With over 4 million test takers annually, it is the most popular test for higher education and global migration. Scores from IELTS or other accepted language tests are required for all of Canada’s economic immigration programs.
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a standardized test for immigrants moving to English-speaking countries. It assesses your English skills based on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most popular English proficiency test for study, work, and migration. It is recognized by over 12,000 organizations in more than 150 countries.
Candidates can take either IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training, depending on their goals and the requirements of the organization they are applying to.
IELTS is developed and regulated by the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English.
The minimum IELTS band score required for a Canada PR visa in 2025 is typically CLB 7, which corresponds to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 or higher.
Your IELTS score is crucial for securing Canada PR. The Express Entry system, used for economic immigration, assigns points based on various factors, including language proficiency. A higher IELTS score can significantly boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
While IELTS scores are important, other factors like education, work experience, and adaptability also matter. Meeting the minimum language requirements and aiming for higher scores will maximize your chances of successfully obtaining PR in Canada.
Your scores for each part of the test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) are averaged to produce an overall band score, which can be a whole or half number.
|
Band |
Skill Level |
Description |
|
9 |
Expert user |
Fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate, and fluent with complete understanding. |
|
8 |
Very good user |
Fully operational command with occasional inaccuracies. Handles complex arguments well. |
|
7 |
Good user |
Operational command with occasional inaccuracies and misunderstandings. Generally handles complex language well. |
|
6 |
Competent user |
Generally effective command despite some inaccuracies. Can use and understand fairly complex language, especially in familiar situations. |
|
5 |
Modest user |
Partial command, coping with overall meaning in most situations but makes many mistakes. Can handle basic communication in their field. |
|
4 |
Limited user |
Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Cannot use complex language. |
|
3 |
Extremely limited user |
Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication. |
|
2 |
Intermittent user |
No real communication except for basic information using isolated words or short phrases. Great difficulty in understanding spoken and written English. |
|
1 |
Non-user |
Essentially no ability to use the language beyond a few isolated words. |
|
0 |
Did not attempt |
No assessable information provided. Did not take the test. |
|
CLB Level |
Points per subcategory |
Listening |
Reading |
Speaking |
Writing |
|
7 |
4 |
6.0 - 7.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
|
8 |
5 |
7.5 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
|
9 |
6 |
8.0 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
|
10+ |
6 |
8.5 - 9.0 |
8.0 - 9.0 |
7.5 - 9.0 |
7.5 - 9.0 |
|
CLB Level |
Total Points |
Listening |
Reading |
Speaking |
Writing |
|
5+ |
4 |
5.0 - 9.0 |
4.0 - 9.0 |
5.0 - 9.0 |
4.0 - 9.0 |
|
CLB Level |
Listening |
Reading |
Speaking |
Writing |
|
4 |
4.5 |
3.5 |
4.0 |
4.0 |
|
5 |
5.0 |
4.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
|
6 |
5.5 |
5.0 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
|
7 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
|
8 |
7.5 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
|
9 |
8.0 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
|
10+ |
8.5 - 9.0 |
8.5 - 9.0 |
7.5 - 9.0 |
7.5 - 9.0 |
|
NOC |
CLB Level |
Listening |
Reading |
Speaking |
Writing |
|
A |
10+ |
8.5 - 9.0 |
8.5 - 9.0 |
7.5 - 9.0 |
7.5 - 9.0 |
|
A |
9 |
8.0 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
|
A |
8 |
7.5 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
|
A |
7 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
|
B |
6 |
5.5 |
5.0 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
|
B |
5 |
5.0 |
4.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
Canada is a popular destination for immigrants due to its high quality of life. For those applying for permanent residency (PR), the IELTS score requirements vary depending on the immigration program.
Here are the minimum IELTS scores required for different Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels:
|
CLB Level |
Reading |
Writing |
Listening |
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 |
You can take the IELTS Academic or General Training test on paper or computer at an official test centre. Depending on your location, you may also take IELTS Online. The test assesses four key skills:
Points to Note on IELTS:
What are the Minimum Points Required for Express Entry?
The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) are used by Canadian immigration authorities to evaluate English language skills. When you take the IELTS test, your results are given in bands, which are then converted into CLB levels. This conversion helps assess your language proficiency for Canadian permanent residency. Each CLB level corresponds to a specific IELTS score, and this level contributes to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points under the Language Proficiency category. Understanding the CLB equivalent of your IELTS score is important for meeting the language requirements for a Canada PR visa.
