Canadian cities are recognized as some of the most desirable places to live globally, characterized by their inclusive multicultural communities and a variety of weather conditions throughout the four seasons.

If you are considering studying and working in Canada, you may have thought about the steps required to obtain permanent residency (PR) there.

Demonstrating language proficiency, whether in English or French, is essential to facilitate effective communication and secure a visa.

For those aiming to validate their English language skills, the IELTS General Training test is the recommended assessment for immigration purposes in Canada. In contrast, the IELTS Academic test is designed for applicants seeking to pursue their studies in the nation.

In the following section, we will examine the minimum IELTS score required to work and achieve PR in Canada.

Pathways to Obtain PR in Canada

The Express Entry system provides a more expedited route for skilled immigrants seeking permanent residency in Canada.

The main three  pathways available in the Canada Immigration Program are:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program
3. Canadian Experience Class

The processing time of the application is approximately six months, so, it is essential to ensure that your IELTS test results remain valid throughout this period.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is responsible for all immigration and permanent residency affairs in Canada.

To obtain permanent residency via Express Entry, applicants must demonstrate a minimum language proficiency of CLB 7 (Canadian Language Benchmarks), which corresponds to at least 6.0 in each component of the IELTS examination.

Each program has distinct language proficiency criteria. Language abilities are evaluated across four categories: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Points are given based on the CLB Level achieved.

IELTS score requirements for Express Entry

Federal Skilled Worker Programme

For individuals whose official language is English:

Achieving a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 4 or below results in no points being allocated. If you are married, then additionally getting a CLB score of 10 or above will secure the highest points, which totals 34 points.

If English is your second language, you will receive 4 points upon fulfilling the specified requirements for each section.

Federal Skilled Trades Program

This program is designed for skilled professionals aiming to obtain permanent residency through their qualifications in a specific trade. The requirements are more rigorous, necessitating a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in the chosen trade.

Furthermore, the trade must fall within designated categories, which encompass agriculture, natural resources, manufacturing, and culinary professions.

Below are the score requirements for each CLB level along with the corresponding IELTS scores.

Canadian Experience Class

For positions classified under NOC (National Occupational Classification) A, the minimum language proficiency requirement is set at CLB 7. Alternatively, for NOC B spots, the necessary level is CLB 5.

The following outlines the CLB levels that correspond to the scores achieved in each section of the IELTS examination.

In addition to language proficiency, your evaluation will also consider other factors such as educational background, age, and professional experience.

To achieve permanent residency through the Canada Immigration Program, the minimum score required under the Comprehensive Ranking System is 490, which was the threshold as of January 18, 2023.

On the other hand, the TEF and CELPIP General are also accepted as an English Proficiency test.

It is important to note that the IELTS score requirements for employment in Canada can vary. For example, lawyers must get a minimum score of 7.0 in each section of the IELTS. In contrast, nursing candidates are required to achieve an overall score of 7.0, with specific scores of 7.5 in listening, 6.5 in writing, and 7.0 in speaking.

Conclusion

The minimum IELTS score is mandatory for the Canada Immigration program based on the specific program and province. Typically, a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7, which corresponds to approximately 6.0-7.0 in each band, is required for Express Entry and various skilled worker programs.

Nevertheless, some provincial nominee programs and job offers may require higher scores. Achieving the right IELTS score not only improves eligibility but also enhances an applicant's overall profile, thereby increasing the chances of successful immigration. It is advisable for prospective applicants to thoroughly investigate their selected pathway and strive for scores that align with their objectives for a successful application.