If you dream of starting a new life in Canada, securing Permanent Residency (PR) is one of the most important steps. To achieve this, proving your language proficiency in English or French is mandatory for most immigration programs. Language skills are essential for communication in the workplace, community, and daily life, ensuring newcomers integrate seamlessly into Canadian society.
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the most popular among the various English language proficiency exams accepted for Canada PR. This guide provides a detailed overview of IELTS score requirements for Canada PR and other related information.
The IELTS score for Canada PR is crucial because:
The IELTS General Training Test is specifically accepted for Canadian immigration purposes. The IELTS score required for permanent residency in Canada varies depending on the immigration program for which you apply.
The table below outlines the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels and corresponding IELTS scores for 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 |
Each province may have unique IELTS requirements under their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs):
Province | Overall Bands | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ontario | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Nova Scotia | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Saskatchewan | 4.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
Alberta | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Manitoba | 4.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
Prince Edward Island | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Canada has recently started accepting PTE Core scores for immigration. Below are the minimum requirements:
CLB Level | 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 |
Province | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ontario | 60-70 | 60-68 | 68-75 | 69-78 |
Saskatchewan | 28-38 | 33-41 | 42-50 | 41-50 |
CELPIP is another popular English proficiency test for Canada PR.
CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | Points Per Ability |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 4 |
8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 5 |
The Test d'évaluation de français (TEF) is widely accepted for those proficient in French
NCLC Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | Points Per Ability |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
7 | 310-348 | 249-279 | 207-232 | 310-348 | 4 |
8 | 349-370 | 280-297 | 233-247 | 349-370 | 5 |
Frequently Asked Questions About IELTS for Canada PR
What is the Minimum IELTS Score for Canada PR?
The IELTS minimum score for Canada varies depending on the program. A CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0 in all modules) is often required for Express Entry.
Is 5.5 IELTS Eligible for Canada?
A 5.5 IELTS score may qualify for some PNPs or educational programs but is generally not sufficient for Express Entry.
Is IELTS Mandatory for Canada PR?
Yes, IELTS is mandatory for most immigration programs, including Express Entry and PNPs.
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