IELTS Score for Canada: Check Score for Colleges, Study Visa, and PR
IELTS Score for Canada Varies and depends on your application purpose. If you are applying for a student visa you need to achieve a minimum of 6.5 IELTS score to Canada. To get admission to top-ranked universities like the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, and McGill University a minimum overall score of 6.5 IELTS bands required for Canada. An overall 6.0 IELTS band required for Canada PR and immigration process.
IELTS score for Canada is calculated on the CLB level. Most universities and immigration departments publish their IELTS cutoff on the Canadian Language Benchmark Level. You must have a good understanding of the calculation of IELTS score to Canada CLB level. For example, an 8 CLB level means 7.5 in listening, and 6.5 in reading, speaking, and writing sections.
There are some career-specific IELTS score for Canada; for lawyers 7.0 bands required for Canada, and for nurses overall score of 6.5, and a 7.0 in speaking is required. Plan to take IELTS 2 to 3 months ago before your application process starts. You can check the university's admission deadlines and the required IELTS score for Canada from the official websites. Most of the UG programs require a 6.0 overall IELTS academic score with at least 5.5 bands in each section. PG programs often demand a 6.5 or even 7.0 overall bands needed for Canada with minimums of 6.0 in each section.
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Bands Required for Canada
A minimum IELTS band required for Canada for immigration and admission to top Canadian universities is a total score of 6.5 and a minimum of 6 per section. Here are the minimum IELTS band for requirements for undergraduate and bands required for Canada post graduation programs:
| Rank | University | Global Rank | Undergraduate Programs | Postgraduate Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Toronto | 18 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 2 | University of British Columbia | 37 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 3 | McGill University | 44 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 4 | McMaster University | 80 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 6 | University of Alberta | 125 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | University of Ottawa | 162 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 8 | University of Calgary | 201-250 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 9 | Simon Fraser University | 201-250 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 10 | University of Waterloo | 201-250 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 11 | Western University | 201-250 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 12 | Dalhousie University | 251-300 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| 15 | University of Manitoba | 301-350 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 16 | University of Victoria | 301-350 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 17 | York University | 401-500 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 18 | University of Guelph | 501-600 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 19 | University of Saskatchewan | 501-600 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 20 | Carleton University | 601-800 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
IELTS Band Required for Canada Student Visa
The IELTS band requirement for Canadian student visas has a few prerequisites. The Canadian Language Benchmarks(CLB) are used to perform, supervise, and assess the IELTS band for Canada requirements. The test focuses on identifying, calculating, and characterizing English language competency. Every element of the test has a specific score, and the CLB begins with a rating from 1 to 9. Results from the IELTS for Canada will show what degree of English proficiency a student has in relation to the CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) requirements. The minimum IELTS band needed for undergraduate degrees and courses is 5.5 bands IELTS Canada for each band, for a total score of 6. For postgraduate courses and degrees, each IELTS required for Canada student visa band must be at least 6, and the overall score must be 6.5 or above.
Express Entry Program for IELTS Canada
Express Entry program is a point-based program that manages the profiles of skilled immigrants who apply for Canada PR Visa. For those who wish to apply for Canadian PR Visa, they must have scored minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or score 6 per band in order to become eligible for that. This implies that candidates should be aware of the IELTS Cut off for Canada PR. However, it does not guarantee the candidate will get the Invitation to Apply (ITA) to apply for Canada PR Visa. To obtain the Canada PR Visa, 5 bands in IELTS for Canada in reading. Candidates must improve their Score for IELTS for Canada PR from India.
