Language requirements for immigration: what 7 countries publish

21 routes in this comparison.

Routes with a published language rule

Australia student visa (subclass 500)
Australia
Language rule as published
Evidence of English language skills may be required at the time of application. Minimum overall band scores are set per test provider and course type, with separate tables for tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 and on or after 7 August 2025.
Source: Department of Home Affairs · verified 2026-08-14
Australia skilled migration: Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
Australia
Language rule as published
At the time of invitation, you must have at least competent English.
Source: Department of Home Affairs · verified 2026-09-24
Australia skilled migration: Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
Australia
Language rule as published
At the time of invitation, you must have at least competent English.
Source: Department of Home Affairs · verified 2026-09-24
Australia skilled migration: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491)
Australia
Language rule as published
At the time of invitation, you must have at least Competent English.
Source: Department of Home Affairs · verified 2026-08-16
Canada skilled migration: Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker
Canada
Language rule as published
CLB 7 in all 4 abilities (speaking, listening, reading, writing). Below CLB 7 in any ability: not eligible to apply. Approved English or French tests required.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · verified 2026-09-24
Canada skilled migration: Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class
Canada
Language rule as published
Approved English or French tests required. The skills you need depend on the NOC TEER group of your job. TEER 0 or 1: CLB 7 / NCLC 7 in all 4 abilities. TEER 2 or 3: CLB 5 / NCLC 5 in all 4 abilities.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · verified 2026-09-24
Canada skilled migration: Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades
Canada
Language rule as published
Approved English or French tests required. CLB 5 / NCLC 5 in speaking and listening; CLB 4 / NCLC 4 in reading and writing. These floors do not vary by TEER.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · verified 2026-09-24
Canada skilled migration: Quebec — Skilled Worker Selection (PSTQ)
Canada
Language rule as published
French floors differ by volet. The 2026 invitation synthesis: Volet 1 oral 7+ and written 5+; Volet 2 oral 5+ and no written invitation criterion; Volet 3 is two columns — FEER 0/1/2 oral 7+ and written 5+, FEER 3/4/5 oral 5+ and no written criterion; Volet 4 has no French invitation criterion applied. An accompanying spouse, where required, needs oral 4+.
Source: ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration · verified 2026-09-24
Canada skilled migration: Quebec — Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
Canada
Language rule as published
Diplômés: oral 7+ and written 5+. Travailleurs étrangers temporaires: oral 7+. An accompanying spouse needs oral 4+. The French-medium-study requirement that entered during suspension was withdrawn for Diplômés.
Source: ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration · verified 2026-09-24
Canada investor visa: Quebec — Investor Program
Canada
Language rule as published
Connaissance du français à l’oral correspondant minimalement au niveau 7 selon l’Échelle québécoise. No written floor is published. That differs from PSTQ Volet 1 invitation criteria (oral 7+ and written 5+).
Source: ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration · verified 2026-09-24
Canada entrepreneur visa: Quebec — Entrepreneur Program
Canada
Language rule as published
Connaissance du français à l’oral correspondant minimalement au niveau 7 selon l’Échelle québécoise, on all three volets. No written floor is published. That differs from PSTQ Volet 1 invitation criteria (oral 7+ and written 5+).
Source: ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration · verified 2026-09-24
Canada self-employed visa: Quebec — Self-employed Worker Program
Canada
Language rule as published
Connaissance du français à l’oral correspondant minimalement au niveau 7 selon l’Échelle québécoise. No written floor is published. That differs from PSTQ Volet 1 invitation criteria (oral 7+ and written 5+).
