IELTS score for Canada

If you're considering making Canada your new home or want to apply for a Canada PR visa through the Express Entry/ Canada PNP / Regional pilot program then you need to prove your language proficiency. Proficiency in English or French is an essential requirement for immigrating to Canada under most immigration programs because it helps you to effectively communicate in the workplace, community, and daily life. Language proficiency ensures that newcomers can integrate into Canadian society, participate in community activities, and contribute to the workforce.

Canada accepts several English language proficiency exams for PR (Permanent Residency) applications.

1. International English Language Testing System (IELTS):
The IELTS General Training Test (GT) is widely accepted by IRCC Canada for Canadian immigration purposes. The score requirements in IELTS GT depend upon the program you are considering applying for.

The minimum IELTS score requirements for Canada PR through Express Entry

IELTS Band Score	CLB Level	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
6.0	7	6.0	6.0	6.0	6.0
6.5	8	7.5	6.5	6.5	6.5
7.0	9	8.0	7.0	7.0	7.0
8.0	10	8.5-9.0	8.0-9.0	7.5-9.0	7.5-9.0

The minimum IELTS score requirements for Canada PR through Canada PNP

Canada PNP	Overall score	Reading	Writing	speaking	Listening
Ontario	6 bands	6	6	6	6
Nova Scotia	6 bands	6	6	6	6
Saskatchewan	4.5 bands	3.5	4	4	4.5
Alberta	6 bands	6	6	6	6
Manitoba	4.5 bands	3.5	4	4	4.5
Prince Edward Island	6 bands	6	6	6	6

Remember In addition to IELTS, other language tests are acceptable for Canadian immigration,

2) Pearson Test of English Core (PTE - Core)
Please note that IRCC started to accept PTE Core scores for Canada PR visas. So if you are planning to write PTE Core you must the minimum PTE Core requirements for a Canada PR visathrough various Programs

The minimumPTE core-score requirements for Canada PR through Express Entry

CLB	Listening	Reading	Speaking	Writing
10	89-90	88-90	89-90	90
9	82-88	78-87	84-88	88-89
8	71-81	69-77	76-83	79-87
7	60-70	60-68	68-75	69-78
6	50-59	51-59	59-67	60-68
5	39-49	42-50	51-58	51-59
4	28-38	33-41	42-50	41-50
3	18-27	24-32	34-41	32-40

The minimumPTE core-score requirements for Canada PR through Canada PNP

Canada PNP	Listening	Reading	Speaking	Writing
Ontario	60-70	60-68	68-75	69-78
Alberta	60-70	60-68	68-75	69-78
Nova Scotia	60-70	60-68	68-75	69-78
Saskatchewan	28-38	33-41	42-50	41-50
Manitoba	28-38	33-41	42-50	41-50
Prince Edward Island	60-70	60-68	68-75	69-78

3) CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program):
CELPIP is an English language proficiency test specifically designed for Canadian immigration purposes. It assesses language skills in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Both CELPIP General and CELPIP General LS are accepted for immigration to Canada.

The minimumCELPIP G-score requirements for Canada PR through Express Entry

CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program


CLB Level	Speaking	Listening	Reading	Writing	Points per ability
7 CELPIP-G	7	7	7	7	4
8 CELPIP-G	8	8	8	8	5
9 CELPIP-G	9	9	9	9	6
10 and above CELPIP-G	10+	10+	10+	10+	6

For the French Language, what exam (test) do I need to write?

For demonstrating French language proficiency in the context of Canada PR (Permanent Residency), the Test d'évaluation de français (TEF) is the commonly accepted language test. The TEF is designed to assess proficiency in French, and it evaluates skills in four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

First official language (maximum 24 points)

Test results for each ability
NCLC Level	Speaking (expression orale)	Listening (compréhension de l’oral)	Reading (compréhension de l’écrit)	Writing (expression écrite)	Points (per ability)
7	310-348	249-279	207-232	310-348	4
8	349-370	280-297	233-247	349-370	5
9 and above	371+	298+	248+	371+	6

Second official language (4 points if you meet the minimum threshold in each of the four language abilities)


NCLC Level	Speaking (expression orale)	Listening (compréhension de l’oral)	Reading (compréhension de l’écrit)	Writing (expression écrite)	Points (total)
5 and above	226-371+	181-298+	151-248+	226-371+	4

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What is the minimum IELTS score for Canada?

We will discuss the minimum score based on your situation.

If you are Moving to Canada Pеrmanеntly, What is the minimum IELTS score?

If you want to live in Canada pеrmanеntly through Exprеss Entry, you need to prove that you can speak English well. Thеy usе something callеd thе Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB), and you gеnеrally nееd a scorе of CLB 7, which is likе having a 6.0 in еach part of thе IELTS tеst. But somеtimеs, especially if you're working in areas likе healthcare, you might nееd a highеr scorе, likе 7.0.

