IELTS for Canada immigration: IELTS score Requirements, Score Validity, Express Entry Fees and Eligibility for Canada
After US, Canada happens to be the second most preferred destination where people from all around the world wants to settle for its booming economy and easy-going lifestyle. For Canadian immigration, IELTS is an important component because Canada is a country where the primary medium of communication is English. The detailed IELTS requirements for Canada immigration are listed below.
IELTS for Canada Immigration
In Canada, no matter what you are applying for – a work visa or professional recognition, or permanent residence status, IELTS is required for Canada immigration. Canada immigration without IELTS is impossible.
Finding out “which one to take: IELTS general or academic for Canada immigration?” Well, IELTS general training is accepted for immigration purposes in Canada. Candidates need to take Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada or IRCC for immigration in Canada. We have gathered more information about English language proficiency for Canada immigration.
IELTS Score for Canada immigration
According to the information available in canada.ca, skilled immigrants can apply for express by scheduling their test with an agency approved by IRCC. The accepted tests are CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) general test, IELTS general training, and TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français.
CELPIP and IELTS are standardized test for English – TEF is for French-language testing. Here TEF scores are accepted only the test is taken before March 1, 2020.
CLB is used to measure English language skills and NCLC are the levels to measure French language skills.
The candidates have to provide valid test scores for express entry – in simpler words, the candidates have to apply within 2 years of the exam taken for express entry.
What is the Minimum Score for Canadian Immigration?
Check the table below to know the score requirements for different programs:
| Language | Federal skilled worker program | Canadian Experience Class | Federal Skilled Trades Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | CLB 7 | CLB 7 (for NOC 0 or A) | CLB 5 in Speaking and listening |
| CLB 5 (for NOC B) | CLB 4 in Reading and writing | ||
| French | NCLC7 | NCLC 7 (NOC 0 or A) | NCLC 5 for Speaking and listening |
| NCLC 5 (for NOC B) | NCLC 4 in Reading and writing |
Check the table below to find out the IELTS sectional equivalent of the required CLB points required for different purposes.
| Program | Required CLB | Ability: Speaking | Ability: Listening | Ability: Reading | Ability: Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal skilled worker program | 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 – 7.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | |
| 9 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | |
| 10 and above | 7.5 – 9.0 | 8.5 – 9.0 | 8.0 – 9.0 | 7.5 – 9.0 | |
| Canadian Experience Class | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5 | 5 | |
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
| 8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | |
| 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | |
| 10 and above | 7.5-9 | 8.5-9 | 8-9 | 7.5-9 | |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program | 4 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | |
| 8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | |
| 9 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | |
| 10 and above | 7.5 – 9.0 | 8.5 – 9.0 | 8.0 – 9.0 | 7.5 – 9.0 |
This table helps to convert IELTS score to Canada immigration points. As per the latest IELTS score for Canada immigration, 5.5 IELTS score Canada immigration is the average IELTS requirement for Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades Program. But to be on the safe side, the candidates should focus 6 or up in reading, listening, speaking, and writing sections of IELTS to meet the Canadian immigration requirements. So, proper preparation of each IELTS section is necessary. IELTS score required for Canada immigration for nurses is also minimum 6.
IELTS UKVI for Canada Immigration
IELTS for UK visa or UKVI is accepted and for this, IELTS 4.0 band score will be required. This IELTS score is equivalent of B1 level of CEFR scale.
Spouse IELTS score for Canada Immigration
IELTS is not required spouse visa in Canada. In case the applicant is a spouse or a partner which is going to be added in a specific Canada PR application through the express entry, the applicant is allowed to add IELTS score of the partner.
How can You apply for Express Entry?
To applying for Express Entry, the candidates need to follow the steps mentioned below with the documents:
- Language test results (IELTS/CELPIP)
- Educational credential assessment report
- A passport or travel document
After submitting these, they will receive an invitation to apply for Canadian PR. For a more substantial application the required documents are:
- Reference letters
- Additional identity documents
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical examination results
Eligibility and Requirements for Express Entry
Candidates with a degree from university or college along with skilled work experience can apply for Express Entry. Plus a moderate English and/or French proficiency will be mandatory. Candidates qualify for Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Trades or Canadian Experience Class programs are also eligible for Express Entry program. Eligibility of the program as follows:
- At least a year of full-time skilled work experience
- Desired language proficiency
- Post-secondary education
Candidates with a higher rank, better language proficiency, and more work experience and education are the preferred ones. Along with that, the following criteria matter:
- Age – 30 years
- Holding two Bachelor’s degrees or a Master’s degree or Ph. D
- Excellent English and/or French language skills or Bilingualism
- 3 years of work experience
- Canadian work or educational experience
- A Canadian brother or sister
- Employment offer from a Canadian company
- A nomination from a provincial nominee program
How much does Express Entry cost?
| Purpose | Charge |
|---|---|
| Average cost for Language Tests | $300 |
| Average cost for Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) | $200 |
| Biometrics | $85/ |
| Government fees | $1,325/adult & $225/child |
| Medical examination | $450/adult & $250/child |
| Police clearance | $100/country |
These charges are applicable only if a candidate requests Canadian permanent residence. For a PNP program, government processing fees and provincial immigration fees can be required. A valid employment offer will be needed to demonstrate sufficient funds. Here is amount based on family size:
| Number of Family Members | Funds Required |
|---|---|
| 1 | $12,960 |
| 2 | $16,135 |
| 3 | $19,836 |
| 4 | $24,083 |
| 5 | $27,315 |
| 6 | $30,806 |
| 7 | $34,299 |
| For each additional family member | $3,492 |
How long the Express Entry Profile valid for?
The express entry profiles are valid for 2 years. Once the score gets expired, it will be of no use anymore no matter how high the IELTS band score is.
That’s about IELTS score requirement for Canadian Immigration – it is a fact that the knowledge of French along with English is like an advantage in terms of Canadian immigration. But IELTS is nonetheless an important requirement for international candidates and the candidates should target IELTS band score 6 or up to get in Canada.
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