For academic, professional or immigration purposes, the International English Language Testing System or IELTS score is widely used in various countries as a trusted English language certification. Along with TOEFL and PTE, the IELTS forms part of a triplet that is been relied upon by international universities, academic institutions, multinational organizations, and enterprises, amongst others. This blog concerns the rules and regulations adopted by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regarding language requirements including the IELTS score for Canada immigration and other relevant details.
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IELTS Score for Canada: Overview
Fulfilling the respective country’s language requirements is an important prerequisite for immigrating into that country along with the conditions related to the years of stay, occupation, dependents, future plans and a host of other components. Canada, in particular, receives scores of applications for permanent residence and immigration and proving communicative proficiency is amongst the crucial criteria you need to fulfil. Owing to both French and English being official languages, prospective applicants can submit language certificates in either of the two. For those choosing English, approved language tests are Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) and the IELTS-General. It must be noted by students that the applicable IELTS score for Canada immigration is permissible only for IELTS-General Test and not for the IELTS Academic test.
Note: Universities or colleges across Canada offer admission keeping the different IELTS bands in mind. There is an array of IELTS 5.5 band colleges in Canada and there are also IELTS 6 band Universities in Canada for masters. It is thus advised to go through the basic eligibility criteria and the IELTS band requirements of universities you want to take admission in.
Also Read: Canada Student Visa IELTS Band Requirements
IELTS Score for Canada Immigration: Programs
Immigration for Canada under the Skilled Worker [Express Entry] is implemented through three programs. This includes the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. There are different allowed levels depending on the requirements of the respective program. Glance over the following tables to have an overview of the accepted IELTS score for Canada:
Also Read: IELTS Syllabus
Federal Skilled Worker Program
For those applying under this program, your scores will be judged according to the CLB level of sections. The following table is for those belonging to certain countries with English as the official language.
| 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 & above | 6 | 8.5-9.0 | 8.0-9.0 | 7.5-9.0 | 7.5-9.0 |
In cases of the individual has English as a second language, you will be awarded 4 points if you are successful in meeting the following requirements as well.
| CLB Level | Total Points | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing |
| 5 & above | 4 | 5.0-9.0 | 4.0-9.0 | 5.0-9.0 | 4.0-9.0 |
Federal Skilled Trades Program
CLB level sectional IELTS score for Canada has been elucidated in the following table:
| CLB Level | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing |
| 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| 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 | 7.0 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 10 & above | 8.5-9.0 | 8.0-9.0 | 7.5-9.0 | 7.5-9.0 |
Canadian Experience Class
In cases of NOC A, applicants must adhere to the minimum language requirements of CLB 7 whereas for NOC B jobs, CLB 5 is the minimum requirement.
| NOC | CLB Level | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing |
| A | 10 & above | 8.5-9.0 | 8.0-9.0 | 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 |
Also Read: Books for IELTS Preparation
If you wish to study or immigrate and settle in the country but feel hesitant about the IELTS score for Canada, consult our team of experts at Leverage Edu for quality visa guidance in a free 30 minutes counselling session and we will provide you with the necessary guidance throughout the visa application process. Further, if you are looking to step up your exam preparation, signup for our IELTS online preparation!