The table given below will help you convert IELTS for Canada to CLB level score in all the different modules and help you get an idea of the score required.
| CLB LEVEL | READING | WRITING | LISTENING | SPEAKING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 8 | 7.5 | 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 |
| 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 4 |
IELTS Exam for Canada PR
Apart from IELTS for Canada immigration, candidates can also appear for Provincial Nominee Programs(PNPs). Both Express Entry and PNP require minimum English language proficiency of Canadian Language Benchmark or CLB 7. CBL 7 is equivalent to IELTS score of 6 in all four language abilities. There are three different ways for one to get IELTS for Canada PR:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
The FSWP Points allocation for First official language (Maximum 24 points)
| CLB Level | Ability: Speaking | Ability: Listening | Ability: Reading | Ability: Writing | Points per ability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6.0 – 7.0 | 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 |
IELTS Required for Canada Work Permit
Candidates looking for a work visa, professional registration, or permanent residency in Canada can take the IELTS for Canada General Training exam. It meets the criteria of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The official criteria used in Canada for describing, evaluating, and recognizing the English language competency of potential immigrants wanting to live and work there are known as the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). Which CLB requirements you must satisfy in order to obtain a visa is information that you may obtain from the IRCC. IELTS result demonstrates the English language proficiency level within the CLB standards. The table below matches IELTS band scores with the CLB standards:
| CLB Level | IELTS Listening | IELTS Reading | IELTS Writing | IELTS Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 |
| 11 | 9.0 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| 10 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| 3 | 3.5 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| 2 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| 1 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
IELTS Validity For Canada
The validity of IELTS certificate is for 2 years only. For immigration to Canada, it's a must to take IELTS within one year of submitting your application. Although the result for the IELTS exam is valid for 2 years, however for Canadian immigration, it stays valid for as long as it takes CIC (Immigration and Citizenship) to decide in your case. In case candidates are unwilling to appear for IELTS they can opt for other exams like PTE and certainly focus on the PTE accepted Universities in USA.
IELTS for Canada may vary depending on the university, courses, or job purposes the candidate is applying for. You need to submit your IELTS results as proof of English language proficiency. Achieving an IELTS score of 7 bands can strengthen your application process. Canada PR application may accept a sectional IELTS score of 5.5 bands, but you need to achieve an overall score of 6 bands for a successful application process.
FAQs
Ques: What is the minimum IELTS score for Canada?
Ans: The minimum IELTS score requirement for Canada depends on whether you're applying for a student visa or permanent residency through Express Entry. Achieving a score above 6.5 IELTS band can strengthen your application.
Ques: What is the minimum IELTS score for a Canadian student visa?
Ans: The score requirement generally ranges from 6.0 overall IELTS band for undergraduate programs, to 6.5 overall in postgraduate programs. However, universities can set higher requirements.
Ques: What is the minimum IELTS score for Canadian PR through Express Entry?
Ans: You need a Canadian Language Benchmark/CLB level of 7, which translates to a minimum of 6.0 IELTS band score in each section.
Ques: Do I need the same IELTS score for all immigration programs in Canada?
Ans: Some programs may have higher score requirements. Check the score requirement from the official website before applying.
Ques: Can I get into a top Canadian university with a 6.5 IELTS score?
Ans: Many universities in Canada accept 6.5 IELTS bands. Some of the top Canadian universities may have higher score requirements depending on the course or program.
Ques: How long should I study for IELTS test?
Ans: IELTS preparation time depends on your current English level. The ideal study time varies but can range from a few weeks to several months.
Ques: When should I take the IELTS test for a Canadian student visa application?
Ans: Plan to take IELTS 2 to 3 months ago before your application process starts. You can check the university's admission deadlines from the official websites.
Ques: How long are IELTS test results valid for?
Ans: IELTS scores are generally valid for two years and only for Australian Skilled Worker applications, the scores are valid for three years.
Ques: Do I need to submit my IELTS test results with my Canadian immigration application?
Ans: You need to submit your IELTS results as proof of English language proficiency. Achieving an IELTS score of 7 bands can strengthen your application process.
Ques: Does Canada accept 5.5 band in IELTS?
Ans: Canada PR application may accept a sectional IELTS score of 5.5 bands, but you need to achieve an overall score of 6 bands for a successful application process.
Ques: Can I go Canada with 4.5 IELTS score?
Ans: The minimum IELTS score of 6 band required for Canada PR, achieving a score of 4.5 is very low, and is not accepted by any organization or institution.
Ques: What is better IELTS or PTE for Canada?
Ans: IELTS and PTE exams are designed to evaluate a candidate's English language proficiency for the PR and admission process and are accepted by all the major countries worldwide.
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