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International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world's most popular English language test. IELTS is the first test to be recognised by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Immigration Quebec as proof of English language proficiency for its immigration and citizenship programs.
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Accepted by most institutions
Test for study, work and migration
Why take IELTS exam for Canada?
IELTS is the most popular English language test accepted by more than 12,000 institutions, organisations, and immigration authorities globally.
In Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accepts IELTS for all visas that require you to provide proof of English language proficiency.
If you intend to study, work, or move to Canada, you need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. Almost all universities and organisations accept IELTS Academic for study and General Training for immigration to Canada.
In the last 5 years, over 25 lakh test-takers took the IELTS for Canada aspirations.
What is the Canadian language benchmark (CLB)?
In the context of immigration, the Canadian government employs the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) as a standardised scale to evaluate English proficiency. This scale is categorised into levels ranging from CLB 1 to CLB 12. By converting your International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores, they can be equated to specific CLB levels.
Test score equivalency chart
CLB Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 8 | 7.7 | 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 |
IELTS score for Canada top universities
The IELTS requirement for Canada top universities can be quite stringent. Most universities require meeting specific criteria for both overall scores and individual sections of the IELTS test. For instance, reputable universities typically expect a total score of 6.5, with a minimum score of 6 in each section. By adequately preparing for the IELTS test, you can attain these requirements.
List of minimum IELTS band required for Canadian universities
Once you shortlist your target universities, you must check for specific IELTS scores required for each. Here is a list of the minimum IELTS score for Canada universities:
S. No. | Universities | Overall IELTS Score* |
|---|---|---|
1 | Wilfrid Laurier University | 6.5 |
2 | Carleton | 6.5 |
3 | McGill University | 6.5 |
4 | University of Guelph | 6.5 |
5 | University of Alberta | 6.5 |
6 | York University | 6.5 |
7 | Toronto Metropolitan University | 6.5 |
8 | University of Ottawa | 6.5 |
9 | University of Waterloo | 6.5 |
10 | University of Victoria | 6.5 |
11 | University of Winnipeg | 6.5 |
12 | University of Windsor | 6.5 |
13 | Trent University | 6.5 |
14 | Simon Fraser University | 6.5 |
15 | University of Lethbridge | 6.5 |
16 | Lake Head University | 6.5 |
17 | University of New Brunswick | 6.5 |
18 | Ontario Tech University | 6.5 |
*Minimum IELTS score accepted, the requirement varies with the course, hence do check when applying
IELTS for Canada study permit
IELTS for Canada study permit
For students applying to Canadian universities, obtaining a study permit is a crucial step in the process. As part of the application, students are often required to demonstrate their English language proficiency through standardised tests, with the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) being the most widely accepted option.
The IELTS test assesses four key language skills—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—and is recognized by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for study permit applications. Most Canadian institutions have minimum IELTS score requirements, typically ranging from 6.0 to 7.5, depending on the program and institution.
To successfully apply for a study permit, students must:
Check the IELTS requirements of their chosen university and program.
Prepare for the IELTS exam by taking practice tests and improving their English proficiency.
Achieve the required IELTS score to meet both university admission and visa requirements.
Submit the IELTS results along with their study permit application to IRCC.
IELTS for Canada immigration
Canada immigration IELTS: IELTS holds the distinction of being the inaugural test acknowledged by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and Immigration Quebec as valid evidence of English language proficiency for various immigration programs, such as Express Entry (skilled Immigrants), Quebec-selected skilled workers, and the Provincial Nominee Program.
For Individuals considering applying for permanent residence or Canadian citizenship, there are several pathways available. Among these, the most prevalent is Express Entry, an online system managing applications from skilled workers seeking permanent residence through three economic immigration programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Federal Skilled Trades Program
Canadian Experience Class
Additionally, Canadian provinces and territories participate in the selection process from the same pool of applicants in Express Entry through their Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), enabling them to address their specific local labour market demands.
IELTS for Canada express entry
The Canadian government introduced Express Entry in January 2015 as an online immigration system. This program facilitates granting of permanent residency to skilled workers through a point-based system. These programs include the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
The selection process for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Canada is progressive. Candidates are evaluated based on their “Express Entry Points”, which are awarded considering various factors such as work experience, language proficiency, skills, and more.
These points are important in determining an applicant's likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) Visa. Typically, applications submitted through Express Entry are processed within a timeframe of 6 to 12 months.
For Canadian Express Entry, applicants must take the IELTS General Training. The minimum IELTS requirement for Canada depends on the specific immigration program and the criteria established by the Canadian government. Generally, a higher IELTS score can increase an applicant’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, improving their chances of permanent residency.
The IELTS scores for Canada are an important component of the Express Entry profile. A higher score leads to more points, with the maximum awarded to those with a band score of 9 in each section. These scores are evaluated together with other factors, such as age, education, work experience, and adaptability, which are used to calculate the CRS score.
IELTS for Canada - Popular English test for Canadian PR
If you plan on studying and working in Canada with the intention of obtaining permanent residency, you must have contemplated the process of achieving that goal.
To demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively, it is essential to furnish evidence of your language proficiency in either English or French when applying for a visa.
For individuals aiming to prove their English language skills, the recommended English test for Canadian PR is the IELTS General Training exam. This test serves as a preferred choice to showcase language proficiency for immigration to Canada.
To ensure a smooth application process, it is important to note that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) takes approximately 6 months to process applications. Therefore, ensuring that your IELTS test results remain valid throughout this entire duration is crucial.
IELTS for Canada work visa
Individuals who want to work in Canada must take the IELTS General Training test. This exam follows a similar structure to the IELTS Academic test, encompassing four sections. While the Listening and Speaking sections of the test remain the same, the Writing and Reading sections slightly differ.
Scoring for the IELTS test ranges from 0-9, with 9 being the highest score indicating exceptional proficiency. To get permanent residency in Canada, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 6 in each of the test's four sections.
The minimum IELTS score for Canda work visa required depends on the profession. For instance, lawyers intending to work in Canada must obtain a minimum score of 7 in every section of the IELTS exam. Whereas nurses must attain a score of 7 in the Speaking section and get an overall band score of 6.5.
IELTS Fees
The IELTS test fee in India depends on the type of test. Here is a table entailing detailed information on the IELTS test fees.
For more information: Fees for IELTS for Canada
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Practice test for IELTS for Canada
IDP IELTS offers a number of free practice tests that can be used to help you prepare for the exam. These tests are a great way to get familiar with the format of the test and the types of questions that are asked. They can also help you identify areas where you need to improve.
The free practice tests are available online and can be taken anytime. You can choose to take the test on your computer or on paper. Each test consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
The Listening section tests your ability to understand spoken English. You will be given a recording to listen to and then asked a series of questions about it. The questions will test your understanding of the recording's main ideas, details, and vocabulary.
The Reading section tests your ability to understand written English. You will be given a text to read and then asked a series of questions about it. The questions will test your understanding of the text's main ideas, details, and vocabulary.
The Writing section tests your ability to write in English. You will be given a task to complete, such as an essay or a letter. You will be given a set of instructions and a word limit.
The Speaking section tests your ability to speak in English. You will be given a task to complete, such as a conversation or a presentation.
The free practice tests are a valuable resource for anyone who is preparing for the IELTS. They can help you identify areas where you need to improve and give you the practice you need to succeed on the exam.
In case you still have any queries about the IELTS requirement for Canada or need any assistance with preparing for the test, then you can get in touch with your nearest IDP IELTS test centre. Our team of IELTS experts will clear all your doubts.