work permit on or after 1 November 2024, then in most cases yes. University graduates must prove CLB 7 and college graduates CLB 5, in all four skills. Applicants who applied before 1 November 2024, and certain groups such as flight-school graduates, are exempt.
What CELPIP score do I need for the PGWP?
It depends on your credential. University-level graduates need CLB 7 in each skill and college-level graduates need CLB 5 in each skill. Because CELPIP maps 1:1 to the CLB, that means a CELPIP level of 7 or 5 respectively in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
Which CELPIP test is for the PGWP?
The full CELPIP-General. The PGWP requires all four skills — Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking — so the Listening-and-Speaking-only CELPIP-General LS is not enough for a work permit.
How recent must my CELPIP result be?
Your language test results must be less than two years old on the day you submit your PGWP application.
Does the PGWP language rule apply to everyone?
No. It applies to PGWP applications submitted on or after 1 November 2024. Those who applied earlier are assessed under the old rules, and some applicants — such as flight-school graduates following a specific pathway — are exempt. Always confirm your situation on canada.ca.
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