What is the Minimum IELTS Score to get Canada PR in 2025

Acquiring your IELTS test results is one of the first steps you may take to begin the process of obtaining a work visa and permanent residence in Canada. Presenting your IELTS results for a work visa and permanent residence is mostly done to ensure that, should you choose to move there, you can speak easily.

The minimum IELTS score for Canada PR is 6.0, depending on the immigration program or type of work. This score is determined by the four skills (speaking, writing, reading, and listening), each of which is evaluated independently. The average score of all four decides the final score.

Moreover, candidates can apply for IELTS General Training or IELTS Academic Training to get the Canada PR.

• IELTS Academic - You must take this test if you want to pursue further education in any English-speaking nation.

•  IELTS General Training - You should take this test if you want to travel to an English-speaking nation for employment or training.

In addition, General Training IELTS is required for Canadian immigration. Depending on the type of job you are seeking and your PR procedure, you may need to achieve minimal IELTS scores.

The Canada PR will be calculated using the CLB Level (Canadian Language Benchmark). This means that whatever band score you achieve in IELTS Exam or other English proficiency exams will be converted into CLB level.

Below is the table showing how the scores are converted from IELTS to CLB.

If English is your second language, you will receive four points overall if you fulfil the standards listed above for each section.

To apply for PR through express entry, you must have a minimum level of English language proficiency and score 6.0 in each section (reading, listening, speaking, and writing) of the IELTS. In Canada, the CLB is used to assess your English language proficiency, and you must score approximately 67 points out of 100.

The express entry system is the best and fastest way for students or skilled immigrants to acquire PR in Canada. Applicants who receive points from the express entry system based on a complete ranking system, or CR, have a better chance of receiving an invitation to apply or ITA for permanent residence in Canada if they score higher.

There are 3 different ways through which Canada PR can be acquired.

• Federal Skilled Worker Program

• Federal Skilled Trades Program

• Canadian Experience Class

If English is your official first language, you will receive the maximum points if your CLB is 10 or above, and if you get 4 or lower, you won’t get any points.

Below is a table of the Federal Skilled Worker Program that shows CLB level and IELTS scores:

The Federal Skilled Worker Program needs a CLB level of 7, and the minimum score in IELTS for Canada PR is 6 in each component. 

Below is a table of the Federal Skilled Trade Program that shows CLB level and IELTS scores:

You must achieve a minimum CLB 5 for the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

The Canadian Experience Class allows you to acquire appropriate occupations in accordance with the specified CLB levels to obtain a Permanent Resident or work visa in Canada. There are two levels of occupational classification - NOC A and NOC B. NOC stands for National Occupational Classification, a system used to categorise jobs according to certain levels.

The table below shows the IELTS band score for a Canada work visa based on different NOC levels:

A minimum CLB 7 level is required for NOC A, while a minimum CLB 5 level is required for NOC B.

You need to know that the IELTS score required for a Canadian work permit varies significantly between jobs and occupations. For example, a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is required to become a nurse, whereas a score of 7.0 is required to become a lawyer.

Since the Canadian Express Entry Program offers the quickest route to a Canada Permanent Resident Visa, immigration to Canada has become a more attractive alternative. Nonetheless, a few benchmarks must be met for immigration to proceed smoothly. Generally, the score of 6.0 is valid for Canada Immigration.

The first and most essential step in this direction is implementing a points system, where linguistic competency is recognised as a crucial requirement. You are required to take the IELTS exam in order to demonstrate your English language skills for immigration to Canada.  

To conclude, Canada is home to many international students from more than 150 countries, and getting a good IELTS score is essential if you want to study in Canada and live there. Depending on the particular immigration program or job, you must demonstrate strong communication skills. Different IELTS scores are needed; however, skilled immigrants are usually advised to get at least 6.0 in each test band.

We hope you liked reading the blog. If you want to know more about Canadian PR or want to work in Canada, we encourage you to speak with our team of expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). Our counsellors will provide you with guidance throughout your study abroad. Get help with the application process, SOPs, and filing for a visa. Visit us and get one-to-one counselling, or avail yourself of free video counselling via our website. We will be happy to help you, so please do not hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011.

Question: What is the average IELTS score needed to be eligible for immigration to Canada?

Answer: The minimum IELTS score necessary for immigration to Canada varies according to the type of program. Applying using the Express Entry process benefits from a higher score. It is generally preferred to have a CLB score of seven or above in each language skill.

Question: Does Canada require the IELTS?

Answer: Yes, admission to Canadian universities requires an IELTS score. It is one of the recognised assessments of language competency for the majority of programs offered by Canadian universities. With your IELTS results, you can apply to your dream colleges. Studying in Canada typically requires a minimum band score of 6.0.

Question: What is the importance of IELTS scores in admission?

Answer: To stay up to date with the curriculum, universities require that non-native students take the IELTS test. They may make sure that all applicants, regardless of their native tongue, are assessed using the same standards by using a standardised test. Certain academic programs may have the minimum criteria for IELTS scores, particularly those that are language-intensive or demand a high level of communication and interaction.

Question: How many bands required for Canada PR? 

Answer: To get permanent residency in Canada, you need a minimum band score of 6.0. For highly competent personnel, the minimum band score threshold may increase to 8.0. Therefore, you must achieve the minimum score required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), depending on your skill needs.

Question: How can my IELTS score affect my Canada PR score?

Answer: Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is determined by your CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks) levels, which are determined by your IELTS score (a points-based system). The likelihood of travelling to Canada increases with the CRS score. Candidates seeking permanent residence in Canada are ranked using the CRS score in the Express Entry system.

Question: Can I retake the IELTS exam if I did get the minimum score for a Canada student visa?

Answer: Yes, if your IELTS score falls short of the minimum required, you are free to retake the exam. However, you must give yourself enough time before the application deadline to get the results.

Question: To pursue a master’s, how much is an IELTS score required for Canada?

Answer: A master's degree in Canada requires an overall IELTS score of 6.5. A score of lower than six bands will not be accepted into any master's program in Canada.

Question: What minimum IELTS score is required for a work permit or visa to Canada?

Answer: IELTS scores of at least 6.0 bands are required for work permits in Canada. For NOC B-level work, the reading component must have a minimum score of 4.0, and the other three components must receive a minimum score of 5.0 in order to be eligible for NOC B-level employment.

Question: Does a 6.5 IELTS score help in immigration to Canada?

Answer: A 6.5 IELTS score is considered a reasonably satisfactory score for Canada Immigration and is recognised by several skilled worker and student immigration programs.

Question: What is ITA?

Answer: ITA stands for Invitation to Apply. It is a document given by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada(IRCC) to students in the Express Entry Pool. With an ITA, an applicant can also apply for Canadian PR.