IELTS Requirement For Canada Student Visa and PR (2024-2025)
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IELTS, a globally recognized high-stakes English language test, has gained immense popularity, with over three million exams taken annually. Notably, all educational institutions and colleges in Canada warmly embrace IELTS, and the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) considers IELTS for all student visa applications.
When it comes to the IELTS score for Canada, it’s noteworthy that the requirements remain consistent or may vary slightly depending on factors like the chosen study program, level of study, or the specific universities and colleges in consideration.
To enhance your prospects of securing a spot in Canada’s esteemed universities, we’ve compiled all the essential details, shedding light on the IELTS band requirements that align with Canada’s score ranges. Understanding these requirements is crucial as it forms a fundamental criterion for eligibility to pursue your studies in the country.
Canada boasts both English and French as official languages, adding a unique aspect to the academic landscape. Therefore, before embarking on your academic journey, it’s essential to acquaint yourself with the entrance exams needed for studying in Canada.
Immigration to Canada
The Express Entry (Skilled Immigrants), Quebec-selected skilled workers, and Provincial Nominee programs all accept IELTS as evidence of English language proficiency. IELTS was the first test to receive this recognition from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and Immigration Quebec.
There are various procedures you can apply through if you want to apply for citizenship or permanent residence in Canada. Express Entry is the most popular of three economic immigration programs that manage online skilled worker applications for permanent residence.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
To fill local labor market needs, Canadian provinces and territories also hire candidates from the same Express Entry pool that you apply to through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Similarly, if you have a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec) from the Government of Quebec, you are eligible to apply for the Quebec-selected skilled worker process. If you take this path, you will have to submit a full application for permanent residence, complete with police clearance documents.
The IELTS score for Canada is also calculated based on the courses you select. So that you can get a better idea, we’ve listed the most popular undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral programs in Canada along with the IELTS requirements for each:
| Popular Courses | Normal IELTS Scores |
| MBA | 7.0 overall |
| Medicine | 7.0 with 6.5-7.0 overall score |
| Computer (IT) | 7.0 overall |
| Business | 7.0 overall |
| Engineering | 7.0 overall |
Canada’s IELTS band requirement for undergraduate studies is 6.5, with no band lower than 6.0.
IELTS Requirement in Canada
The Canadian standard used to describe, assess, and recognize the language proficiency of adult and prospective immigrants who intend to live and work in Canada is the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).
The following table compares IELTS General Training test results to CLB requirements:
| Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
| CLB1 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| CLB2 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| CLB3 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| CLB4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| CLB5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| CLB6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| CLB7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| CLB8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| CLB9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| CLB10 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| CLB11 | 9.0 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| CLB12 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 |
Average IELTS in Canada for Top Universities & Colleges?
Let’s learn the minimum IELTS score needed for Canadian students to enroll in the desired educational institutions. To assist you in getting started, we’ve listed the top universities and colleges in Canada along with the IELTS requirement for Canada:
| University/College Name | IELTS Scores |
| University of Toronto | Overall 6.5, no band less than 6.0 |
| McGill University | Band score of 6.5 or better, Individual component score of 6.0 or better |
| University de Montreal | Advanced- 7,7.5 & 8 Advanced Intermediate- 5.5,6 & 6.5 |
| University of Alberta | 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 |
| University of British Columbia | Overall score 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component for academics |
| George Brown College | 6.0- 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5-6.0 in each skill band |
| Centennial College | 6.0- 6.5 with no band score less than 5.5-6.0 |
| Humber College | Minimum score of 6.5 with no single band less than 6.0 |
| Seneca College | Minimum 6.0-6.5 with no skill below 5.5-6.0 |
| Algonquin College | Overall, 6.0-6.5 with no band lower than 5.5-6.0 |
IELTS Requirement for Student Visa Process in Canada?
IELTS requirement is a crucial component of the student visa process for Canada. To apply for a student visa (also known as a study permit) in Canada, you typically need to demonstrate proficiency in English or French, as these are the official languages of instruction. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is widely accepted as a measure of English proficiency by Canadian educational institutions and the immigration authorities.
1. Importance of IELTS in Student Visa Application:
IELTS serves as a key indicator of your proficiency in English, which is vital for academic success in Canada. It assesses your ability to communicate effectively in both everyday and academic settings.
2. Minimum Band Score Requirements:
Different universities and colleges may have specific band score requirements for each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking). For instance, a university might stipulate a minimum band score of 6.5 overall, with no band score below 6.0.
3. Overall Score Requirements:
In addition to minimum scores in each band, institutions often set an overall minimum IELTS score. This overall score requirement may vary based on the academic program and the level of study (undergraduate or postgraduate).
4. Specific Program Requirements:
Some academic programs may have unique IELTS requirements. For example, language-intensive programs like linguistics or literature might have slightly higher language proficiency expectations.
