IELTS for Canadian Immigration: Requirements, Scores, and Process

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) trusts IELTS for all visas that require applicants to provide proof of English language proficiency. Applicants for most economic immigration programs in Canada, such as Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class), must submit results from an approved language test to prove proficiency.

A high IELTS score can significantly improve an applicant’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the Express Entry pool, increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

The IELTS also plays a significant role when it comes to the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) that allows students who have graduated from eligible schools to gain valuable Canadian work experience. Starting November 1, 2024, students graduating with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctoral degree from a university must meet language proficiency requirements in either English or French (CLB/NCLC of 7 in all four language areas).

Many Canadian professional bodies (in healthcare or nursing, for example), also require proof of English proficiency for licensing, and many rely on IELTS scores to ensure that candidates can communicate effectively.

Lastly, as Canada has two official languages (English and French), demonstrating proficiency in English is crucial for navigating daily life. It’s one more reason why IELTS is the world’s most popular test of English.

Which immigration programs require IELTS?

Most immigration programs to Canada require applicants to prove English proficiency with tests like IELTS General Training. Results must be less than two years old.

Language Requirements

How IELTS scores affect your chances of Canadian permanent residency

Your IELTS score can have a significant impact on your chances of permanent residency in Canada, because of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

This points-based system is used to assess and score an applicant’s profile and rank it in the Express Entry pool. It’s used to assess skills, education, language ability, work experience, and other factors. To get an invitation to apply, an applicant’s CRS score must be above the minimum points score of their round of invitations.

As mentioned above, a minimum of CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0) is usually required for immigration programs, but higher scores boost CRS points, improving chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). A higher IELTS score makes an applicant more competitive, especially if a province prioritizes language abilities in targeted draws.

Which IELTS test is required for immigration to Canada?

If you choose the IELTS to prove language proficiency, you must take the IELTS General Training option. The IRCC doesn’t accept IELTS One Skill Retake for Express Entry. There are reasons why General Training IELTS is accepted for permanent residency, starting with the fact that IELTS is trusted and accepted by immigration authorities of Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.

When it comes to looking for a job, IELTS shows employers that you have the English language skills they need. Many employers accept IELTS General Training because it tests everyday English skills.

Finally, IELTS Academic measures if one is ready to begin studying in English, and features vocabulary that is familiar within an academic setting. IELTS General Training, on the other hand, measures English language proficiency in a practical, everyday context. The tasks and tests reflect both workplace and social situations.

One of the requirements for applicants interested in immigrating to Canada is proof of language proficiency, in English or French, depending on the province. Applying for Express Entry requires a minimum score of CLB 7, which translates to an IELTS General Training score of 6.0 in each of the four components. Results must be under two years old, and higher scores can maximize CRS points.

What is the maximum IELTS score benefit for Express Entry candidates?

Here’s what you can score in terms of official languages proficiency for the first official language. The maximum points for each ability (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) is 32 with a spouse or common-law partner, and 34 without a spouse or common-law partner.

The IELTS comprises four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, each scored on a scale of 0-9, with 0 being the lowest score and 9 the highest. Scores from each component are averaged to give an overall band score, which is rounded to the nearest half band.

IELTS band scores measure a test taker's English proficiency across four components, with 0.5 increments. Each component is weighted equally, and the overall score is an average of the four, rounded to the nearest half or whole band. So, for example, a 6.25 average will become 6.5.

IELTS scores for Canada immigration are calculated by converting individual band scores for each component into Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) levels 4 through 12. For Express Entry, an applicant’s score in each skill is mapped to a CLB level. A minimum of CLB 7 (6.0 in each section) is typically required for skilled immigration.

How IELTS band converts into immigration points

IELTS scores are converted to CLB levels to determine immigration points for the Canadian Express Entry system. A CLB 7 (6.0 in each band) is often the minimum, while achieving CLB 9+ (7.0+ in Reading, Writing, Speaking, and 8.0+ in Listening) maximizes points for language, boosting Express Entry rankings.

IELTS is entirely compatible with CLB. This guide explains how your IELTS score aligns with CLB and how it matters for various immigration programs.

Wondering what the Canadian Language Benchmarks are? (CLB) It is a national standard used to measure language proficiency for immigration and citizenship purposes. A lower CLB score means the applicant cannot communicate and understand English, while a higher CLB score suggests that the applicant is proficient in English. The required minimum level and number of points you get for your language skills will depend on the specific program you are applying to.

