IELTS for migration: Achieve Your Migration Goals

IELTS for migration refers to the English language test accepted by immigration authorities in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.

The General Training test, which immigration departments accept, focuses on functional, everyday English skills necessary for work and living. Test takers are assessed on four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, to help prove language proficiency for programs like Express Entry in Canada.

If you are planning to migrate to an English-speaking country like Canada, immigration authorities may ask you to provide evidence of your English language ability.

How does IELTS support migration applications?

Migrating overseas is a challenging but ultimately enriching experience. You will have many things to take care of, and you may find yourself needing to step outside your comfort zone in many ways. The IELTS General Training test helps you develop everyday English language skills that you will need in social and workplace environments.

IELTS Recognizing organizations

IELTS is respected and accepted by more than 12,500 organizations in over 150 countries. You can use this online resource to discover which organiZations acknowledge IELTS scores. These include universities, schools, training colleges, tertiary institutes, government departments and agencies, professional and industry bodies, companies, and employers.

IELTS for Canada

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) trusts IELTS as one of the tests for all visas that require applicants to provide proof of English language proficiency.

IELTS English test for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

When you apply for a work visa, professional recognition or permanent residency in Canada, most applicants will be required to present evidence of English language proficiency. The IELTS test you take, along with the score you need, will depend on your visa requirements and/or the requirements of the institution where you plan to study or work. IELTS General Training is a trusted test accepted by IRCC for immigration to Canada.

IELTS for study

If you intend to study in Canada, you will need to provide evidence of English proficiency. The required score will depend on the level of study, subject, and institutional requirements.

IELTS Academic assesses your English-language proficiency at an academic level to determine whether you are ready to study at an undergraduate or postgraduate level or work in a professional setting, such as a doctor, nurse, teacher, or lawyer. The test looks at your English-language proficiency across four skill sets: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The Listening and Speaking parts of the test are the same for both Academic and General Training, while the Reading and Writing parts are different.

The IRCC accepts IELTS General Training for migration, among other tests that can prove your English language proficiency. The IELTS looks at English-language capabilities in a work or social environment. If you plan to study in secondary education, enrol in vocational training, move abroad for work, or migrate, you might need to take an IELTS General Training.

The IRCC measures English and French levels using the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English and the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for French.

If you are applying under the Canadian Experience Class, the skills you need will depend on the group your job is classified under in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). The minimum level for all 4 abilities is:

For those applying via the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the minimum level for all 4 abilities in the first official language is CLB 7 for English and NCLC 7 for French. For your second official language, the minimum level is CLB or NCLC 5.

For those applying via the Federal Skilled Trades Program, here are the minimum levels you need to score:

Do IELTS score requirements vary by country?

Yes, IELTS score requirements can vary by country because they depend not only on visa types, but also on requirements by educational institutions or employers. In Canada, for example, applicants for immigration through the Canadian Experience Class need a minimum CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0). In Australia, students may be required to have an IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5 for undergraduate studies. You should always check official sources for the exact score required by a government or university, as these requirements are subject to change.