PTE vs IELTS for Canada PR, Differences, Validity Period
Silki Joshi30 Oct, 2025
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PTE vs IELTS for Canada PR is a common question for people who want to immigrate. Both tests measure English skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. But only certain versions of these tests are valid for Canada permanent residence.
Knowing the facts about PTE vs IELTS Canada immigration helps you choose the right test. This article compares both tests in 2025. It covers formats, scores, accepted versions, difficulty, and what you must do to meet Express Entry or other PR pathways.
What is PTE?
PTE stands for Pearson Test of English and is one of the renowned and trusted English tests for Indian students. This is an extremely popular test that is undertaken by candidates who wish to apply for admission to countries abroad.
The PTE scores are accepted by 3,500+ universities globally. Canada accepts PTE for both admissions to universities, but the country, as of now, is not accepting it for immigration purposes. The minimum PTE score acceptable for admission to Canada is 60 - 65.
What is IELTS?
IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is your gateway to studying, working, or immigrating to Canada. This internationally recognised English proficiency test assesses your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.
Trusted by Canadian universities and immigration authorities, a strong IELTS score can help you get admission to the courses offered. Additionally, it can also be used for immigration purposes in the country. Unlike other tests, IELTS offers two options, Academic and General Training. The IELTS band score for Canada PR is 6 -7.
Canada PR Language Test Comparison
When choosing between PTE or IELTS for Canada PR, applicants must understand how each test aligns with Canada’s language benchmarks.
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IELTS General Training: Required for immigration. Academic IELTS is not valid for PR.
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PTE Core: Designed specifically for immigration purposes.
Both tests map their results to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). For instance, IELTS Band 7 in all modules equals CLB 9, while a PTE Core score around 60–68 also aligns with CLB 9.
This means that no matter which test you select, the Canadian system treats them equally in terms of CRS points.
Differences Between PTE vs IELTS for Canada PR
Both the PTE vs IELTS for Canada PR exam have their point of difference, the details of which can be checked below.| Differences Between PTE vs IELTS for Canada PR | ||
| Point of Difference | PTE (Pearson Test of English) | IELTS (International English Language Testing System) |
| Objective | Primarily designed for assessing communication skills in an academic environment, also accepted for migration purposes | Designed for assessing overall English proficiency for academic studies and professional migration |
| Versions Offered | It only has a single test for an academic course | Offers both an Academic version (for higher education) and a General Training version (for work and migration purposes) |
| University Acceptance | PTE score is accepted by over 6,000 universities worldwide | IELTS score is accepted by over 10,000 universities worldwide |
| Results Availability | The results are released atleast 5 days after taking the test | Results are typically available within 3-5 days for the computer-based test and 13 days for the paper-based test |
| Scoring Scale | Uses a Global Scale of English (ranging from 10 to 90 points) | Uses a nine-band scoring system (from 0 to 9) with half-band scores possible |
| Difficulty Level | Generally considered to be easier than the IELTS, as it focuses more on real-world communication skills and integrates speaking, writing, reading, and listening throughout the test. | Generally considered to be more difficult than the PTE, as it has a wider range of question types and a separate speaking section with a human examiner |
PTE vs IELTS Score for Canada PR
Understanding the score comparison between IELTS and PTE is essential for Canada PR applicants. Because both tests are mapped to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels.
For Express Entry, a minimum of CLB 7 is required for the Federal Skilled Worker. However, CLB 9 or higher significantly boosts CRS points. This shows that both tests serve the same purpose and deliver equivalent recognition in the immigration process.
| PTE vs IELTS Score for Canada PR | ||
| CLB Level | IELTS Score | PTE Core Score |
| CLB 7 | Band 6 | 46 – 55 |
| CLB 8 | Band 6.5 – 7 | 56 – 65 |
| CLB 9 | Band 7 | 66 – 75 |
| CLB 10+ | Band 8+ | 76+ |
PTE vs IELTS for Canada PR Which is Easier?
There is no clear answer regarding which is easier PTE vs IELTS for Canada PR. It depends on you. PTE is all on the computer and blends speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills. This might be easier if you like technology and don't mind switching between tasks quickly. Whereas, IELTS lets you choose between a computer or paper test and has a separate speaking test with a real person. This could be better if you prefer pen and paper or get nervous talking to machines. Both exams have their own set of difficulty levels and thus it completely depends on a candidate’s strength and preparation level.PTE vs IELTS, What to Choose from Canada PR?
If you are looking for Canada's Permanent Residency (PR), both PTE vs IELTS for Canada PR are good choices, but IELTS might be safer. Both tests are accepted by Canadian immigration, but IELTS is much more widely recognised around the world. This means if your PR application falls through, your IELTS score could still be valid for universities or other countries. Also, IELTS offers a computer-based option like PTE, so you're not stuck with pen and paper. While PTE might be faster for results, IELTS could be a better option for its global acceptance and test format options.Is PTE accepted for Canada immigration?
The inclusion of PTE Core has given candidates more flexibility. Previously, many test centers were overcrowded with IELTS candidates. Now, PTE offers an alternative with faster scheduling and computer-based evaluation. As of now, IRCC accepts the IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, and PTE Core.
Therefore, candidates aiming for Canadian Permanent Residency can confidently take either IELTS or PTE Core, knowing their results will be accepted.