IELTS or International English Language Testing System was launched in 1980 and since then, it has been assisting test takers demonstrate their English language proficiency to excel professionally and academically. IELTS is an integral part of the Canadian immigration process. When applying through Express Entry, you need a minimum of 5.0 bands in each section of IELTS.
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IELTS Score Requirement for Express Entry Programs
The three Express Entry programs are:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – Minimum CLB 7 (TEER 0 & 1) ; CLB 5 (TEER 2 & 3)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – Minimum CLB 7
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – Minimum CLB 5 (Speaking & listening) ; CLB 4 (Reading & writing)
1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
CEC is the right program for you if you have Canadian work experience.
| NOC TEER | CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 and 1 | 10 and above | 7.5-9.0 | 8.5-9.0 | 8.0-9.0 | 7.5-9.0 |
| 0 and 1 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| 0 and 1 | 8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 0 and 1 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 2 and 3 | 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5 | 5.5 |
| 2 and 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
FSWP is mainly for skilled workers with adequate international work experience.
| CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | Points per ability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 5 |
| 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
| 10 and above | 7.5-9.0 | 8.5-9.0 | 8.0-9.0 | 7.5-9.0 | 6 |
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
FSTP offers a chance to skilled workers with work experience in a skilled trade.
| CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 and above | 7.5-9.0 | 8.5-9.0 | 8.0-9.0 | 7.5-9.0 |
| 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4 |
Since, there are other language tests accepted other than IELTS, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses the following to measure their scores:
- Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) [for English tests]
- Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) [for French tests]
Once you receive your language test results, you can calculate your CLB/NCLC level using the above table.
You receive a CRS score based on your language test results. This happens when you upload your test results in your Express Entry profile and submit it. When IRCC finds your profile eligible for Express Entry, it will be put in the Express Entry pool.
Once your profile enters the pool, it will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which is given out of a total of 1,200 points. You can achieve the highest CRS score based on your language skills.
Use the below table to calculate your CRS score based on your CLB level.
CLB to CRS Conversion
First official language
| CLB level per ability | With a spouse/partner(Max 128 CRS points) | Overall CRS Points | Without a spouse/partner(Max 136 CRS points) | Overall CRS Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 4 or 5 | 6 | 24 points | 6 | 24 points |
| CLB 6 | 8 | 32 points | 9 | 36 points |
| CLB 7 | 16 | 64 points | 17 | 68 points |
| CLB 8 | 22 | 88 points | 23 | 92 points |
| CLB 9 | 29 | 116 points | 31 | 124 points |
| CLB 10 or more | 32 | 128 points | 34 | 136 points |
Second official language
| CLB level per ability | With a spouse/partner(Max 22 CRS points) | Overall CRS Points | Without a spouse/partner(Max 24 CRS points) | Overall CRS Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 5 or 6 | 1 | 4 Points | 1 | 4 Points |
| CLB 7 or 8 | 3 | 12 Points | 3 | 12 Points |
| CLB 9 or more | 6 | 24 Points | 6 | 24 Points |
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IELTS Test Results Validity
IELTS results are valid for 2 years, counted from the result date. Any language test result is valid for two-years (from the date of the test or from the date the results were issued).
An Express Entry profile is valid for 12 months, and it takes about 6 months or so to get your PR application processed. Until your PR application is approved, your IELTS test results must remain valid.
In case the test expires, you must take another test and then update your Express Entry profile with the same.
List of Approved Language Tests For Canada PR
For English:
- IELTS General Training – International English Language Testing System
- CELPIP General – Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
- PTE Core – Pearson Test of English
For French:
- TCF Canada – Test de connaissance du français
- TEF Canada – Test d’évaluation de français
Which Immigration Pathways Accept IELTS?
- Express Entry
- Provincial Nominee Program
- Atlantic Immigration Program
- Start-up visa
- Self-employed person
- Agri-Food Pilot
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program
- Caregivers
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