Is IELTS mandatory for Canada PR? This is the first question people get in their minds when thinking about Canadian immigration.
If you aim to live and carve a successful career in Canada, you have come to the right place. Of course, you would want to gather more information about the IELTS requirements for a PR visa. Also, learning more about the Canada Express Entry program is crucial.
Immigration to Canada has become a more workable option through the Canadian Express Entry system, being the Fastest Way to Immigrate to Canada from India. However, certain benchmarks need to be accomplished for seamless immigration into the country. Above all, the first and foremost step towards immigration to Canada is through scoring points under which language ability is regarded as a crucial criterion.
To be able to prove your proficiency in the English language for Canadian immigration, taking the IELTS exam is mandatory.
Is IELTS Mandatory for Canada PR?
Many people looking to obtain Canadian permanent residency or immigration to Canada ask this question. The answer is ‘NO’. But why are they so much of a hue and cry for IELTS? You ought to take it into perspective and understand that IELTS is one of the four language proficiency tests that you can consider taking for Canada PR. Whether you want to Study in Canada from India or settle for a job, IELTS is very mandatory.
Taking IELTS for immigration to Canada can be pretty overwhelming. However, with the right information and preparation, you will be ready to get the highest IELTS score; thus, making way for you to immigrate to Canada.
The IELTS (short for International English Language Testing System) General exam is a globally standardized test of English language proficiency. It is recognized by the Canadian Government for immigration purposes.
People from all over the world have a strong desire to study or work in a fabulous country called ‘Canada’. It offers a plethora of great opportunities. To apply for Canada PR, people can undertake IELTS. It is a very popular English language proficiency exam and people passing it can work in the ‘Land of Maple Leaf’.
Let’s dive in and know the importance of IELTS for Canada PR:
About IELTS
The procedure of Immigration to Canada from India is a little complex, you need to keep track of changing language requirements. IELTS is very mandatory for The IELTS is one of 4 language tests recognized by the Canadian government for immigration purposes.
Other tests include Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF), and the Test d’Évaluation du Français (TEF). CELPIP exams are generally managed within the country, albeit more CELPIP test centers have opened worldwide. TCF and TEF, on the other hand, are only used for assessing French ability.
There are four languages recognized by Canada for immigration purposes, and each test has diverse results/marking methods, Canada has created an equivalency scoring system for the different tests. IELTS is of two types: Academic IELTS and General Training IELTS.
Following are the four modules or sections which test the English language proficiency:
✔️ Reading
✔️ Writing
✔️ Listening
✔️ Speaking
Foreign nationals who want to immigrate to Canada permanently are required to take an IELTS test. This is compulsory for all immigration applications, including those applying through Express Entry. Each immigration program in Canada will have a different level of English language ability that you, as an applicant, have to meet.
What is an IELTS Test?
IELTS is an approved English language ability test taken by foreign nationals to prove their English proficiency. Having a good score in the IELTS exam plays a very crucial role for the government of Canada, as this will confirm how well you communicate.
Two types of IELTS tests:
✔️ Academic Test – This test is for foreign nationals with an interest in studying at undergraduate or post-graduate institutions.
✔️ General Training Test – This test is for foreign nationals who want to work in an English-speaking nation or immigrate.
How are IELTS Results Determined?
Any applicant looking to study or work abroad is tested on their English proficiency on a scale from 1-9 in the below-mentioned four skills, including Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking (as mentioned above).
The test will be carried out at an official British Council IELTS test centre. The duration of the IELTS test is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
IELTS uses a 9-band scoring system for evaluating and reporting test scores. Applicants receive individual band scores for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. They receive an Overall Band Score on a band scale from 1 to 9.
Once the applicant receives their score, it will be converted to the CLB (short for Canadian Language Benchmark), as this is what is used on their application for a visa. The CLB depicts 12 levels of language proficiency in each of the above-mentioned four skills. There are three stages in the CLB, which are as follows:
✔️ Stage 1 includes basic language ability (benchmarks 1 to 4)
✔️ Stage 2 includes intermediate language ability (benchmarks 5 to 8)
✔️ Stage 3 includes advanced language ability (benchmarks 9 to 12)
Applicants must use their IELTS score to determine the level of CLB by using the table below:
| FSWC | FSTC | CEC (NOC 0 OR A) | CEC (NOC B) | |
| Speaking | 6 | 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Reading | 6 | 3.5 | 6 | 4 |
| Writing | 6 | 4 | 6 | 4 |
| Listening | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 |
How to Prepare for the IELTS Exam
You can find many ways to prepare for the IELTS test. These include:
✔️ Take the time to learn the format of the IELTS exam;
✔️ Practice a wide range of reading materials to prepare them for all parts of the test;
✔️ Expose yourself to as much English as possible, including watching English movies and listening to English music; and
✔️ Conversing in English with native speakers of the English language.
What is the Minimum Score required for the IELTS Exam?
The minimum score you require in the IELTS test for admission to top-notch Canadian universities is Band 6.5. However, there are some universities, which consider Band 6 as well. Thus, any score below Band 6 is not good to enter the country.
How long are IELTS Results Valid for?
IELTS is considered valid by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) for Canadian immigration for 2 years from the date of issuance of the results. Once IELTS results become worthless, the affected candidate is removed from the pool. They will not be eligible to be issued an ITA (Invitation to Apply) for Canadian PR. Hence, applicants whose results may become null are encouraged to sit another exam before that option becomes a reality.
Minimum IELTS Score required for Express Entry in Canada
The minimum IELTS score required to apply for permanent residency in Canada through Express Entry is no less than 6 in all four sections of the IELTS exam, which is equivalent to CLB 7.
The Express Entry program in the “Land of Maple Leaf” depends on a points-based system for testing the candidates. The most important objective of this process is to identify applicants with the highest chance of succeeding after moving to Canada.
Based on the Express Entry points system, every express entry draw has the lowest cutoff score, and these draws are held regularly. If the applicants secure the CRS score equal to or above the cutoff score will receive an ITA.
You need to score 67 points under various eligibility criteria out of 100 to get through Express Entry. Express Entry IELTS score calculator is based on the following factors:
AGE
You can secure more points if your age is between 18-35 years. If you are above, you will not gain more points.
EDUCATION
When your qualifications meet the eligibility criteria, you can gain the highest points. Your minimum educational qualification should be equal to Canada’s higher secondary education level.
WORK EXPERIENCE
If you have a working experience of one year, you can gain the highest points. If you have more years of work experience, you will get more points.
ADAPTABILITY
If your family members or close relatives live in Canada and can support you when you move to the country, you can score 10 points. As well, you gain points if your partner is willing to move to Canada with you.
ARRANGED EMPLOYMENT
A valid job offer from an employer in Canada will make you score 10 points.
The points you obtain in the Express Entry program are awarded to clients based on CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System). If you get higher points based on the above-mentioned factors, there is a higher chance of getting an ITA for Canadian permanent residency.
Is IELTS Mandatory for Spouse for Canada PR?
Single applicants and applicants with an accompanying spouse or common-law partner are evaluated somewhat in a different way under the Express Entry CRS. For those applicants with a spouse or partner, up to 20 points are awarded for the first language proficiency of the spouse or partner, with five points available for each of the four language abilities. As a result, you can obtain CRS points if your spouse or partner sits a language test, including the IELTS.
If you are seeking an answer to ‘Is IELTS mandatory for Canada PR?’ get in touch with knowledgeable immigration experts at Oasis Resource Management. We can assist you every step of the way with respect to IELTS. Consult With Us!