Is 5.5 IELTS eligible for Canada?

The suitability of a 5.5 IELTS score for Canada depends on the immigration or еducational program you're applying to. Gеnеrally, a scorе of 5.5 on thе IELTS tеst reflects a moderate proficiency level. While it might meet minimum requirements for somе еducational institutions or specific immigration strеams, note that requirements can differ.

For certain Canadian universities and collеgеs, еspеcially for postgraduatе programs, a higher IELTS score like 6.0 or 6.5 may be necessary for admission. Also, immigration programs, particularly those under Exprеss Entry, often demand high language proficiency starting at CLB 7, equivalent to a higher IELTS score.

It's vital to check the specific requirements of your chosen program or institution, as they may have unique minimum IELTS scorе criteria. In immigration, referring to the official guidelines of the specific immigration system or consulting with an immigration professional ensures accurate and up-to-date information.

If you want more consultancy on the Canadian immigration process or the IELTS exams from India, feel free to contact us. With over 20 years of experience and more than 50,000 success stories, our team at Aptech Visas with 200 Immigration officers on board, has established ourselves as industry leaders in immigration consultancy. We have helped individuals and families from diverse backgrounds achieve their dreams of starting a new life in their desired country.
Contact us now for a free consultation!

Is IELTS mandatory for Canada PR?

Yеs, IELTS is frequently a mandatory requirement for individuals seeking Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada. Thе Intеrnational English Languagе Tеsting Systеm (IELTS) gauges applicants' language proficiency for effective communication and intеgration into Canadian society.

The IELTS test assesses language skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Diffеrеnt immigration strеams, likе Exprеss Entry and Provincial Nominее Programs (PNPs) may specify language proficiency requirements in Canadian Languagе Bеnchmark (CLB) lеvеls.

IELTS score requirements for Canada PR

Immigration Program	IELTS requirements
Express Entry	6 bands in each module
Family sponsor Program	No IELTS score requirements
Ontario PNP Program	6 bands in Each module
Alberta PNP Program	6 bands in each module
Saskatchewan PNP	4.5 bands in IELTS score
Manitoba PNP	4.5 bands in IELTS score
Nova Scotia PNP	6 Bands in Each module
BC PNP	6 band sin each module
Prince Edward Island PNP	6 bands in each module
Rural & Northern immigration pilot program (RNIP)	4.5 bands in IELTS score
AIPP	4.5 bands in IELTS score

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IELTS score for Canada: FAQ

Understand the required IELTS score for Canada PR from India.

Q. IELTS score for Canada PR from India.

FAQs accordion is a great way to help you build authority and trust, and at the same time, bestow a bit of personality on the website. It also helps you answer frequently asked questions, produce additional quickly, and reduce bounce rates.

Q. IELTS score for Canada PR through PNP

PNP requirements can vary depending on the specific province. Generally, the minimum IELTS score for PNP programs is CLB 5 or 6, equivalent to an IELTS score of 5.0 or 6.0, in each section. However, some provinces, like Manitoba, require a higher score of CLB 7 or 8 (IELTS 6.0 or 7.0). Always check the specific requirements of the PNP program you're interested in.

Q. IELTS score for Canada PR through the Family Sponsor program.

If you're applying for Canada PR under the Family Sponsor program, you don't necessarily need to take the IELTS test if your sponsor meets the language requirements and can demonstrate financial support for you. However, having good English language skills can still be beneficial for integration into Canadian society.

Q. Can I skip IELTS for Canada PR?

Generally, you can't skip the IELTS test if you're applying for Canada PR through Express Entry or most Provincial Nominee Programs. There are rare exceptions, like if you have a Canadian degree or are a citizen of a country where English is the official language. Always verify the specific requirements for your preferred pathway.

Q. Minimum IELTS score for Canada Express entry

The minimum IELTS score for Canada Express Entry is CLB 7, equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0 in each section. However, aiming for a higher score can significantly improve your chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA).

Q. Can I get Canada PR with 6.5 IELTS?

Yes, you can get Canada PR with a 6.5 IELTS score, especially if you score higher in some sections. Having a 6.5 score demonstrates good English language skills and can put you in a competitive position, particularly if you have other strong factors in your application like education, work experience, and adaptability.

Q. Spouse IELTS score for Canada PR

If you're applying for Canada PR with your spouse, they also need to meet the minimum language requirements. The same requirement of CLB 7 or IELTS 6.0 applies to them, though some provinces might have lower cut-offs for PNPs.

Q. How many bands are required for Canada pr from India

The number of bands required for Canada PR from India depends on your chosen pathway. It is not based on your country of origin, but on the specific program you're applying through. The most common requirement is CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0) for Express Entry and many PNPs, however, check the specific program requirements for accurate information.