What Is the PGWP IELTS Requirement?
There are new language requirements in place for international students applying for a PGWP on or after November 1, 2024. These requirements refer to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB), a national standard used to measure language proficiency for immigration and citizenship purposes.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is widely accepted by the Canadian Government as proof of English language proficiency. It is important to understand that IELTS is entirely compatible with CLB. This guide explains how your IELTS score aligns with CLB and how it matters for various immigration programs. You can also find resources to help you on your journey to permanent residency in Canada.
If you have taken or plan to take the IELTS, aligning your scores with the CLB can help students determine their eligibility for a PGWP and allow them to submit the right documents when applying.
Which Language Skills Are Considered for PGWP?
According to the IRCC, if you apply after November 1, 2024, you must provide proof of English or French language skills. The only exception is if you graduate from a PGWP-eligible flight school. Your language score requirement is based on your program of study. Tests should be taken in person and should demonstrate your skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Your results must be less than 2 years old when you submit your application.
Who Needs to Meet the PGWP IELTS Requirement?
Most international students applying for a PGWP on or after November 1, 2024, must meet new English or French language proficiency requirements. Applicants must submit proof of language skills, in the form of tests like IELTS General Training, that show a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7 for university graduates or CLB 5 for college graduates.
You are exempt from these requirements only if you submitted your application before November 1, 2024, or are a flight school graduate.
Here's what you need to know about the language requirement:
An applicant’s level of education, among other factors, determines the requirements related to language proficiency. Here’s what the IRCC says:
For graduates with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctoral degree: English or French language skills with a minimum level of CLB 7 in English, in all 4 language areas.
For graduates from any other university program: English or French language skills with a minimum level of CLB 7 in English, in all 4 language areas.
For graduates from any other college, polytechnic or non-university program: English or French language skills with a minimum level of CLB 5 in English, in all 4 language areas.
For graduates from a flight school: No language or field of study requirements for graduates from a PGWP-eligible flight school.
Field of study requirements: If your study program has a field of study requirement, you must graduate from a program linked to certain occupations in long-term shortage.
What Is CLB and Why Does IRCC Use It?
The IRCC uses the CLB to standardize language evaluations, ensuring that all applicants are assessed consistently across four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is a national standard used to measure language proficiency for immigration and citizenship purposes. A lower CLB score means the applicant cannot communicate in or 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.
IRCC accepts the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as one of its test options. If you have taken or plan to take the IELTS, it is important to know how your scores align with the CLB. This alignment 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.
Check out this list of minimum CLB levels an applicant needs for all four language abilities. Test results must be less than two years old when applying for permanent residence.
IELTS and Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Alignment for PGWP
If you have taken the IELTS and want to know how your score aligns with the CLB, this chart breaks down the conversion. It focuses on the four key English skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, and compares scores to show you what CLB level is equivalent to an IELTS band score.
CLB Level | IELTS Reading | IELTS Writing | IELTS Listening | IELTS 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 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
Minimum CLB Levels Required for PGWP
These are the minimum CLB levels for PGWP based on IRCC guidelines:
University Graduates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral): CLB 7.
Other University Programs: CLB 7.
College Graduates (Diploma/Certificate): CLB 5.
Flight School Graduates: No specific language requirement.
Here’s how those levels match IELTS General Training band scores:
CLB level | IELTS Reading | IELTS Writing | IELTS Listening | IELTS 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 |
Applying for a PGWP After November 1, 2024: What You Need to Know
For international students submitting their study permit applications on or after November 1, 2024, and applying for a PGWP after November 1, 2024, the following rules apply. In addition to meeting new language benchmarks, you will also need to satisfy field of study requirements in certain cases:
Students graduating with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctoral degree from a university, must meet the above language proficiency requirements in either English or French (CLB/NCLC of 7 in all four language areas). There are no additional field-of-study requirements for applicants in this category, and all fields of study are eligible.
Students graduating in any other university program must meet the above language proficiency requirements in either English or French (CLB/NCLC 7 in all four language areas) and graduate from an eligible field of study linked to Canada’s labour market needs.
Students graduating from a college program or any other program not listed above must meet the above language proficiency requirements in either English or French (CLB/NCLC 5 in all four language areas) and graduate from an eligible field of study linked to Canada’s labour market needs.
Here are the scores you will need when choosing General IELTS for your PGWP:
For university degree holders (Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate): IELTS Band 6 in all areas
For other university programs: IELTS Band 6 in all areas
For college and other programs: IELTS Band 5 in all areas
Is IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted for PGWP in Canada?
As of early 2026, IRCC has not officially approved One Skill Retake for PGWP, indicating that a full, four-skill retake is necessary if you are unhappy with your scores. IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted by various universities and professional bodies.
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PGWP Eligibility Criteria and Processing Considerations
To be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), you must meet all eligibility requirements. These include:
Eligibility based on the study program
Study program requirements include both
proof of language skills
field of study requirements (if applicable)
Eligibility based on physical location
inside Canada graduates
outside Canada graduates
You meet the general eligibility requirement to apply for a PGWP if:
You completed a program of study at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution that was at least 8 months long (or 900 hours for Quebec programs)
You maintained full-time status as a student in Canada during each semester of your study program
You apply for your PGWP within 180 days of confirmation that you completed your program of study
Your study permit was valid at some point during the 180 days after you graduated and before you submitted your PGWP application
Here are some other considerations to keep in mind, with regard to PGWP eligibility and processing time in Canada:
How you apply: You cannot apply for a PGWP at a port of entry (border). Applications must be submitted online.
Submitting language proficiency documents: Due to system limitations, the document checklist won’t ask you to provide language test results or proof that you graduated from an eligible field of study. You must upload this under the ‘Client Information’ section of your account.
Length of PGWP: This depends on the level and duration of your study program, as well as the expiry date of your passport, whichever comes first. As of February 15, 2024, for master’s degree programs, you can apply for a 3-year PGWP, even if your master’s program was less than 2 years, as long as it was at least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec programs), and you meet all other eligibility requirements. This doesn’t apply to certificate or diploma programs.
PGWP Processing Time and When to Apply
PGWP applications are generally processed in 80 to 180 days. Make sure you apply within 180 days of receiving your final marks/completion letter from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI). You can apply as soon as you receive your final transcripts or an official letter confirming completion of your program. You have 180 days from this date. Make sure you apply before your study permit expires, or within 90 days of its expiry, while restoring your status.
For updates on current processing times, check with the IRCC here
Learn More About IELTS and Canadian Immigration Pathways
Learn more about:
Which Test is Right for You, and more.
IELTS by IDP. Countless Canadian Dreams. One English Test. Trusted and chosen by millions. For more information about the IRCC rules and requirements, visit these official pages:
Additional information about the International Student Program reforms
Minister Miller's statement on international student allocations
Strengthening temporary residence programs for sustainable volumes - Canada.ca
