If you want to move to Canada this year, this article will help you understand your options. Learn which English language tests you can take and how IELTS can help you achieve your migration goals.
IELTS: the English test for Canadian PR
If you intend to study and then work in Canada, you might have thought about applying for permanent residency as well. As part of your application, you’ll need to demonstrate language proficiency in either English or French.
To prove your English proficiency, you can take the IELTS General Training test, which is the preferred English test for immigration to Canada. On the other hand, the IELTS Academic test is for those who wish to study in the country.
More people around the world rely on IELTS to succeed in moving forward in their life. IELTS is trusted and recognised by more than 12,500 organisations globally including the Canadian government.
Which English language proficiency tests are approved for Canadian immigration, citizenship and PR?
If you want to apply for a work visa or permanent residency in Canada, the approved English language proficiency tests are:
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) General Training
CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) General Test
Pearson Test of English Core (PTE Core)
What immigration programs are offered in Canada and what are the IRCC language test requirements?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels to check your English language proficiency for immigration. The table below shows the equivalent IELTS General Training scores for each level.
CLB Level | IELTS GT Reading | IELTS GT Writing | IELTS GT Listening | IELTS GT Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 8 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
9 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 |
8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
6 | 5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
4 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 4 |
The Canadian government currently offers a range of immigration programs, including:
Immigration program | Minimum CLB level required |
|---|---|
Express Entry | 5 or 7 depending on program |
Provincial nominees | 4 |
Atlantic Immigration Program | 4 or 5 depending on job offer |
Caregivers | 5 |
Agri-Food Pilot | 4 |
Rural and Norther Immigration Pilot | 4, 5 or 6 depending on job offer |
Economic Mobility Pathways Project | 4, 5 or 7 depending on job offer |
Reference: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada.html
For more information about these programs and other immigration programs for Canada, please visit the IRCC website.
What are the advantages of taking IELTS for migration to Canada?
When you choose IELTS as your English test for Canadian PR, you’re choosing a test that is trusted and accepted by more than 12,500 organisations around the world. These include immigration departments, universities, professional bodies, and employers.
IELTS is the world’s most popular high-stakes English language test, IELTS gives you many options of where and how you sit your test.
IELTS is trusted and accepted by more than 12,500 organisations around the world, including immigration departments, universities, professional bodies and employers.
You can choose to do IELTS on computer or on paper.
IELTS is available in more than 4,000 test locations. In addition, IDP has more than 380 IELTS on Computer test centres.
Unlike most other English language tests, IELTS gives you the chance to do a speaking test face-to-face with a real human. You can use your results as proof of real-life communication skills.
As well as an Academic test, IELTS also offers a General Training, which uses everyday language for migration to Canada.
Canada starts here.
Book IELTS for migration to Canada
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is not intended to provide advice on migrating to Canada and all immigration programs should be checked on the IRCC website or with your migration consultant or lawyer.