September 15, 2017 – Applicants applying for permanent residence to Canada are required to prove English language skills by taking a language test approved by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).
IELTS is known as the International English Language Testing System. It is the world’s most popular English language test recognized by CIC.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) tests were taken more than three million times during the last 12 months, reaffirming it as the world’s leading English language test.
IELTS results are accepted not only in Canada immigration applications, but also in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Universities in Australia, the UK and the US also recognize IELTS results.
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Tests are offered across the four main language disciplines – speaking, listening, reading and writing. In Canada, the results of the IELTS test correspond to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score.
Immigration.ca offers all its clients a 10-day free trial of IELTS 7 – an online preparation course which provides unlimited access to interactive lessons and practice tests in all four modules for academic IELTS and general training.
Following the free trial period, candidates have the opportunity to subscribe to the fully tutored version of the 30-day course which includes one-to-one online tuition with an IELTS trainer.
About the IELTS Tests
Test takers are measured in listening, reading, writing and speaking. All tests are scored on a banded system from 1 (the lowest) through to 9 (the highest band).
IELTS offers a choice of two test versions, to serve both academic and non-academic purposes. IELTS Academic measures English language proficiency needed for an academic, higher learning environment. The tasks and texts are accessible to all test takers, irrespective of their subject focus. IELTS General Training measures English language proficiency in a practical, everyday context. The tasks and texts reflect both workplace and social situations. Only IELTS General is used for immigration purposes in Canada.
IELTS is one of two tests accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for English language proficiency. The other is the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP).
Language proficiency, whether it be English or French, is a central component of Canada’s immigration system. A candidate’s language ability is seen as an important core factor in their future success in Canada when assessing an economic immigration application.
Express Entry
Under Express Entry, up to 136 points are available for proficiency in English as a candidate’s first official language across the four disciplines.
A further 24 points can be scored for proficiency in a second official language. Language skills also feed into the points awarded for skills transferability, or combination factors.
These points can make the difference between whether a candidate receives a coveted Invitation to Apply.
Express Entry Points for First Official Language
| Test score | With spouse | Single |
| CLB 4 (L4.5, R3.5, W4, S4) or 5 (R4, 5 in all others) | 6 | 6 |
| CLB 6 (5 in Reading, 5.5 in all others) | 8 | 9 |
| CLB 7 (6 in all four abilities) | 16 | 17 |
| CLB 8 (7.5 in Listening, 6.5 in all others) | 22 | 23 |
| CLB 9 (8 in Listening, 7 in all others) | 29 | 31 |
| CLB ≥ 10 (L8.5, R8, W7.5, S7.5) | 32 | 34 |
Express Entry Points for Second Official Language
| Test score | With spouse | Single |
| CLB 5 or 6 | 1 | 1 |
| CLB 7 or 8 | 3 | 3 |
| CLB ≥ 9 | 6 | 6 |
Additional Combination Points
| Test score | With spouse | Single |
| CLB 7 in French and CLB 4 or less for English | 15 | 15 |
| CLB 7 in French and CLB 5 or higher for English | 30 | 30 |
International Students
International students are regularly offered places at Canadian institutions dependent on the successful completion of an English or French language course.
Short-term study permits are granted for the duration of the language course, before a longer-term permit is issued for the candidate’s diploma or degree.
In this case, language skills directly influence whether a candidate is successful or not, as their language ability is central to their ability to pass a diploma or degree.
Provincial Immigration Categories
The majority of Canada’s provincial nomination program streams normally include language ability requirements. The level required varies depending on individual nature of the immigration stream.
Several provinces also manage their own Express Entry streams, for which the language requirements are not specifically stated, but are an essential requirement under the federal Comprehensive Ranking System.
Interested employers: Kindly contact us here to receive further information.
Interested candidates: Find out whether you qualify to Canada by completing our free on-line evaluation. We will provide you with our evaluation within 1-2 business days.
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