Source: ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration · verified 2026-09-24
Germany student visa: Student residence permit
Germany
Language rule as published
Some programmes require a certain level of language proficiency, usually CEFR B2. You must prove your language skills to the German embassy or consulate when the programme requires it.
Source: Federal Government (Make it in Germany) · verified 2026-08-15
Germany job search visa: Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)
Germany
Language rule as published
Points-system applicants must show German at least CEFR A1 or English at least CEFR B2. Recognised skilled workers (Option 1) do not have to prove language skills. Extra points for German above A1 and for English at C1 or native-speaker level.
Source: Federal Government (Make it in Germany) · verified 2026-08-15
Germany work visa: EU Blue Card
Germany
Language rule as published
German is not published as a condition for issuing the EU Blue Card. A settlement permit is available after 27 months with German A1, or after 21 months with German B1 (CEFR).
Source: Federal Government (Make it in Germany) · verified 2026-08-15
Netherlands post-study work visa: Orientation year for highly educated persons
Netherlands
Language rule as published
A language test is published only for graduates of a designated foreign institution: IELTS minimum 6.0 (Academic or General Training), or another accepted English test listed in the Code of Conduct for International Students, or a civic-integration document, or the master’s / doctoral / post-master’s programme was in English or Dutch. Dutch graduates and qualifying researchers are not asked for this test on the orientation-year page.
Source: Immigration and Naturalisation Service · verified 2026-08-15
New Zealand skilled migration: Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
New Zealand
Language rule as published
Principal applicant: IELTS Academic or General Training overall 6.5 or more, or TOEFL iBT 79, PTE Academic 58, Cambridge B2 First / B2 First for Schools 176, or OET Grade C+ or higher in all 4 skills — in-person tests no more than 2 years old. Exemptions include citizenship of Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom or the United States with at least 5 years working or studying in one of those countries or in Australia or New Zealand, or a comparable bachelor's (2 years' residence while studying) or postgraduate (1 year) qualification from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States. Partner and dependent children aged 16 or older: IELTS 5 or more (or listed equivalent) or pre-purchase English lessons. Children younger than 16 have no English requirement.
Source: Immigration New Zealand · verified 2026-09-22
Sweden self-employed visa: Residence permit to run your own business
Sweden
Language rule as published
Relevant knowledge of Swedish or English. If you have contact with, for example, many suppliers or customers in Sweden, you must have very good knowledge of Swedish.
Source: Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) · verified 2026-08-15
UK student visa
United Kingdom
Language rule as published
You’ll usually need to prove English. Degree level or above: equivalent to CEFR B2. Below degree level: CEFR B1. A Higher Education Provider may assess degree-level English itself, still equivalent to B2. Exemptions apply for certain nationals and prior proofs.
Source: UK Visas and Immigration · verified 2026-09-24
UK work visa: Skilled Worker Visa
United Kingdom
Language rule as published
You’ll usually need to prove English to at least CEFR B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. If you had this visa before 8 January 2026 and are extending or updating it, B1 applies and you do not need to prove English again. Exemptions apply for certain nationals and some regulated health professionals.
Source: UK Visas and Immigration · verified 2026-09-24
UK visa without a job offer: High Potential Individual Visa
United Kingdom
Language rule as published
You’ll usually need to prove English to at least CEFR B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Exemptions apply for certain nationals and prior proofs.
Source: UK Visas and Immigration · verified 2026-09-24

