If you’re a foreign skilled worker or an international student who has recently graduated from a Canadian school and want to work and live in either New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland or PEI, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is the perfect opportunity for you.
One of the crucial components of the AIP application is a completed language test that meets the scores required by your job offer level. The IELTS language test is a popular English test selected by many applicants, and there’s a reason why. Not only is it recognized by 13.5K organizations globally across 140 countries, it is also the world’s most popular language test that opens opportunities for work and continuing education.
Interested in taking the IELTS test for your AIP application? Here’s what you need to know to succeed.
Which IELTS Test Is Accepted for AIP in Canada?
To be eligible for the AIP in Canada, you will need to complete the IELTS General Training test.
Where can you take the test?
You can take the test at an IELTS Test Centre, or you may be able to take it online, depending on the country you are in. Check online availability here.
How long will it take to prepare for my IELTS test?
If you’re curious how long it will take to get the IELTS band score you need for the AIP, it depends on several factors, including:
Your current English language level
Your first language
Your level of skill for picking up languages
Your current time and resources
You may only need 1 week to prepare for your IELTs exam (see our 7-week study plan here), or you may require up to 60 hours a week of study. There is no single right way to approach preparing for your IELTs test, and the best way to judge if you’re ready is through free practice tests that can help assess your skill level and areas of improvement.
What Are the AIP Canada IELTS Requirements?
To validate your English proficiency, you’ll need to show test scores from a language test approved by the AIP. According to the Government of Canada, the AIP IELTS requirements are:
Your test must be from an approved agency such as IDP Education.
You must have paid for this test in full.
Your test results must meet the minimum score for your job level.
CLB 5 for TEER* 0, 1, 2 or 3
CLB 4 for TEER 4
You must include a copy in your application and retain a copy of your test for future purposes like licensing or pursuing another degree.
Your test was completed no more than 2 years before your application date. For example, if you are applying in 2026, you must have taken your test no earlier than 2024.
Minimum IELTS Score for the Atlantic Immigration Program
In order for your IELTS test to be approved for your AIP application, you’ll need to have scores that meet the required CLB level for your job-offer category. Here’s a breakdown of what that means.
AIP IELTS Score Requirements (for tests after Dec 10, 2023)
Job-offer category | Required CLB level | IELTS General Training Score | |||
Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking | ||
TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 | CLB 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
TEER 4 | CLB 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 4 |
For AIP IELTS requirements for tests taken before Dec 10, 2023, learn more here.
How to Convert IELTS Scores to CLB Levels?
Here’s how to convert your IELTS score to the equivalent CLB (English) level. Please note that this is specifically for tests taken after December 10, 2023.
CLB level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
10 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
9 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 |
8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
6 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
5 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
4 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
For tests taken before December 10, 2023, please refer to this page.
What Happens if One IELTS Skill Is Below the Required Score?
If one IELTS skill is below the required score for your job level, you will be required to retake the test in its entirety in order to make sure you meet the language requirements for your AIP application. Please note that you will have to pay an additional fee to complete your test again. Unfortunately, at this time, IELTS One Skill Retake is not available for the Atlantic Immigration Program.
To heighten your skills and preparation for a retake, take advantage of resources like IDP Education’s free IELTS Masterclass, IELTS Practice Tests, and Expert Articles.
Other Language Tests Accepted Under the AIP
Curious about other language tests that are valid for your AIP application? To help you decide which one is right for you, here’s a breakdown of each type and how it compares to the IELTS.
CELPIP-General
An entirely computer-based exam where test takers speak into a mic for oral components. The test is in Canadian/North American accents and evaluates test takers through everyday situations.
How does CELPIP-General compare to IELTS General?
Format. CELPIP is taken in a single 3-hour session, while IELTS is around 2 hours and 45 minutes: Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (11-14 minutes).
Speaking. IELTS test takers interact face-to-face with an examiner, while CELPIP requires speaking to a computer.
Listening and Reading. IELTS is an in-person exam that asks test-takers questions in a variety of accents, including South Asian, Australian, British, and Canadian/North American.
Writing. IELTS offers options to complete this section on the computer or on paper. You can only complete this section on the computer with CELPIP.
Learn more about the differences between CELPIP vs IELTs here.
PTE Core
A computer-based, 2-hour-long test that assesses your English language abilities. You are required to take the test in a room full of other test takers.
How does PTE Core compare to IELTS General?
Format. IELTS General is computer/paper-based with a face-to-face speaking component and is 165 minutes long. PTE is 120 minutes and solely computer-based.
Speaking. In PTE Core, this component is AI-marked and requires you to speak into a mic while other test takers may also be speaking, which, depending on your preferences, you may find distracting. This component of IELTS is evaluated by an examiner and completed in person.
Listening and Reading. IELTS offers multiple-choice for its listening component in a variety of accents, while PTE includes 7 question types. For reading, PTE offers 5 question types, while IELTS General offers three reading passages that are more everyday and practical.
Writing. For PTE, this section requires writing a summary and emails, and involves 7 question types. IELTS requires you to write a letter and then an essay.
Learn more about the differences between PTE Core vs IELTS here.
TEF Canada and TCF Canada for French
These French language tests are both accepted by AIP and differ in terms of their coverage and length. TEF covers oral comprehension and oral expression and involves more questions than TCF Canada. TEF is a test by the Chambre de Commerce Internationale de Paris, which focuses on promoting francophone literacy for economies across the world. TCF is by the institution France Éducation International and is supervised by the French Ministry of Education.
