If you wish to pursue higher studies in Canada or obtain Permanent Resident Visa, it is mandatory to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. IELTS Examination is a highly popular and accepted test for proficiency in English.
We have here discussed the IELTS criteria for immigration to Canada and how the required band score differs based on Universities and Courses and for immigration.
Course |
Minimum Score in IELTS |
Bachelor of Business Administration |
6 |
Bachelor of Engineering |
6.5 |
Bachelor of Arts |
6.5 |
Bachelor of Psychology |
6.5 |
Bachelor of Science |
6.5 |
Course |
Minimum Score in IELTS |
Master of Computer Science |
6.5 |
Master of Architecture |
6.5-7 |
Master of Education (in Psychology) |
7 |
Master of Arts |
6.5-7 |
MBA |
6.5-7 |
Master of Engineering |
6.5 |
IELTS Score for Universities in Canada
Given below is the least score in IELTS for a few of the top Universities in Canada:
Name of the College or University |
Overall IELTS Score for Canada |
Listening |
Reading |
Writing |
Speaking |
|
|
|
|
|
|
University of Toronto |
6.5 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
University of British Columbia |
6.5 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
Athabasca University |
6.5 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
McMaster University |
6.5 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
University of Alberta |
6.5 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
7.5 |
Vancouver Island University |
6.0 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
IELTS Score required for Canada Student Visa
For getting the Canada Study Visa, you are required to have a score of at least 6.0 in IELTS and none of the bands must be lower than 5.5. For determining the adequacy of your skills in the English language, CLB levels are applied. You can decide to take up IELTS coaching if your score is less than the score required for your application. IELTS training
The Canadian Language Benchmark /CLB
The Government of Canada makes use of CLB - Canadian Language Benchmark as a parameter for evaluating your proficiency in English for purposes of immigration. The range of this scale is from CLB Level 12 to CLB Level 1 and your score in IELTS is transferable to CLB levels.
CLB Level |
Writing |
Speaking |
Reading |
Listening |
10 |
7.5 |
7.5 |
8.0 |
8.5 |
9 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
8.0 |
8 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
7.5 |
7 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.0 |
5.5 |
5 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
4.0 |
5.0 |
4 |
4.0 |
4.0 |
3.5 |
4.5 |
IELTS Score required for Canada PR Visa
Canada is a highly friendly nation for immigrants globally. For all those who aspire to get Canada PR Visa the quickest pathway is the Express Entry System. Obtaining Permanent Residence in Canada is easier compared to other nations.
The 3 federal economic immigration programs under Express Entry are as follows:
You will require at least a score of 6 in every IELTS band or CLB Level- Canadian Language Benchmark 7.
Federal Skilled Trades Program
The Federal Skilled Trades Program or FSTP is perfect for individuals seeking to obtain Permanent Resident status in Canada depending on their capability to be eligible in a skilled trade.
The below table indicates the least score in IELTS for immigration to Canada and corresponding levels in CLB:
CLB Level |
Reading |
Writing |
Listening |
Speaking |
10 or more |
8.0 to 9.0 |
7.5 to 9.0 |
8.5 to 9 |
7.5 to 9.0 |
9 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
8.0 |
7.0 |
8 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
7.5 |
6.5 |
7 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6 |
5.0 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5 |
4.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
4 |
3.5 |
4.0 |
4.5 |
4.0 |
Federal Skilled Worker Program
The selection of skilled workers in Canada is normally reliable on diverse factors. These include language proficiency in French or English, education, work experience, age, etc.
The below table indicates the least score in IELTS for immigration to Canada and corresponding levels in CLB:
Score Per Band |
Reading |
Writing |
Listening |
Speaking |
CLB Level |
4 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 to 7.0 |
6.0 |
7 |
5 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
7.5 |
6.5 |
8 |
6 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
8.0 |
7.0 |
9 |
6 |
8.0 to 9.0 |
7.5 to 9.0 |
8.5 to 9.0 |
7.5 to 9.0 |
10 or Higher |
For second language English, the structure is as follows:
The score for each Band |
Reading |
Writing |
Listening |
Speaking |
CLB Level |
4 |
4.0 to 9.0 |
4.0 to 9.0 |
5.0 to 9.0 |
5.0 to 9.0 |
4.0 to 9.0 |
Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class or CEC has been developed for allowing temporary overseas workers and students to utilize their education and experience for receiving Canada PR Visa.
A candidate working in A Skill Level NOC Occupation is required to obtain level 7 under CLB. But for skill level B under NOC at least 5 CLB is required.
The below table indicates the least score in IELTS required for securing least levels in CLB and corresponding skill levels in NOC:
NOC Skill Level |
Reading |
Writing |
Listening |
Speaking |
CLB Level |
A |
8.0-9.0 |
7.5-9.0 |
8.5-9.0 |
7.5-9.0 |
10 or Higher |
A |
7.0 |
7.0 |
8.0 |
7.0 |
9 |
A |
6.5 |
6.5 |
7.5 |
6.5 |
8 |
A |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
7 |
B |
5.0 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
6 |
B |
4.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5 |
How to get a Canada PR Visa with a Low Score in IELTS?
Express Entry is a highly popular immigration pathway for Canada but requires a high score in IELTS.
Nevertheless, there are other immigration programs that require low IELTS scores comparatively.
PNP - Provincial Nominee Programs are perfect for applicants having low scores in IELTS. You can consider any of the following PNPs to apply for Canada PR Visa if you have low scores in IELTS:
The above immigration programs require a score of 4.5 in IELTS:
Other options that is viable apart from the above are:
Tips to Get a High Score in IELTS
The IELTS exam is an extremely competitive test for language proficiency. In order to clear the exam with a high score you require hard work, planning, and dedication throughout your IELTS course preparation. Here are some valuable pointers for you in your IELTS course duration:
Enhance your Vocabulary
Cultivate the habit of perusing and selecting fresh words when you read. Read Newspapers, Magazines, and English books and make a note of all the fresh words you find and attempt their usage in sentences.
Concentrate on Fluency
For acing the Speaking and Listening sections, it is essential to develop fluency in the English language. Hear podcasts, watch shows in English, and how native speakers converse. You may also record yourself conversing and improve your weak areas.
Improve Skills in Time Management
Time is of prime significance in IELTS. Practice with a timer reading, writing, listening, and speaking for understanding the manner of responding within timelines.
Improve Skills in Writing
The writing portion is perhaps the highly challenging section of the IELTS exam. Make efforts for the improvement of your skills in writing through the usage of new words appropriately in sentences.
If you require thorough guidance and an IELTS preparation plan, connect with Mentors at New Land Visas. Our IELTS training online courses are exclusively designed for catering to the diverse requirements of test aspirants. You can obtain highly updated study materials and mock tests particularly designed by our language Coaches.
The tests in the English language accepted for Canada PR Visa are IELTS - International English Language Testing System – General Training and the CELPIP - Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program. Of the two Indians usually opt for the IELTS.
Effective from 10 August 2023 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will also accept the following 4 tests:
· CELPIP General