Route	Language rule as published
Australia student visa (subclass 500) Australia	Evidence of English language skills may be required at the time of application. Minimum overall band scores are set per test provider and course type, with separate tables for tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 and on or after 7 August 2025.
Source: Department of Home Affairs · verified 2026-08-14
Australia skilled migration: Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) Australia	At the time of invitation, you must have at least competent English.
Source: Department of Home Affairs · verified 2026-09-24
Australia skilled migration: Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) Australia	At the time of invitation, you must have at least competent English.
Source: Department of Home Affairs · verified 2026-09-24
Australia skilled migration: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491) Australia	At the time of invitation, you must have at least Competent English.
Source: Department of Home Affairs · verified 2026-08-16
Canada skilled migration: Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker Canada	CLB 7 in all 4 abilities (speaking, listening, reading, writing). Below CLB 7 in any ability: not eligible to apply. Approved English or French tests required.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · verified 2026-09-24
Canada skilled migration: Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class Canada	Approved English or French tests required. The skills you need depend on the NOC TEER group of your job. TEER 0 or 1: CLB 7 / NCLC 7 in all 4 abilities. TEER 2 or 3: CLB 5 / NCLC 5 in all 4 abilities.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · verified 2026-09-24
Canada skilled migration: Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades Canada	Approved English or French tests required. CLB 5 / NCLC 5 in speaking and listening; CLB 4 / NCLC 4 in reading and writing. These floors do not vary by TEER.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · verified 2026-09-24
Canada skilled migration: Quebec — Skilled Worker Selection (PSTQ) Canada	French floors differ by volet. The 2026 invitation synthesis: Volet 1 oral 7+ and written 5+; Volet 2 oral 5+ and no written invitation criterion; Volet 3 is two columns — FEER 0/1/2 oral 7+ and written 5+, FEER 3/4/5 oral 5+ and no written criterion; Volet 4 has no French invitation criterion applied. An accompanying spouse, where required, needs oral 4+.
Source: ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration · verified 2026-09-24
Canada skilled migration: Quebec — Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) Canada	Diplômés: oral 7+ and written 5+. Travailleurs étrangers temporaires: oral 7+. An accompanying spouse needs oral 4+. The French-medium-study requirement that entered during suspension was withdrawn for Diplômés.
Source: ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration · verified 2026-09-24
Canada investor visa: Quebec — Investor Program Canada	Connaissance du français à l’oral correspondant minimalement au niveau 7 selon l’Échelle québécoise. No written floor is published. That differs from PSTQ Volet 1 invitation criteria (oral 7+ and written 5+).
Source: ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration · verified 2026-09-24
Canada entrepreneur visa: Quebec — Entrepreneur Program Canada	Connaissance du français à l’oral correspondant minimalement au niveau 7 selon l’Échelle québécoise, on all three volets. No written floor is published. That differs from PSTQ Volet 1 invitation criteria (oral 7+ and written 5+).
Source: ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration · verified 2026-09-24
Canada self-employed visa: Quebec — Self-employed Worker Program Canada	Connaissance du français à l’oral correspondant minimalement au niveau 7 selon l’Échelle québécoise. No written floor is published. That differs from PSTQ Volet 1 invitation criteria (oral 7+ and written 5+).
Source: ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration · verified 2026-09-24
Germany student visa: Student residence permit Germany	Some programmes require a certain level of language proficiency, usually CEFR B2. You must prove your language skills to the German embassy or consulate when the programme requires it.
Source: Federal Government (Make it in Germany) · verified 2026-08-15
Germany job search visa: Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) Germany	Points-system applicants must show German at least CEFR A1 or English at least CEFR B2. Recognised skilled workers (Option 1) do not have to prove language skills. Extra points for German above A1 and for English at C1 or native-speaker level.
Source: Federal Government (Make it in Germany) · verified 2026-08-15
Germany work visa: EU Blue Card Germany	German is not published as a condition for issuing the EU Blue Card. A settlement permit is available after 27 months with German A1, or after 21 months with German B1 (CEFR).
Source: Federal Government (Make it in Germany) · verified 2026-08-15
Netherlands post-study work visa: Orientation year for highly educated persons Netherlands	A language test is published only for graduates of a designated foreign institution: IELTS minimum 6.0 (Academic or General Training), or another accepted English test listed in the Code of Conduct for International Students, or a civic-integration document, or the master’s / doctoral / post-master’s programme was in English or Dutch. Dutch graduates and qualifying researchers are not asked for this test on the orientation-year page.
Source: Immigration and Naturalisation Service · verified 2026-08-15
New Zealand skilled migration: Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa New Zealand	Principal applicant: IELTS Academic or General Training overall 6.5 or more, or TOEFL iBT 79, PTE Academic 58, Cambridge B2 First / B2 First for Schools 176, or OET Grade C+ or higher in all 4 skills — in-person tests no more than 2 years old. Exemptions include citizenship of Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom or the United States with at least 5 years working or studying in one of those countries or in Australia or New Zealand, or a comparable bachelor's (2 years' residence while studying) or postgraduate (1 year) qualification from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States. Partner and dependent children aged 16 or older: IELTS 5 or more (or listed equivalent) or pre-purchase English lessons. Children younger than 16 have no English requirement.
Source: Immigration New Zealand · verified 2026-09-22
Sweden self-employed visa: Residence permit to run your own business Sweden	Relevant knowledge of Swedish or English. If you have contact with, for example, many suppliers or customers in Sweden, you must have very good knowledge of Swedish.
Source: Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) · verified 2026-08-15
UK student visa United Kingdom	You’ll usually need to prove English. Degree level or above: equivalent to CEFR B2. Below degree level: CEFR B1. A Higher Education Provider may assess degree-level English itself, still equivalent to B2. Exemptions apply for certain nationals and prior proofs.
Source: UK Visas and Immigration · verified 2026-09-24
UK work visa: Skilled Worker Visa United Kingdom	You’ll usually need to prove English to at least CEFR B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. If you had this visa before 8 January 2026 and are extending or updating it, B1 applies and you do not need to prove English again. Exemptions apply for certain nationals and some regulated health professionals.
Source: UK Visas and Immigration · verified 2026-09-24
UK visa without a job offer: High Potential Individual Visa United Kingdom	You’ll usually need to prove English to at least CEFR B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Exemptions apply for certain nationals and prior proofs.
Source: UK Visas and Immigration · verified 2026-09-24

Authorities rarely publish a single level, so these are stored and shown as free text rather than flattened into one scale. Where a route is wired to a calculator, that tool holds the encoded floor.

Other comparisons: Why no one commits to a processing time · Permanent residence on arrival · Years to permanent residence · Immigrate without a job offer · Points tests compared · Application fees by country · Proof of funds by country · Work visa salary minimums · Age limits by country · Student visas and permanent residence · Temporary visas compared

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