IELTS is widely accepted by the Canadian Government as proof of English language proficiency. If you have taken or plan to take the IELTS, it is important to know how your scores align with the CLB. This helps students and professionals determine their eligibility for work or study programs and allows them to submit the right documents when applying for immigration to Canada.

How long does an IELTS score remain valid for Express Entry?

IELTS scores for Express Entry in Canada remain valid for two years (24 months) from the date the test was taken. These results must be valid on the date you submit your Express Entry profile and must remain valid when you submit your permanent residence application.

What happens if my IELTS score expires during the immigration process?

If your IELTS expires before you submit your PR application, it may result in a rejected application or ineligibility, requiring you to retake the test. However, if it expires after you have submitted your application, the results may be accepted because validity is crucial only on the submission date. You must ensure your IELTS results are valid on the date you submit your electronic Application for Permanent Residence (e-APR).

When should you retake the IELTS?

You should consider retaking the IELTS for Canada immigration if:

• Your current results are older than two years

• Your score does not meet the minimum language requirements (CLB)

• You want to increase your score to boost your CRS points

The IRCC accepts IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) for Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) candidates only. The EMPP is a program for skilled refugees and displaced people looking to work permanently in Canada. If applicants have taken the IELTS and want to improve scores on one of the 4 skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking), they may be able to re-test for that skill if:

• They are from a select country

• The re-test is within 60 days of the original test date

• They are applying for EMPP

Note: It is important to check with the IRCC for updates on whether it is still accepting applications for the Federal EMPP, based on whether it has reached its annual cap.

IELTS and CELPIP are both accepted for Canadian immigration, but each has its own unique features. Test takers should choose a test based on their objectives and what is more recognized globally. Here are a few other things to keep in mind as you make your decision.

IELTS and TOEFL are both used by many Canadian universities, but for immigration to Canada, only IELTS General Training is currently one of the accepted tests. Both tests are internationally recognized by most educational and professional institutions in English-speaking countries, but the IELTS is the most popular English language test in the world, accepted by more than 12,500 organizations in 150 countries. The IRCC has yet to accept TOEFL as an approved test.

IELTS Online is the same test as IELTS on Paper or IELTS on Computer Academic test taken in a test centre. It assesses English-language proficiency across four key skills, with the Speaking test conducted one-to-one with an accredited IELTS examiner, via a live video call. IELTS Online is currently only available for the Academic test and is not accepted for immigration purposes.

If you want to take the IELTS Academic test for studying in Canada, book your test now.

IELTS for UKVI is a UK government-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) that can be used to prove English language abilities in support of a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) application.

Although it is identical to the IELTS General Training in terms of test format, difficulty, and scoring, it is recommended that applicants for Canadian immigration take the IELTS General Training, as it one of the tests specifically approved by the IRCC.

If you want to achieve a high score on the IELTS, it is essential to hone specific skills tailored to each component of the test. Mastering these ensures you can effectively meet the demands of each part of the test.

For the Reading component, for example, focus on building your ability to quickly scan and skim texts to extract key information. In the Writing component, concentrate on developing the ability to construct clear and well-organized essays. To do well in the Listening component, it is crucial to cultivate active listening skills that enable you to understand spoken English across various contexts, such as conversations, lectures, and monologues. Begin by familiarising yourself with different accents, speech speeds, and intonation patterns, as these elements can vary widely and affect comprehension.

Finally, for the Speaking component, aim to enhance your fluency and coherence in conversations. Practise articulating your thoughts clearly, organizing your responses logically, and using appropriate vocabulary for various topics.

When you are ready to take the next step, book your test through IDP Canada, and explore official preparation materials, such as IELTS classes and IELTS preparation courses, to maximize your score.

If you are ready to take the next step towards immigration to Canada, book your IELTS in Canada now! Here are some of the advantages of booking today:

• Results for IELTS on Computer are typically available within 48 hours

• Flexible dates and 140+ test centres to choose from

• Free practice tests and preparation material at https://ielts.idp.com/prepare

• A real speaking test with someone listening to you

• On-the-go booking, prepping, results and more with the IELTS by IDP app

Learn more about:

• IELTS Success Stories

• Where the IELTS Can Take You

• Who Accepts the IELTS

• Which Test is Right for You, and more.

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