IELTS (the International English Language Testing System) is the most commonly sought-after English language proficiency test for people applying to work, study, or permanently migrate abroad. IELTS is considered the most reliable indicator of someone’s ability to communicate in English. IELTS assesses a candidate’s English language proficiency across four areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Why is IELTS Important?
Do you know that over 11,000 organizations across the world trust IELTS to assess an applicant’s ability to communicate in English? The test is validated by many reputed colleges/universities, governments, and professional bodies of high standing. The test is recognized for immigration by Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The governments of these countries use the IELTS test results to process immigration applications.
There are four different modules which test the English language proficiency of an applicant. They are:
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
The test is taken across all four sections back-to-back with no breaks in between. Candidates can pre-book a slot online as per their preferred destination and time. If you fail to choose a slot within the stipulated time, a slot will be automatically allocated to you. The total time for the test is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
What IELTS score do I need to score for Canada PR?
Many applicants want to know about the minimum IELTS score for Canada. Canada is one of the most popular immigration destinations in the world. Many skilled workers globally choose Canada for its high quality of life, world-class educational institutions, excellent social and healthcare benefits, clean air, etc. While it is essential to score sufficient points in the IELTS test to qualify for Canadian immigration, how many scores you need depends on the visa program you choose.
Before we dive into the minimum score requirements, let’s discuss the Express Entry system:
The Express Entry System is an online platform for skilled professionals to submit a Canada PR visa application. The system is one of the swiftest ways to gain permanent residence in Canada. Express Entry assesses an application based on the following pathways:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
As IRCC takes six months to process a permanent residency application, you need to make sure your IELTS test score remains valid through this duration. To apply for permanent residency via Express Entry, you must secure at least CLB 7, a minimum of 6.0 for each section
Having a higher IELTS score also helps you improve your points in Canada Points System, which guarantees your invitation to the next draw.
One must understand that there is no standard or common language proficiency requirements for the Canada PR visa. It depends on program to program. You obtain the points according to the CLB level (Canadian Language Benchmark).
IELTS score requirements for Federal Skilled Worker Program
No points are awarded to those who get CLB 4 or lower. On the contrary, if you get CLB 10 or higher, you will gain the maximum points in CRS calculator, which is 34 (if you are single) and 32 (for married applicants).
CLB Level and IELTS Scores
| CLB Level | Points per subcategory
|
Listening
|
Reading
|
Speaking
|
Writing
|
| 7
8 9 10 and above |
4
5 6 6
|
6.0-7.0
7.5 8.0 8.5-9.0
|
6.0
6.5 7.5 8.0-9.0
|
6.0
6.5 7.0 7.5-9.0
|
6.0
6.5 7.0 7.5-9.0 |
Federal Skilled Trades Program
The following table shows the per section score requirements for each CLB Level.
| CLB Level | Listening
|
Reading
|
Speaking
|
Writing
|
| 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 and above |
4.5
5.0 5.5 6.0 7.5 8.0 8.5-9.0
|
3.5
4.0 5.0 6.0 6.5 7.0 8.0-9.0 |
4.0
5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5-9.0
|
4.0
5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5-9.0
|
Canadian Experience Class
Candidates applying for NOC A jobs, the minimum language proficiency requirement is CLB 7, whereas, if you are applying for NOC B jobs, the minimum requirement is CLB 5.
| NOC | CLB Level
|
Listening
|
Reading
|
Speaking
|
Writing
|
| A
A A A B B
|
10 and above
9 8 7 6 5 |
8.5- 9.0
8.0 7.5 6.0 5.5 5.0
|
8.0-9.0
7.0 6.5 6.0 5.0 4.0
|
7.5-9.0
7.0 6.5 6.0 5.5 5.0
|
7.5-9.0
7.0 6.5 6.0 5.5 5.0
|
In addition to the language skills, permanent residency candidates are assessed based on several other factors, such as education, work experience, age, PNP nomination, arranged employment, etc.
Other acceptable English tests apart from IELTS are the TEF test and CELPIP General.
For more information you can contact with our immigration consultants at 8595338595 or [email protected].