IELTS fees vary based on the test format you pick. In India, the fee for both Computer-based and Paper-based IELTS exams is Rs. 17,000.
The IELTS test assesses English language skills through four main modules, which cover different aspects of communication:
Express Entry is an online, point-based immigration system launched by the Government of Canada in January 2015. It allows skilled workers to apply for permanent residency (PR) in Canada based on their qualifications.
How to Score 67 Points to Immigrate to Canada?- Kansas®
IELTS scores are widely accepted by Canadian universities, organizations, and immigration offices. Here are the key points regarding IELTS validity and requirements for Canada:
Important for PR Applicants:
IELTS Academic: Suitable for those aiming for higher education.
IELTS General Training: Ideal for those migrating to an English-speaking country for living and working.
|
Feature |
IELTS Academic |
IELTS General Training |
|
Purpose |
University entry |
Migration purposes |
|
Test Focus |
Assess readiness for higher education |
Assess proficiency in everyday English usage |
|
Reading Section |
Long paragraphs from books, magazines, or newspapers |
Passages from brochures, advertisements, and everyday materials |
|
Writing Task 1 |
Analyze and interpret data from charts, graphs, or diagrams (formal style) |
Write a letter based on a given situation (formal or informal) |
|
Writing Task 2 |
Write an essay on a contemporary issue (formal style) |
Write an essay on a contemporary issue (formal style) |
If you're applying for Canada PR with your spouse, they must meet the minimum language requirement of CLB 7, equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0. Some provinces may have lower cut-offs for their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
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What is the minimum score of the band required to obtain a study permit?
The minimum score of the band required to obtain a study permit in Canada varies depending on the institution and program. Generally, a higher IELTS score, such as 6.0 or above, is preferred.
What is the minimum IELTS score to get PR in Canada through express entry?
The minimum IELTS score to get PR in Canada through Express Entry is typically CLB 7, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 or higher.
What is the minimal IELTS score needed to obtain a work permit in Canada?
The minimum IELTS score needed to obtain a work permit in Canada depends on the employer and the specific job requirements. However, a higher IELTS score, such as 6.0 or above, is often preferred.
How can your CRS score be increased through a provincial nominee programme?
Your CRS score can be increased through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) by receiving a provincial nomination, which awards additional CRS points. This nomination can significantly boost your CRS score and increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
What is the difference between CLB and IELTS for Canada immigration?
CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) is a standard used to describe language ability in Canada, while IELTS is one of the tests accepted to demonstrate language proficiency for Canada immigration. Both are used interchangeably to assess language skills.
How much IELTS band scores is required for Canada after graduation?
The IELTS band scores required for Canada after graduation depend on various factors such as the specific immigration program, job offer, or educational institution. Generally, a higher IELTS score, such as 6.0 or above, is preferred.
Purpose of the IELTS Exam (H3)
Image: A group of people taking an IELTS exam, with flags of various countries in the background to represent global opportunities.
Assessing English Proficiency: IELTS scores measure an individual's ability to communicate effectively in English, aiding international mobility and communication.
Study: Many top universities and colleges worldwide accept IELTS scores as proof of English proficiency.
Work: Professional bodies in fields like accounting, engineering, law, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and education recognize IELTS scores,. This makes it essential for professional accreditation in English-speaking countries.
Migrate: Governments often prefer IELTS scores for permanent residency applications. The IELTS General
Training test is the only non-academic exam accepted for migration to countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, and the USA.
What are the eligibility requirements for a Permanent Resident visa in Canada?
The eligibility requirements for a permanent resident visa in Canada vary depending on the immigration program you apply through. Generally, factors such as language proficiency, education, work experience, and adaptability are considered.
What is the minimum IELTS score for permanent residency in Canada?
The minimum IELTS score for permanent residency in Canada is typically CLB 7, which corresponds to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 or higher.
Why do international students choose IELTS for studying in Canada?
International students choose IELTS for studying in Canada because it is widely recognized by Canadian universities and institutions as a reliable measure of English language proficiency.
Who recognises an IELTS score to attain a student visa or work visa?
IELTS scores are recognized by various organizations and institutions worldwide, including those responsible for issuing student visas or work visas in Canada.