Minimum IELTS score required for Canada PR in 2021

Posted by aspire world immigration Service LLP on April 2nd, 2021

Minimum IELTS score required for Canada PR in 2021

IELTS score determines a candidate's ability to use English to communicate effectively in an English-speaking nation. IELTS evaluate candidates as per the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). It is directly proportional to the chances of getting a Canada PR visa. Meaning, the more IELTS scores you achieve, the more likely you can immigrate to Canada. 

To understand the minimum IELTS score required for Canada PR in 2021 and how it works, continue reading this article.  



Immigrate to Canada in 2021: eligibility criteria

Canada is home to immigrants from across the world. Whether it is for a study program or a job opportunity, international students and professionals choose Canada to be their dream destination. All it requires to realize their dreams is to fulfil eligibility criteria set by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Such as IELTS scores, age, education, adaptability, relevant work experience, etc. 

Now, the question arises: how IELTS scores work. 

Candidates who sit for IELTS receive scores in the form of bands. The band ranges from 0 to 9. It has four sections that examine the English language proficiency of a candidate. They are: 

  • Listening
  • Reading
  • Writing and
  • Speaking

Each Canada PR applicant needs to appear for the IELTS examination and obtain scores as per the immigration pathways. 



Apply for Canada PR: Express Entry System and IELTS scores

An individual can get Canada PR in 2021 through various immigration pathways. Canada offers several streams through which an applicant can apply for Canada PR, such as, Express Entry system, which is also the fastest way to obtain permanent residency in Canada. 

In this system, there are mainly three pathways: 

Each program under the Express Entry System has different language requirements. 

Usually, the IRCC takes six months to process a visa application. So the candidates should ensure that the results of their IELTS test are accurate for the period of their application.

To apply for Canada permanent residence via Express Entry, you must prove a minimum language ability of CLB 7, a minimum of 6.0 bands. 



Minimum IELTS score needed for permanent residence in Canada?

It is important to provide an IELTS score for the Canada PR application, the minimum IELTS score for each program is different.

The basic requirement for each CLB level is as follows:

CLB Level

Listening

Reading 

Writing

Speaking

10

8

7.5

8.5

7.5

7

7

8

7

8

6.5

6.5

7.5

6.5

7

6

6

6

6

6

5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5

4

5

5

5

4

3.3

4

4.4

4



IELTS scores requirement under different Express Entry category: 

  1. Federal Skilled Worker Program

Skilled foreign professionals need to score more than CLB 6 or above. The maximum points can be achieved if the candidate scores CLB 9 or above. 

CLB Level

Points 

Listening

Reading

Speaking

Writing

7

4

6.0-7.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

8

5

7.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

9

6

8.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

10 or above

6

8.5-9.0

8.0-9.0

7.5-9.0

7.5-9.0

A total of 4 points is awarded to applicants without English as a first language.

  1. Federal Skilled Trades Program

Here are the IELTS score requirements for each section under the Federal Skilled Trades Program: 

CLB Level 

Listening 

Reading

Writing

Speaking

4

4.5

3.5

4.0

4.0

5

5.0

4.0

5.0

5.0

6

5.5

5.0

5.5

5.5

7

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

8

7.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

9

8.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

10 or above

8.5-9.0

8.0-9.0

7.5-9.0

7.5-9.0

  1. Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class refers to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) list for considering language proficiency. Each type of Jobs has different language requirements. For example, NOC A jobs require CLB 7 or above, NOC B jobs require CLB 5 or above. Thus, based on your job type, you need to obtain the required IELTS scores to qualify under the CEC category. 

NOC Type

CLB Level

Listening

Reading

Speaking 

Writing

A

10 or above

8.5-9.0

8.0-9.0

7.5-9.0

7.5-9.0

A

9

8.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

A

8

7.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

A

7

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

B

6

5.5

5.0

5.5

5.5

B

5

5.0

4.0

5.0

5.0

Other requirements, such as the level of schooling, age, and job experience, will be measured in addition to language proficiency.

Other authorized English language proficiency exams are the TEF and CELPIP General tests. However, to work in Canada, the IELTS score criteria can vary depending on the profile. 

Like it? Share it!


aspire world immigration Service LLP

About the Author

aspire world immigration Service LLP
Joined: May 25th, 2019
Articles Posted: 5

More by this author