The Express Entry program is often seen as too complex for the average immigrant. For this reason, many immigrants choose to follow other visa routes that they find slightly comprehendible. The Express Entry program, if studied and understood properly, is one of the easiest ways to relocate to Canada. One of the major reasons why people tend to shy away from the express entry program is its IELTS score requirements.
So, in this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to Canada express entry IELTS score requirements.
You will learn the IELTS score requirements for the express entry programs and how you can calculate them properly. You will learn about the minimum IELTS requirements for the Canadian express entry programs, how to improve your IELTS score, and the impact of your score, amongst other things.
All of the information in this article will help you in your immigration journey and further understand the IELTS score requirements for the Canada express entry program.
Overview of Canada Express Entry Program
The Canadian Express Entry program is an online selection system used by the Canadian government to organize and process the applications of skilled workers who wish to immigrate to Canada and acquire Canadian permanent resident status.
The express entry program manages three main federal economic programs:
- The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
- The Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Importance of IELTS Score in Canada Immigration
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular English language test recognized by CIC. The IELTS is the world’s leading English language test, taken by over 3 million candidates within 12 months.
The IELTS test is offered across four main language disciplines: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. In Canada, the main aim of the IELTS score is to prove that you (the applicant) are well grounded in all four of the English language discipline (speaking, listening, reading and writing). In Canada, the results of the IELTS test correspond to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)
Breakdown of Canada Express Entry IELTS Score Requirements
Minimum IELTS Score Requirements
The IELTS tests are scored on a banded system from 1 (the lowest band) to 10 (the highest band). To be eligible for the Canadian Express Entry program, you are expected to have a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 on each language discipline on the IELTS band system.
How is the Minimum Score Determined?
As stated earlier, the minimum IELTS score is determined through the band system. You will be eligible to apply for the Express Entry program if your IELTS score is at or above 6.0 across all four of the language ability (speaking, listening, reading and writing).
Tips to Improve IELTS Score
- Develop your reading technique.
- Listen to audio that teaches or uses correct grammar.
- Know the IELTS test.
- Practice whenever you can.
- Read anything you can find in the English language.
- Overall, work on all four of the language ability.
Recommended IELTS Study Materials and Resources
- Practice tests on the IELTS online course.
- Read novels, blogs, newspapers and academic journals etc.
- The Official Cambridge Guide for IELTS.
- Simon Braverman’s target Band 7.
- Mometrix IELTS Book for General Training and Academic 2021-2022
- IELTS Trainer.
Importance of Taking Practice Tests
- Familiarity with the test.
- Great source of self-assessment.
- Increased chances of scoring high on the actual test.
- Exposure to the IELTS exam format.
The IELTS Waiver Program
The IELTS waiver program is created for individuals, mostly international students who have had lifetime studies in the English language or are from a widely regarded English-speaking country and have proof of command over the English language. Hence, the IELTS waiver program helps the applicant by waiving the criteria of presenting an IELTS result.
Eligibility Criteria for The Waiver
- Your family income must be lower than $250.
- You should have a minimum score of 75% in your high school grades.
- You should have a GPA of 3.0 in your bachelor’s degree.
- You must submit proof that you studied in an English medium school for at least 4 years.
- You should be from a widely recognized English-speaking country.
- For scholarship applicants, you should e below 32 years of age.
Required Documentation for The Waiver Application
- Your bachelor’s degree (if required)
- National identity card (if required)
- Statement of purpose
- High school diploma (if required)
- Medical files or health certificates.
IELTS Score Conversion Process
Your IELTS score will be converted to a special grade system called the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). Various IELTS scores are ranked across the CLB from CLB 4 to CLB 10. The best IELTS score for Canada PR is the CLB 10. As for the permanent residency through express entry, you need a minimum language proficiency of CLB 7 or a minimum score of 6.0 on each section of the IELTS test.
Scoring high on the IELTS can fetch 29 to 31 CRS points and 32 to 34 CRS points if you have a spouse.
| CLB Level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
| 10 | 8.5 – 9.0 | 8.0 – 9.0 | 7.5 – 9.0 | 7.5 – 9.0 |
| 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
If English is your second language, you get 4 points added to your already awarded 29 or 31 points if you score 5.0 and above on the IELTS test.
Comparison of IELTS Score with Other English Proficiency Tests
The three widely used English proficiency test results besides the IELTS are the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), the Pearson Test of English (PTE) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). All three of these English proficiency tests are based on the four language disciplines: reading, writing, speaking and listening. CELPIP scores measure on a scale of 0-10, while the PTE uses a scale of 10-90 and the TOEFL a 0-120 scale.
How IELTS Score Affects Express Entry Profile
Your IELTS score can have a significant impact on your total CRS score. You have to score a total sum of 67 CRS points out of 100 to be eligible for the Express Entry program. Hence, acing your IELTS test will further boost your Express Entry profile, giving you a high chance of being selected for PR.
Other factors like age, work experience, education, proof of funds and arranged employment also boost your CRS scores. As you need to score close to or above 500 CRS points to stand a high chance of getting a PR, these other factors are also highly detrimental to your success in getting a PR.
Final Thoughts on Canada Express Entry IELTS Score Requirements
It is important to note that there are 2 types of IELTS tests: the IELTS Academic and the IELTS General Exam. As a PR applicant, you should only apply for the latter. The IELTS Academic exam result can’t be used for PR application as it is solely for international students wishing to move to Canada for study purposes.
The three major things you should know from this article on the comprehensive guide to Canada Express Entry IELTS score requirements are:
- The IELTS program is made up of 4 language disciplines (speaking, reading, writing and listening)
- You are required to score a minimum of 6.0 across all 4 of the language disciplines.
- IELTS scores will be converted to a special grade system called the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).
Meeting the Canada express entry IELTS score requirements would greatly boost your Express Entry application. As seen earlier in this article, scoring high on the IELTS test would give you the advantage to go for any stream in the Express Entry program as well as increase your overall CRS score, which can enable you finally secure an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in an Express Entry draw.
Frequently Asked Questions on Canada Express Entry IELTS Score Requirements
What is the minimum IELTS score for Canadian immigration?
Averaging 6.0 on all sections of the IELTS is considered the minimum for successful applicants.
Can I improve my IELTS score after submitting my Express Entry profile?
You can update the new IELTS score anytime in the express entry profile.
What are the best resources to prepare for the IELTS exam?
Some of the best resources to prepare for the IELTS exam include The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS, IELTS trainer, Barron’s IELTS super pack etc.
Can I apply for an IELTS waiver for Canada immigration?
Yes, the IELTS waiver is made available for immigrants who may want to study in certain Canadian universities or want to apply for a tourist or visitor visa.
How are IELTS scores converted for Canada immigration?
The Canadian government will convert your IELTS scores into CLB scores to determine how many CRS points your Express Entry profile will have.
Is work experience more important than the IELTS score?
It depends on the route of entry you wish to apply in migrating to Canada. The Express Entry programs often demand that applicants have a minimum of 1 year of work experience.
Can a high IELTS score compensate for low education credentials in the Express Entry profile?
A high IELTS score will be a top selection factor; however, if you apply for PR, you needn’t worry about your educational credentials.
Can a low IELTS score lead to rejection of an Express Entry profile?
Yes, scoring very low or poorly in the IELTS exam can reduce your chances of getting selected for the Express Entry draw.
How does IELTS score affect the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score?
The CRS score can improve a huge amount if you can score an IELTS result equivalent to or better than a CLB level 9.
