.png?h=35&w=35&mode=crop)
Content Writer - Study Abroad | Updated On - Jul 16, 2024
Highlights:
- Specific Score Requirements: IELTS score requirement for Canada varies and depends on your Visa type.
- Minimum Score: To get admission to Canadian universities or get a PR, you need to achieve a minimum of 6.0 band score.
- Required Time: IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) takes at least 6 months to review and process your application.
- Student Direct Stream (SDS) program: To apply for a fast-track Canadian SDS program you need to achieve an overall 6.0 band score in IELTS academic. The SDS program is available in 14 countries.
- Career Specific IELTS Score Requirement: For Lawyers, a minimum 7.0 IELTS band is required and for Nurses, an overall 6.5 band and 7.0 band in the speaking section is required.
According to the official reports 1,39,715 Indians Immigrating to Canada in 2023. IELTS Score for Canada ranges from 6.0 to 6.5 bands, depending on your application. A minimum of 6.0 bands in every section, with an overall 6.5 bands needed for Canada student visa applications. The minimum and sectional requirement for IELTS score to Canada depends on your chosen program. The Canadian education system is considered one of the best destinations for international students. Top universities like University of Toronto, McGill University, and University of British Columbia ranked in the top 50 of QS World ranking 2025. You can check Canada band requirements from IDP official website, or you can visit their immigration websites.
IELTS Requirement for Canada Student Visa
Canada study visa IELTS requirements vary and depend on the university and program you are applying for. If you are applying to the top-ranked universities, you must aim to achieve a 7.0 band. Most of the Canadian universities published their score requirements at CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) level. You can use any IELTS to CLB calculator to understand Canada IELTS requirements. Refer to the table below to check the top-ranked Canadian university's IELTS score requirement.
| QS World Rank, 2025 | University Name | Minimum Band Score for Undergraduate Programs | Minimum Band Score for Postgraduate Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | University of Toronto | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| 29 | McGill University | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 38 | University of British Columbia | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 96 | University of Alberta | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 115 | University of Waterloo | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| 120 | Western University | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 159 | University of Montreal | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 176 | McMaster University | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 189 | University of Ottawa | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 193 | Queen's University at Kingston | 6.5 | 7.0 |
IELTS Score for Canada PR
Canada is one of the most acceptable cities in the world for international citizens. If you want to work or immigrate to Canada, you need to prove your language skills. You need to achieve a minimum 6.0 IELTS score for Canada PR. The Express Entry system is the easiest way to get a Canadian Visa by applying online. The Express Entry system is a point-based immigration program, that allows skilled workers to receive permanent residency in Canada. There are three different programs to submit your IELTS score for Canada PR:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
Canadian Immigration Authorities will evaluate and calculate your IELTS score into CLB levels. Meeting IELTS requirements in Canada is essential for a successful visa application.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
If you get CLB 4 or lower, no points are awarded for your application. Achieving CLB 10 or higher will be awarded with maximum numbers of points. Check the tables below to understand Canada IELTS band requirements:
If English is your first language:
| CLB Level | Points per Subcategory | IELTS Listening Score | IELTS Reading Score | IELTS Speaking Score | IELTS Writing Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
If English is your second language:
| CLB Level | Total Points | IELTS Listening Score | IELTS Reading Score | IELTS Speaking Score | IELTS Writing Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 and above | 4 | 5.0–9.0 | 4.0–9.0 | 5.0–9.0 | 4.0–9.0 |
Federal Skilled Trades Program
Check the table below to understand the per-section IELTS band score requirements for each CLB level.
| CLB Level | IELTS Listening Score | IELTS Reading Score | IELTS Speaking Score | IELTS Writing Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Canadian Experience Class
For National Occupational Classification (NOC) A jobs, the minimum language requirement is CLB 7. For NOC B jobs, Canada IELTS band requirement is CLB 5. You need to understand the score requirements first to start your IELTS preparation accordingly. Check the table below to understand the job category and the CLB requirements:
| NOC | CLB Level | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 10 and above | 8.5–9.0 | 8.5–9.0 | 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 |
Achieving the minimum IELTS score for Canada is important for a successful application process. By understanding the CLB levels, you can calculate IELTS required score for Canada and start your preparation. You must apply for a Canadian Visa at least 6 to 8 months before your IELTS score expiry date.
FAQs
Ques: What IELTS score is required for Canada?
Ans: To get admission to undergraduate programs, you need to achieve a minimum of 6.0 IELTS band score and post-graduate programs require a minimum of 6.5 band scores. Canadian PR visa applications require a minimum of 6.0 IELTS band scores.
Ques: Is 5.5 band eligible for Canada?
Ans: With a 5.5 IELTS band score, you can get admission into some of the best Canadian colleges and universities. If you are aiming for the top-ranked universities, you need to achieve a 6.5 band or higher. Check the band score requirements from the university's official websites before applying.
Ques: Is 7 a good score in IELTS for Canada immigration?
Ans: IELTS requirements for Canada vary and depend on your application purposes. To get a successful admission into Canadian Universities, you need to achieve at least a 6.5 overall IELTS band score.
Ques: Is 4.5 bands eligible for Canada PR?
Ans: The total IELTS score ranges from 0 to 9, achieving a 4.5 band is a very low score. For a successful Canada PR application, you need to achieve at least 6.0 overall bands.
Ques: Who is eligible for Canada PR?
Ans: The Government of Canada sets Canadian PR eligibility criteria. You need to be at least 18 years of age, have a clean criminal record, and need to maintain the minimum IELTS bands needed for Canada.
1721213476.png?tr=w-305,h-145,c-force?h=40&w=40&mode=crop)
1720421478.jpg?tr=w-305,h-145,c-force?h=40&w=40&mode=crop)
1690981008.png?tr=w-305,h-145,c-force?h=175&w=350&mode=crop)
1716896913.png?tr=w-305,h-145,c-force?h=175&w=350&mode=crop)
1716897664.png?tr=w-305,h-145,c-force?h=175&w=350&mode=crop)
Comments