What are the advantages of taking IELTS for the Atlantic Immigration Program
The IELTS General language test is recognized by over 13,500+ organizations globally, including employers, immigration departments and universities. Given its flexibility and convenience that prioritize test takers and their success, it’s no wonder it’s a top choice. Here’s what makes IELTS stand out when preparing for Canadian immigration programs like the AIP:
Worldwide recognition and reputation. IELTS is the world’s most popular language test and is trusted by 13K+ organizations in 140 countries across the world.
Wide accessibility. IELTS makes it easy for you to book a test that supports your unique needs. IELTS provides accessibility accommodations and support tailored to you, including Braille and large print materials, modifications for Speaking and Listening segments, assistive technologies, and special arrangements for disabilities or medical conditions.
Scoring transparency for your success. IELTS offers a simple scoring system that rounds up any half or partial scores, and publishes key assessment criteria for each section, so you know what is expected for you to do well.
Human evaluation. While other tests offer AI-evaluation for speaking sections, IELTS’ speaking tests are face-to-face with a human evaluator in a quiet, private room where you can ask them to repeat or slow down.
Focus on everyday, workplace success. Test content reflects common social and workplace scenarios such as writing a letter to a friend about your weekend, reading a news article, or speaking with a coworker about your favourite restaurant.
8 Tips to Avoid Making Common Mistakes When Meeting AIP IELTS Requirements
To help you prepare for your IELTS test, here are some tips to help you secure a top score for your AIP application.
1. Familiarize Yourself With the IELTS Format
You may think that using English in everyday life means you won’t have any trouble with IELTS General Training. But don’t underestimate the importance of knowing the test format of the IELTS, including its Writing, Reading, Listening and Speaking sections, and its question types like essays, sentence completion, and multiple choice, as well as time constraints.
How to prepare:
Make use of resources such as the IDP IELTS Prep Hub, which includes an English self-assessment to help you figure out where to start in your study journey. Make sure you complete practice tests before your actual assessment, and familiarize yourself with what to expect on your IELTS test day.
2. Structure Your Time
Since each IELTS test section has specific time constraints, it’s important that you spend the right amount of time on each one. Otherwise, you may find that you rush through a section that has the most weight for your overall band score, such as the essay question in the Writing component.
How to prepare:
Use practice tests to determine which sections you may need to work on the most, and perfect your skills so that you know where your time is best spent. Don’t dwell on any section for more than 20 minutes. You may also want to complete the more difficult sections first. During speaking evaluations, try your best to speak clearly and with a measured pace, or you may lose points.
3. Read Instructions Carefully
During your IELTS test, staying within the written guidelines can make all the difference. Pay attention to word counts and specific instructions like the type of answer required, such as a written number or a five-word answer. Otherwise, you may receive a zero, which can impact your overall score.
How to prepare:
Read each section carefully and highlight the word count or specific answer type requirements. Make sure that during your practice tests and on your test day, you give yourself enough time to check your word count and adjust your answer to stay within the requirements.
4. Develop Your Vocabulary
Vocabulary has a 25% weight in both your Speaking and Writing sections for the IELTs test, which means it’s important to pay attention to the variety and specificity of words you use during your test.
How to prepare:
Be careful with excessive use of transition words such as “in addition” and “furthermore,” and learn how to increase your band score with precise word choices.
5. Complete Full Answers To Questions
Sometimes focusing too much on the language quality of your answer means you forget to consider its content, which means giving an improper answer that doesn’t fully address the question.
How to prepare
Before you begin writing, write in dot jots what the question is asking of you, such as comparing and contrasting two things or stating your opinion clearly in an essay format. Make sure your answer hits all of these points and reread to double-check you adhere to the requirements, which can include format for the essay section.
6. Speak Clearly and Naturally
The best way to succeed in your Speaking section of the IELTS exam is to focus on proper pronunciation and to speak naturally rather than be tempted to memorize an answer.
How to prepare
Record yourself speaking as you practice, avoid filler words where possible, and think in English as much as possible rather than translating in your head as you respond.
7. Check for Errors During the Listening Section
The Listening section of the IELTS test requires you to record your answer within 10 minutes after hearing an audio clip. Sometimes this quick section can cause test takers to make mistakes like incomplete answers or spelling errors.
How to prepare:
Double-check your spelling and allocate time to check that your answer has the correct content. Make sure you are consistent with either American or British spelling across your test, and familiarize yourself with common IELTS vocabulary like education and work, environment, health and lifestyle, family, travel, and body language.
8. Poor preparation across all test sections
With the AIP, you will need a specific score across all sections of your test in order for it to be valid for your application. This means it’s important that you spend time preparing for all bands equally. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that strong proficiency in Listening will translate to expertise in Speaking.
How to prepare:
Take IDP’s IELTS Diagnostic Quiz to figure out which section is your weakest, and focus on building your skills there. Remember that this doesn’t mean you can neglect your existing strengths. To help you measure your progress, set goals for yourself across a timeline that makes sense with your test date. Also familiarize yourself with how each band is scored, so you know what you need to do to succeed.
Final Thoughts
We hope this blog has given you the confidence and information you need to complete your IELTS test for your Atlantic Immigration Program application.
Want to get your target IELTS band score in 30 days? Access our free IELTS study guide that includes a 30-day study plan, proven strategies, and how to avoid common mistakes. Download it here.
*TEER stands for Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities. Canada uses it to classify jobs under the National Occupational Classification (NOC).