5. Verification of Requirements:
Verify the IELTS requirements directly from the official website of the educational institution you plan to apply to. Additionally, cross-reference this information with the official website of the Canadian government to ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate details.
6. IELTS Test Preparation:
Adequate preparation is crucial. Consider enrolling in IELTS preparation courses, using official IELTS study materials, and taking practice tests to familiarize yourself with the test format and improve your skills.
7. Test Validity:
IELTS results are typically valid for two years. Ensure that your test results remain valid during the entire duration of your intended program, as expired results may impact your visa application.
8. English and French Language Proficiency:
While English is more commonly required, some programs in Canada may be available in French. Be aware of the language of instruction for your chosen program and fulfill the language proficiency requirements accordingly.
Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada
Refugees, immigration, and citizenship Canada has implemented three new regulations regarding post-graduation work permit eligibility for students enrolled in online courses. These adjustments are being made to give international students who need or want to begin their Canadian study program online from another country more flexibility.
The three changes are:
1. As long as they eventually complete 50% of their program of study in Canada, students may now study online from abroad until April 30, 2021, without any time being subtracted from the length of a future post-graduation work permit.
2. Students may finish their entire program online from abroad and still be qualified for a post-graduation work permit if they have enrolled in a program that is between 8 and 12 months in length and has a start date in May to September 2020.
3. Students who are already enrolled in a program with a start date between May and September 2020, who study online up until April 30, 2021, and who graduate from more than one eligible program of study may be able to combine the length of their programs of study when they apply for a post-graduation work permit in the future, provided that 50% of their overall studies are finished in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions: IELTS Requirement For Canada
Applying for PR FOR Canada is done through the online immigration system known as Express Entry. CLB 7 or a minimum of 6.0 in each IELTS section is the required IELTS score for Express Entry.
IELTS results are valid in Canada for two years.
To be eligible to apply for a Canada PR, you must have an overall IELTS score of 6.
IELTS is a well-known English proficiency test recognized by most universities worldwide, including those in Canada.
You can choose IELTS general training as it is the most popular to demonstrate your English language proficiency.
The International English Language Testing System is known as IELTS. More than 3 million IELTS exams were taken in 2017, making it the world’s most widely used English language test for higher education and international migration. Over 10,000 organizations worldwide accept IELTS as proof of English language proficiency. For education, immigration, and professional accreditation, IELTS is acknowledged as a secure, legitimate, and trustworthy indicator of one’s ability to communicate in English in everyday situations.
Passports and Permanent Resident Cards are the only forms of identification recognized for the IELTS exam. The full size of the scanned document must be 1.5 MB or less and less than 1600 x 1600 pixels. The only file types supported now are JPEG, GIF, or PNG. You can edit and reload your ID until the test center accepts it.
You’ll receive an email with your registration confirmation once you have submitted your application and made your payment. You will receive a thorough confirmation email five to ten business days before the test date. When registering on test day, please make sure to bring the detailed confirmation with you.
At 8:15 am, registration officially opens. If you don’t get to the test site by 9:15 am, you won’t be allowed to take it. At 9:30 am, the test will start. We advise you to arrive early.
Speaking interviews are typically scheduled from 1:20 pm to 5:20 pm on the test day’s afternoon. By 6:00 pm, all speaking interviews are typically finished. Information about the speaking interview’s start time will be given on test day. This time was chosen at random and cannot be altered. Please be aware that speaking tests may be administered up to 7 days prior to or 7 days following the actual test. If you need to be scheduled for a pre- post-test day speaking time, you will be contacted by phone or email to let you know when your turn is.
IELTS only accepts a passport or Canadian permanent residence card as valid identification. You must also bring your confirmation email, 2 HB or # 2 pencils, an eraser, and a pencil sharpener with a canister on test day. Additionally, you are permitted to have a labelless, clear water bottle. Nothing else is allowed in the test room.
During the test, you can store your personal belongings in the cloakroom. The testing room will not permit the entry of any personal items, electronic devices (such as smartphones, MP3 players, watches, iPods, etc.), or food. Any candidate found to have these will be disqualified. Please don’t bring expensive items to the test. IELTS does not assume liability for lost or stolen property, so please be aware of that.
At registration, a picture of you from test day and a finger scan will be taken. The finger scan will be compared every time you leave the exam room and enter it again after a comfort break.
13 days after your test, the results are posted online. It might not be until that afternoon that the results are apparent. 28 business days after the date the test results were released, the results could be viewed online. Both the Test Report Form you receive and the unofficial online result at the bottom of the page contains your TRF number.
13 calendar days after the test date, paper copies of your Test Result Form (TRF) are mailed or by express courier. Each carrier has a different delivery time. For your personal copy, you will only get ONE original TRF. Since regular mail cannot be tracked and can take up to three weeks to arrive, express courier is highly advised. When registering, please select the express courier option.
You can submit an “Enquiry on Results” form to have your test results reviewed if you’re not happy with them. Within six weeks of the test date, this request must be submitted.
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