CELPIP for Canadian citizenship: the LS test and the CLB 4 requirement
If you are 18 to 54 on the day you sign your citizenship application, IRCC asks for proof that you speak and listen in English or French at CLB 4 or higher. CELPIP offers a shorter test for this: CELPIP-General LS, or CELPIP LS.
Who has to prove language
- Applicants aged 18 to 54 on the day they sign the application.
- Applicants under 18 or aged 55 and over don't need to prove language skills.
- Applicants aged 18 to 54 can ask IRCC for a waiver of the requirement.
Source: IRCC, who can apply for citizenship, checked October 12, 2026.
CELPIP LS at a glance
| Skills | Listening and Speaking only |
|---|---|
| Length | About 1 hour 10 minutes, in one sitting with no separate speaking session |
| Results | Online in 2 to 4 business days |
| Result you need | 4 or higher in Listening and in Speaking |
Source: Paragon Testing Enterprises, CELPIP for Canadian citizenship, checked October 12, 2026.
Source: IRCC, approved language tests for citizenship, checked October 12, 2026.
CELPIP LS or CELPIP-General?
IRCC accepts both for citizenship. CELPIP-General tests all four skills in 2 hours 50 minutes and is the CELPIP test Express Entry requires. If you need CELPIP only for citizenship, LS covers the two skills IRCC asks for.
Every English test IRCC accepts for citizenship
| Test | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|
| CELPIP-General or CELPIP-General LS | 4 or higher | 4 or higher |
| IELTS General Training | 4.5 or higher | 4.0 or higher |
| PTE Core | 28 or higher | 42 or higher |
Source: IRCC, approved language tests for citizenship, checked October 12, 2026.
Results from your permanent residence application
If you sent language test results with your permanent residence application, IRCC can accept a copy of them for citizenship, even if they have expired. Check IRCC's page for which results qualify.
Before you book
Check the Government of Canada's requirements before you book a test: rules and accepted tests can change.
Practising for CELPIP LS
MapleMock is launching soon with Listening practice in the CELPIP format. Speaking practice is coming after it.
Free mock launching soon. Questions: support@maplemock.com
Questions
- What CELPIP score do I need for Canadian citizenship?
- 4 or higher in Listening and in Speaking, on CELPIP-General or CELPIP LS.
- How long is CELPIP LS?
- About 1 hour 10 minutes, in one sitting.
- Do I need a language test if I'm 55 or older?
- No. Applicants aged 55 and over don't need to prove language skills for citizenship.
- How is CELPIP LS different from CELPIP-General?
- It tests only Listening and Speaking, the two skills citizenship needs, so it is shorter. IRCC asks for the same result, 4 or higher, on either test.
Sources
- IRCC: Who can apply for citizenship (page dated April 21, 2026, checked October 12, 2026)
- IRCC: Approved language tests for citizenship (page dated September 26, 2025, checked October 12, 2026)
- IRCC: Using results from your permanent residence application (page dated September 26, 2025, checked October 12, 2026)
- Paragon Testing Enterprises: CELPIP for Canadian citizenship (read October 12, 2026)
Rules change: check IRCC before you apply. MapleMock is not affiliated with IRCC or Paragon Testing Enterprises.