International English Language Testing System, popularly known as IELTS, is an English-language proficiency test for citizens of countries that don’t have English as their mother tongue. It is accepted by the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and many others. Many countries consider scores of IELTS to test the English proficiency of citizens of non-English speaking countries.
There is no minimum test score required to pass the test. It is released as band scores, from band 1 to band 9 and band 0 for non-test takers. Institutes consider scores of the last two years except in some cases.
FORMAT OF THE IELTS:
IELTS consists of four sections: listening, writing, reading, and speaking. The test has two formats: computer and pen-paper with listening, writing, speaking conducted on computers and paper, respectively. However, speaking is conducted face to face in both formats. The test results in the computer format are announced in three to five days and the pen-paper format in thirteen to fifteen days.
IELTS tests are of two types:
- IELTS General Training: IELTS General Training is for those who need to prove proficiency for immigration purposes, work permits, and education below degree level.
- IELTS Academic: IELTS Academic test is opted by candidates who want to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, or professional degree courses in a foreign country.
The exam is for 2 hours and 45 minutes, with listening, writing, and reading conducted together. However, candidates can give the test of the speaking section a week before or after tests of other sections.
SCORES NEEDED IN IELTS FOR CANADA
Scores of IELTS are accepted by more than 350 universities or educational institutions in Canada for admissions. For citizenship and immigration purposes, IELTS was the first English-proficiency test recognized by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and Immigration Quebec.
The minimum score requirement for each CLB level in all the sections are
| Level of CLB | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
| 10 | 8 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 6 | 5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 4 | 3.3 | 4 | 4.4 | 4 |
SCORES REQUIRED FOR CANADA PR: EXPRESS ENTRY
We will mention the IELTS score requirement for Canada PR: Express Entry for all categories.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
If you have English as your official language, then no points are rewarded for CLB 4 or below, and a maximum score of 34 or 32 is awarded if you have CLB 10 or above.
| Level of CLB | Listening | Writing | Reading | Speaking |
| 7 | 6 – 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 9 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| 10 or above | 8.5 – 9 | 7.5 – 9 | 8 – 9 | 7.5 – 9 |
If English is your second language, you get 4 points if you meet the requirements of each section.
| Level of CLB | Overall Points | Listening | Writing | Reading | Speaking |
| 5 or above | 4 | 5 – 9 | 4 – 9 | 4 – 9 | 5 – 9 |
Canadian Experience Class
National Occupational Classification (NOC) A jobs need a minimum of CLB 7, and NOC B jobs require a minimum of CLB 5.
Levels of CLB corresponding to the scores of each section of the IELTS General Test are
| Levels of CLB | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | NOC |
| 10, or above | 8.5 – 9 | 8 – 9 | 7.5 – 9 | 7.5 – 9 | A |
| 9 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | A |
| 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | A |
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | A |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | B |
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | B |
FEDERAL SKILLED TRADES PROGRAM
Levels of CLB corresponding to scores of each section are
| Levels of CLB | Listening | Writing | Reading | Speaking |
| 10, or above | 8.5 – 9 | 7.5 – 9 | 8 – 9 | 7.5 – 9 |
| 9 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| 4 | 4.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 |
SCORES NEEDED IN IELTS FOR AUSTRALIA
Foreign candidates prefer Australia because of its study and work opportunities. Beautiful locations, a high standard of living, and a growing economy make it a good choice for permanent residency. However, you need to prove your command of the English language to deal with daily life activities.
IELTS is accepted by almost every educational institution and professional body for immigration purposes. For work and study purposes in Australia, you need to give IELTS Academic test. However, for immigration purposes, both the IELTS Academic test and the General test are accepted.
A minimum of 6 points in each of the four sections is required, with higher scores gaining you more points. The points are categorized into three bands: Competent, Proficiency, and Superior.
Bands allotted according to points scored:
| Band | Overall IELTS Scores | Points Scored |
| Competent | 6 or more | 0 |
| Proficiency | 7 or more | 10 |
| Superior | 8 or more | 20 |
Also Read: How To Get Dual Citizenship In Australia and Canada?
FAQs
What is the validity of IELTS scores in Canada and Australia?
IELTS scores are valid for two years in both Canada and Australia.
What is the minimum score needed in IELTS to qualify for Canada PR?
You need to score at least 6 points in IELTS to qualify for Canada PR.
What is the minimum score needed in IELTS to qualify for Australia PR?
You need to score at least 6 points in IELTS to qualify for Australia PR.
Which IELTS test is needed for PR in Canada and Australia?
You need to give IELTS General test for Canada PR. However, the IELTS General test and the IELTS Academic test are accepted for Australia PR.
