What is IELTS and how it will help with immigration to Canada

To immigrate to an English-speaking country or study at an English-language university, you need to prove your language skills. You can do this by taking a language exam.

IELTS is the most popular and widely accepted English test for studying and immigrating to Canada, as well as the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. The test certificate is valid for two years.

There are three versions of the IELTS exam:

• IELTS Academic — for university admissions;
• IELTS General Training — for immigration applications;
• IELTS Life Skills — for testing speaking and listening skills for UK visas and immigration.

IELTS assesses 4 language skills:

• Listening
• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking

IELTS Requirements for Canadian Immigration

Canada accepts IELTS Academic for university and college admissions and IELTS General Training for immigration. Starting in 2024, Canadian immigration authorities will also accept PTE Core (Pearson Test of English) results as an alternative for Express Entry programs.

Required scores for admission depend on the specific educational institution, but it's often IELTS 6.0. Some programs even offer admission without a language test.

For immigration, language requirements vary as Canada has many programs for different candidates. Moreover, language assessment in Canada uses the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) system. IELTS scores are converted to CLB scores, which you can read more about here.

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Most programs require between CLB 4 and CLB 7. CLB 4 equals IELTS 4.5 in Listening, 3.5 in Reading, and 4.0 in Writing and Speaking. CLB 7 corresponds to IELTS 6.0 in each skill.

Most immigration programs award points for various factors, including language. Higher language scores increase chances of immigration.

Let's look at the requirements for some popular Canadian immigration programs.

Express Entry

The Express Entry system covers three federal immigration programs.

The Federal Skilled Worker Program requires CLB 7 or higher, which is IELTS 6.0 in each component.

The Canadian Experience Class has different requirements based on the applicant's qualifications. For managerial and high-skilled professions (NOC TEER 0 and 1), CLB 7 is needed. For semi-skilled and trades professions (NOC TEER 2 and 3), CLB 5 is required, which is IELTS 4.0 in Reading and 5.0 in Listening, Writing, and Speaking.

The Federal Skilled Trades Program requires CLB 5 (IELTS 5.0) for Listening and Speaking, and CLB 4 for Reading (IELTS 3.5) and Writing (IELTS 4.0).

Ontario Provincial Nominee Program

The Ontario Provincial Nominee Program has multiple streams with different language requirements.

For example, the Human Capital Priorities Stream requires CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0 in all skills).

The Foreign Worker Stream doesn't set specific language requirements. However, scoring IELTS 6.0 or higher earns additional points, improving immigration chances. The same applies to the International Student Stream.

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program

This program has different features. For instance, the Skilled Worker and International Graduate streams only require language proof for semi-skilled and trades occupations. They need CLB 4, which translates to IELTS 4.5 in Listening, 3.5 in Reading, and 4.0 in Writing and Speaking.

The Entry Level and Semi-Skilled stream requires all applicants to have CLB 4.

Atlantic Immigration Program

IELTS requirements for the Atlantic Immigration Program depend on the candidate's occupation.

Managerial, high-skilled, and semi-skilled professions need CLB 5 (IELTS 4.0 in Reading and 5.0 in other skills).

Jobs typically requiring high school education or brief on-the-job training need CLB 4 (IELTS 4.5 in Listening, 3.5 in Reading, 4.0 in Writing and Speaking).

Business Immigration Programs

Most programs for permanent residency through business have minimal language requirements — CLB 4.

IELTS Test Costs

IELTS test costs vary by country. For convenience, prices are shown in US dollars as of 2025:

Here's the translated text:

• Canada — $175 to $190 USD
• USA — $215 to $310 USD
• Kazakhstan — around $170 USD
• Uzbekistan — around $175 USD
• Armenia — around $270 USD
• Georgia — around $260 USD
• Turkey — around $175 USD
• Latvia — around $260 USD

It's currently not possible to take the exam in Russia, and we've discussed possible solutions for Russians in a separate article. In Ukraine, you also can't take IELTS at a test center.

There's also an option to take IELTS Online, but it's only suitable for those who need the IELTS Academic exam. IELTS Online costs about $150 USD.

Exam Registration

You need to register for IELTS online. The registration process is simple and intuitive, and it takes place on the official website.

You'll need to choose the country where you plan to take the test, the exam version, the format (paper-based or computer-based), and a suitable date. The speaking part usually takes place on one day, while listening, reading, and writing are on another. However, during registration, you can schedule the speaking test for the same day as the other parts.

At the end of the registration, you'll need to create a British Council account and provide your passport details, address, and contact information.

You can pay for the test immediately using an international bank card or later using other methods, such as a bank transfer. After payment, you'll need to upload a scan of the receipt, and once the payment is confirmed, you'll need to upload a scan of your ID.

IELTS Test Stages

Before the exam, you'll receive an email with the test location and instructions on what you can bring. The most important thing to remember is that electronic devices and even wristwatches are not allowed. Usually, test centers have storage lockers where you can leave your phone and other belongings. You can bring water in a clear bottle and writing materials.

It's best to arrive at the test location early to find the right room and floor, and to complete the on-site registration. Yes, there's another registration at the test venue, so bringing your passport is mandatory.

Speaking Section

The Speaking test consists of three parts. The first is an introduction and general conversation with the examiner. The second part involves speaking on a given topic for at least one minute. The examiner may ask a few follow-up questions. The third part is a continuation of the dialogue, but the questions about the topic usually become more "global" and complex. The total Speaking time is usually no more than 15 minutes.

Listening Section

The Listening test consists of four parts: typically two dialogues and two monologues. Before the test begins, you'll receive a question sheet and an answer sheet. You don't have to write your answers on the answer sheet immediately, as you'll have 10 minutes at the end to transfer your answers from the draft to the exam sheet.

Each audio recording is more challenging than the previous one and is played only once. The test includes 40 questions of various types. Your task is to listen to the audio and find answers to the questions on the task sheet. The total duration of this part is 40 minutes.

Reading Section

The Reading test differs depending on which version you're taking. In IELTS Academic, the texts are usually on academic topics and are considered more difficult, containing scientific vocabulary. IELTS General Training contains texts on general topics that are easier to understand and shorter. The Reading test includes three texts and 40 questions to answer in 60 minutes.

Writing Section

The Writing test consists of two tasks and lasts 60 minutes. Like the Reading test, it differs depending on the test version.

In IELTS Academic, the first task requires you to describe a graph, chart, map, or table (about 150 words), and the second task is to write an essay (about 250 words) expressing your view on a problem, considering the situation from different angles, agreeing or disagreeing with the statement in the topic, and explaining why you hold that opinion.

In IELTS General Training, the first task should be about 150 words, but instead of describing a graph or table, you'll need to write a letter. This could be a letter to a boss or a friend, typically describing a problem and possible solutions. The second task is often an essay, similar in length to the Academic version but usually on a less complex topic.

Where to Prepare for IELTS?

Getting a good score on IELTS is challenging but achievable. You need to know the exam nuances, practice a lot, and have a high level of language proficiency.

We always recommend learning English at the Canadian language school ILAC. It has received numerous Canadian and international awards, accepts students from around the world, and partners with many Canadian universities.

At ILAC, you can improve your general language skills, prepare for the IELTS exam, or take an English program for admission to Canadian universities without taking a language test. One online English lesson at ILAC costs less than $5 USD.

Click here to start improving your English at a world-renowned language school.