Minimum IELTS Score for Canada PR in 2025
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Planning to move to Canada through permanent residency? Knowing the minimum IELTS score for Canada PR is a major part of the process. Language proficiency plays a big role in immigration programs like Express Entry, which uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to evaluate candidates.
Different PR pathways, like Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the Express Entry system, have language requirements based on NOC job levels and CLB benchmarks. Scoring well boosts your chances significantly, especially with added points for higher language levels. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.
What is IELTS?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognized exam used to assess a person's English language proficiency. It is accepted by immigration authorities, universities, and employers in countries including Canada, Australia, the UK, and more. For Canada PR, IELTS is a key requirement under programs managed by Express Entry.
- There are two types, IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. For Canada PR, the General Training version is required.
- The exam assesses listening, reading, writing, and speaking abilities.
- Each section is scored from 1 to 9, and your overall band is the average of all four sections.
- You can take the test multiple times a year in paper-based or computer-based formats.
- IELTS scores are valid for two years from the date of the test.
- The test is available in over 140 countries with multiple dates and test centres.
Also Read: Language Test For Canada PR: List of English to French Exams for Canada Immigration
Minimum IELTS Score for Canada PR Under Express Entry
For the Canada Express Entry system, your IELTS score plays a crucial role in determining your eligibility and ranking under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Different immigration programs like FSWP, FSTP, and CEC have unique language requirements tied directly to your CLB level. Here are the minimum IELTS score requirements for each Express Entry stream.
1. The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is suitable for those seeking Canadian permanent residency through their skilled trade qualifications. Here is a detailed table comprising the minimum IELTS score for Canada PR under the Express Entry FSTP stream.
CLB Level |
Listening |
Reading |
Speaking |
Writing |
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 |
Explore: CRS Score Essentials for Canada Permanent Residency in 2025
2. The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a key pathway under Express Entry for skilled professionals seeking permanent residency in Canada. To qualify, you must meet specific language requirements that correspond to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels. Here is a table for the IELTS score required for FSWP eligibility.
CLB Level |
Points per band |
Listening |
Reading |
Speaking |
Writing |
7 |
4 |
6.0 |
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 |
However, if English is your second language, then your score should be structured this way:
CLB Level |
Points per band |
Listening |
Reading |
Speaking |
Writing |
5 or above |
4 |
5.0-9.0 |
4.0-9.0 |
5.0-9.0 |
5.0-9.0 |
Check Out: Total Cost For Canada PR From India in 2025
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an immigration stream under Express Entry for skilled workers with Canadian work experience. Meeting the minimum IELTS score aligned with the required CLB level based on your job type is important to qualify for CEC. The table below shows the IELTS score needed for CEC eligibility.
NOC TEER level |
CLB Level |
Listening |
Reading |
Speaking |
Writing |
0 and 1 |
10 or above |
8.5-9.0 |
8.0-9.0 |
7.5-9.0 |
7.5-9.0 |
0 and 1 |
9 |
8.0 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
0 and 1 |
8 |
7.5 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
0 and 1 |
7 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
2 and 3 |
6 |
5.5 |
5.0 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
2 and 3 |
5 |
5.0 |
4.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
Which IELTS Test is Needed for a Canada PR Visa?
For a Canada PR visa, the accepted test is the IELTS General Training. This version is officially recognized by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for all economic immigration programs, including Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
The IELTS General Training test evaluates your practical English skills for everyday communication in an English-speaking environment. It includes four sections: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing. The test is scored on a band scale from 1 to 9, and your results are directly mapped to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) system.
Suggested Reading: List of Documents Required For Canada PR From India in 2025
Tips to Achieve the Minimum IELTS Score for Canada PR
Here are some tips to help you achieve the minimum IELTS score for Canada PR.
- Familiarize yourself with the test format: Before taking the test, ensure you know the format and understand the types of questions you will encounter in each section.
- Practice regularly: The more you practice, the more familiar you will become with the test format and the more confident you will feel on test day.
- Improve your vocabulary: The IELTS exam tests your vocabulary, so it's essential to work on expanding your vocabulary.
- Improve your grammar: Good grammar is essential for achieving a high score in the Writing and Speaking sections of the test. Make sure you know the grammar rules and practice using them in your writing and speaking.
- Focus on your weaknesses: Identify your weaknesses and work on improving them. For example, if you struggle with the Listening section, practice listening to English language materials regularly.
- Take mock tests: Taking mock tests can help you identify areas where you need to improve and give you a sense of how you are progressing.
Also Read: How to Increase Chances of Getting PR in Canada in 2025?
Ready to take the next step toward Canadian PR?
In conclusion, if you are planning to apply for permanent residency in Canada, it is important to be aware of the minimum IELTS score for Canada PR. Achieving a high score in the IELTS exam can increase your chances of being selected for immigration to Canada, as it is one of the key factors that immigration officers consider when assessing your application.
Connect with GetGIS to secure Canada PR effortlessly. Besides offering end-to-end immigration services to Canada, Australia, Germany, Austria, Sweden, GetGIS has an impressive 99.9% success rate helping candidates achieve 8-band scores in IELTS.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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