One CELPIP test for Canada and Australia
Since 7 August 2025, CELPIP General is the only test built for Canadian immigration that Australia also accepts. If you are keeping both PR options open, one sitting can cover both. Here is how to plan it.
Updated · CelpipUni Academic Team
Part of Countries & visasOn this page5 sections
Canada vs Australia: CELPIP rules side by side
| Canada (IRCC) | Australia (Home Affairs) | |
|---|---|---|
| Test | CELPIP General | CELPIP General, in person |
| Score scale | CELPIP level = CLB level | Mapped to Competent / Proficient / Superior |
| Common PR minimum | CLB 7 each (Federal Skilled Worker) | 7 each (Competent) |
| Top band | CLB 10+ (max CRS language points) | Superior: L10 R10 W12 S10 (+20) |
| Validity | 2 years | 3 years |
Score targets that work for both
| CELPIP result | Canada | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| 7 in each skill | CLB 7: FSW eligible, low CRS | Competent: eligible, 0 points |
| 9 in each skill | CLB 9: strong CRS + transferability points | Still Competent (Writing below 10) |
| L9 R8 W10 S8 | Mixed CLB 8–10 | Proficient: +10 points |
| L10 R10 W12 S10 | CLB 10+ in all | Superior: +20 points |
The trap: a flat CELPIP 9 is excellent for Canada but only Competent in Australia, because Proficient needs Writing 10. If Australia is a real option, train Writing harder than you would for Canada alone.
How to plan one test for two applications
- Book CELPIP General in person. Not CELPIP Online, which Australia rejects, and not General LS, which fails for both PR systems.
- Target the Australian thresholds. They are stricter in Writing, so meeting them usually covers your Canadian CLB goal too.
- Mind the 2-year limit. Your result expires for Canada a year before it expires for Australia.
- Enter the same score report in your Express Entry profile and your SkillSelect EOI.
Canada or Australia? CELPIP for Indian applicants
Many candidates in India now run both applications at once. CELPIP is a good fit: there are in-person centres across India, the topics are everyday rather than academic, and one result serves both countries. Check the CELPIP India guide for centres, and use our CRS calculator to see what your CELPIP score is worth in Canada.
Frequently asked questions
Is CELPIP valid for both Canada and Australia?
Yes. CELPIP General is accepted by IRCC for Canadian PR and by Home Affairs for Australian visas. The test must be taken in person on or after 7 August 2025 to count for Australia.
Can I use one CELPIP score report for both countries?
Yes. Both countries accept the same CELPIP General score report. It stays valid for 2 years for Canada and 3 years for Australia.
What CELPIP score works well for both Canada and Australia?
CELPIP 9 in Listening, Reading and Speaking with 10 in Writing gets you CLB 9+ for strong Express Entry CRS points and Proficient English (+10) in Australia. CELPIP 10 in L/R/S and 12 in Writing is Superior (+20) in Australia and maximum language points in Canada.
Can I take CELPIP in India for Australian PR?
Yes. Any in-person CELPIP General test centre worldwide is fine, including the centres in India. CELPIP Online is not accepted for Australia.
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