Is IELTS Required for Canada? Applicable Score, Top Universities
Silki Joshi14 Apr, 2025
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Is IELTS Required for Canada?: The International English Language Testing System or IELTS is a mandatory requirement for international candidates who wish to study, work, or immigrate to Canada. International candidates are required to appear for the IELTS to demonstrate their English language proficiency for various purposes. IELTS test is accepted by over 400 organizations in Canada and is also recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Additionally, IELTS is also accepted by Canada visa authorities for student permits, work visas, and permanent residency.
Is IELTS Required for Canada?
English and French are the official languages in Canada. Therefore, international candidates must demonstrate a strong fluency and appropriate knowledge of either of the languages. English language proficiency is necessary for communication, academic success, and professional growth. IELTS is accepted in Canada for the following purposes:
-
Student visa and study permits
-
Work permits
-
Express Entry immigration programs
-
Canadian citizenship applications
Read More: Reasons To Study In Canada For Indian Students
IELTS Test Formats Accepted in Canada
Canada accepts both IELTS test formats: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. IELTS Academic is required for students applying to educational institutions in Canada. Whereas, IELTS General Training is required for immigration, permanent residency, and work visas in Canada. Candidates can appear for any of the two formats on paper and computer depending on their goals.
What is the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)?
Canada uses the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) as a standardized scale to assess English proficiency. IELTS scores are converted to CLB levels for immigration purposes for international candidates. Below is the conversion chart of the IIELTS band score to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB):
|
IELTS score Conversion to Canadian Language Benchmark |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CLB Level |
Reading |
Writing |
Listening |
Speaking |
|
CLB 10 |
8.0 |
7.7 |
8.5 |
7.5 |
|
CLB 9 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
8.0 |
7.0 |
|
CLB 8 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
7.5 |
6.5 |
|
CLB 7 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
|
CLB 6 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
IELTS for Canadian Student Visa and Study Permit
International students must apply for a study permit to study in Canada to demonstrate their English proficiency. Generally, the IELTS Academic test is accepted by the majority of Canadian universities as proof of the English language. However, the minimum IELTS cut off in Canadian universities varies depending on the ranking of the university, type of courses, and mode of education. Before applying, students must check the specific score requirements for their target university or programme.
Common IELTS Requirements in Canadian Universities:
-
Overall Band Score: Minimum of 6.0 to 7.5
-
Section-wise Minimum: Usually not less than 6.0 in each section
IELTS Score Requirements for Canadian Universities
The majority of Canadian universities require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no section less than 6.0. The minimum IELTS score requirements for popular Canada universities are as follows:
| IELTS Score Requirements for Canadian Universities | |
|---|---|
|
University |
Minimum IELTS Score |
|
McGill University |
6.5 |
|
University of Waterloo |
6.5 |
|
University of Alberta |
6.5 |
|
University of Ottawa |
6.5 |
|
York University |
6.5 |
|
Carleton University |
6.5 |
|
University of Windsor |
6.5 |
|
Simon Fraser University |
6.5 |
|
University of Victoria |
6.5 |
Enroll now for the IELTS online courses by PW
IELTS for Canada Immigration
IELTS is a mandatory requirement of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for individuals who are planning to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry. Internation individuals can easily receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada with a high IELTS band score.
Key Express Entry Programs in Canada for International individuals are as follows:
-
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
-
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
-
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Below is a table outlining the major IELTS requirements for a PR in Canada:
|
Minimum IELTS Requirements for PR in Canada |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Immigration Program |
IELTS Band Score (Minimum) |
CLB Level |
|
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) |
Listening: 6.0 Reading: 6.0 Writing: 6.0 Speaking: 6.0 |
CLB 7 |
|
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) (NOC 0 or A) |
Listening: 6.0 Reading: 6.0 Writing: 6.0 Speaking: 6.0 |
CLB 7 |
|
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) (NOC B) |
Listening: 5.0 Reading: 4.0 Writing: 5.0 Speaking: 5.0 |
CLB 5 |
|
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) |
Listening: 5.0 Reading: 3.5 Writing: 4.0 Speaking: 5.0 |
CLB 5 (L, S) CLB 4 (R, W) |
|
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
Varies by province (CLB 4–7) |
CLB 4–7 |
|
Atlantic Immigration Program |
Listening: 4.5 Reading: 3.5 Writing: 4.0 Speaking: 4.0 |
CLB 4 |
IELTS for Canada Work Visa
Individuals applying for work permits in Canada are required to prove their English proficiency. Candidates are required to appear for the IELTS General Training exam to apply for a Canada work visa.
|
IELTS Band Requirements by Profession |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Profession |
Minimum IELTS Band Requirement |
CLB Level |
|
Nurses (Registered or Practical) |
Listening: 7.0 Reading: 6.5 Writing: 7.0 Speaking: 7.0 |
CLB 9 |
|
Doctors (Physicians) |
Listening: 7.5 Reading: 7.0 Writing: 7.0 Speaking: 7.0 |
CLB 9–10 |
|
Engineers |
Listening: 6.0 Reading: 6.0 Writing: 6.0 Speaking: 6.0 |
CLB 7 |
|
Teachers (K–12) |
Listening: 7.0 Reading: 6.5 Writing: 7.0 Speaking: 7.0 |
CLB 9 |
|
Lawyers |
Listening: 7.0 Reading: 7.0 Writing: 7.0 Speaking: 7.0 |
CLB 9 |
|
Accountants |
Listening: 6.0 Reading: 6.0 Writing: 6.0 Speaking: 6.0 |
CLB 7 |
|
IT Professionals |
Listening: 6.0 Reading: 6.0 Writing: 6.0 Speaking: 6.0 |
CLB 7 |
|
Skilled Trades (e.g., Electricians, Plumbers) |
Listening: 5.0 Reading: 3.5 Writing: 4.0 Speaking: 5.0 |
CLB 4–5 |
Guidance of PW IELTS
Physics Wallah offers multiple online IELTS courses for all students. Follow the IELTS pages to better prepare for the exam.
| What is IELTS Exam? | Documents Required for IELTS Registration |
| IELTS exam eligibility requirements | IELTS Exam Fees |
| IELTS test results | IELTS Exam Pattern |
Is IELTS Required for Canada FAQs
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