IELTS Score required to get Canada Permanent Residence Visa

The IELTS is one of the 4 English language tests authorized by the Government of Canada for immigration. Many applicants choose IELTS for their Canada PR Visa applications. If you too wish to know the IELTS score for Canada PR in 2024, here is everything that you need to know.

The 4 accredited tests recognized for immigration to Canada have unique scoring patterns. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has thus designed a scoring system that equalizes results from various language tests. Results from all tests are offered a CLB – Canadian Language Benchmark equivalent from one to ten. Thus candidates appearing for diverse tests can be assessed and fairly ranked.

IELTS for Canada Express Entry System

Economic immigration applications are managed by the Government of Canada through the federal Express Entry System. All prospective applicants are required to demonstrate language proficiency in either English or French language. (Extra points are offered for twin language proficiency). It applies to even French and English native speakers irrespective of their education and location.

Express Entry is a highly competitive selection system and each point can make a difference to the applicants. All the candidates in the Express Entry pool compete to get the ITA – Invitation to Apply for a Canada PR Visa. 

Several applicants opt for the IELTS to create a profile and enter the Express Entry pool of candidates. The IELTS – General Training Exam is the authorized exam for the Express Entry System. There are various pathways to enter the pool and Express Entry has 3 federal economic immigration programs. The three programs are as follows:

Federal Skilled Worker Program

Applicants are assessed for the Federal Skilled Worker Program through a unique points system. It is also known as the 67 Points Calculator Canada. Qualified applicants have to secure a minimum of 67 points from a total of 100 points. A maximum of 28 points are allocated for proficiency in the language. Extra five points are available for candidates who include a spouse/common-law partner in their application who has proficiency in French or English language.

Federal Skilled Trades Program

Tradespersons having relevant work experience can apply through the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

Canadian Experience Class

Candidates having current or recent work experience in Canada can apply through the Canadian Experience Class.

The following table shows the IELTS score required to enter the Express Entry pool through its 3 programs:

Apart from the language proficiency criterion, applicants have to also fulfill other criteria for the specified program to enter the pool of candidates.

IELTS: Key Express Entry thresholds

The eligibility criteria to enter the Express Entry pool are unique according to the chosen program for application. However, after entering the pool, all candidates are ranked through a common system of points known as the CRS or Comprehensive Ranking System.

Candidates who enter the pool with an IELTS score corresponding to CLB 8 or lower have the chance to increase their CRS score. This is if they choose to enhance their language skills and test scores by reappearing for the IELTS.

Meanwhile, candidates who secure CLB 9 can obtain extra points under the CSRS. CLB 9 is also referred to as ‘Initial Advanced Level’.  Under the CRS factor ‘Skills Transferability’ language proficiency is separately paired with overseas work experience and education. A maximum of 100 CRS points are allocated for these combinations. These extra points are apart from the points allocated for enhancing skills in the language under the Human Capital factors.

So attaining CLB 9 levels can considerably influence your chances of receiving the Canada PR Visa.

The complete conversion table showing CLB levels and corresponding IELTS band score is as follows:

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada considers IELTS results to be valid for 24 months from the date of announcement of the test results.

Spouse/common-law partner’s language ability

Single applicants and applicants who include a spouse or common-law partner in their immigration application are assessed a little differently under CRS. The following points are available for the partner/spouse’s language proficiency:

IELTS and other programs for Canadian immigration

Economic immigrants also have other options to immigrate to Canada apart from the Express Entry System programs. Several PNP – Provincial Nominee Program streams are available, and many are managed exclusively outside the Express Entry System.

Further, candidates seeking to immigrate to the Quebec Province in Canada are required to fulfill unique eligibility requirements. Moreover, Self-employed people, Entrepreneurs, and Investors seeking to move to Canada also have various unique immigration categories.

Irrespective of the chosen program for immigration to Canada, economic-stream applicants are required to demonstrate a certain level of language proficiency. The influence of language skills on the eligibility or overall points of the applicants varies as per the chosen stream or program.

Similar to the Express Entry System, PNPs also accept IELTS General Training Exam results.

Overall, language proficiency proven through IELTS score is a crucial factor influencing the immigration applications of economic class applicants.

If you wish to know how you can secure the required IELTS band score for your chosen immigration program or about 67 points calculator Canada contact Best Canada PR Consultants in Hyderabad Nationwide Visas.