What IELTS score do I need for Canada PR?

For Express Entry, you need minimum CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0 in each section) for Federal Skilled Worker program. However, for a competitive CRS score, CLB 9 (IELTS 8.0 L/R, 7.0 W/S) is recommended. Higher IELTS scores directly translate to more CRS points.

Should I take IELTS Academic or General for Canada PR?

IELTS General Training is accepted for Canada PR immigration purposes. IELTS Academic is only required if you plan to pursue higher education in Canada or apply for certain professional licenses that specifically require it.

How long is the IELTS score valid for Canada PR?

IELTS scores are valid for 2 years (24 months) from the test date. Your score must be valid both when you receive your ITA (Invitation to Apply) and when you submit your PR application.

What is the difference between CLB and IELTS?

CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks) is Canada's official language proficiency standard. IELTS scores are converted to CLB levels for immigration. For example, IELTS 7.0 = CLB 9, IELTS 6.0 = CLB 7, IELTS 5.0 = CLB 5.

How many CRS points can I get from IELTS?

A single applicant can earn up to 136 CRS points from language proficiency. CLB 10 (IELTS 8.5+) gives maximum points. With a spouse, the maximum is 150 points. Language is one of the highest-scoring factors in Express Entry.

Is PTE accepted for Canada PR instead of IELTS?

Yes, since November 2023, PTE Core is accepted for Canada immigration. However, IELTS remains the most widely recognized and preferred test by immigration consultants and lawyers.

Can I combine two IELTS test scores?

No, you cannot combine scores from different test sessions. All four component scores must come from a single test sitting within the 2-year validity period.

What if my IELTS score expires during processing?

Your IELTS score must be valid when you receive your ITA and submit your application. If it expires during processing after submission, you generally don't need to retake the test, but check the latest IRCC guidelines.

Can I use IELTS One Skill Retake for Canada PR?

Yes, IRCC accepts combined IELTS scores from the One Skill Retake option. If you scored well in 3 sections but need to improve one, you can retake just that section within 60 days. Your best scores from each section combine into a final result — a cost-effective way to boost your CRS points.

Resources

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IELTS for Canada PR: Complete 2026 Guide

Everything you need to know about IELTS requirements for Canadian Permanent Residency - CLB conversion, CRS points, Express Entry programs, and strategies to maximize your score.

Last updated: April 2026 · Reviewed by language exam experts

CLB 7+

Minimum for FSW

136

Max CRS from language

2 Years

Score validity

General

IELTS type for PR

IELTS to CLB Conversion Table

CLB Level	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking	CRS Points
CLB 10	8.5	8.0	7.5	7.5	34 per ability
CLB 9	8.0	7.0	7.0	7.0	31 per ability
CLB 8	7.5	6.5	6.5	6.5	23 per ability
CLB 7	6.0	6.0	6.0	6.0	17 per ability
CLB 6	5.5	5.0	5.5	5.5	9 per ability
CLB 5	5.0	4.0	5.0	5.0	6 per ability

Maximum points (ideal target)

Minimum for FSW program

Express Entry Programs & IELTS Requirements

Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)

Min: CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0 each)

For skilled workers with foreign work experience

Pro tip: Language has the highest weightage - 28 points possible out of 100 in selection factors

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Min: CLB 7 (NOC 0/A) or CLB 5 (NOC B)

For those with Canadian work experience

Pro tip: Even with Canadian experience, higher IELTS = more CRS points

Federal Skilled Trades (FST)

Min: CLB 5 Speaking/Listening, CLB 4 Reading/Writing

For qualified tradespeople

Pro tip: Lower language requirement, but higher scores still help CRS

Maximize Your CRS Points from IELTS

Single Applicant (max 136 points)

CLB 10 in all = 136 points
CLB 9 in all = 124 points
CLB 7 in all = 68 points

With Spouse (max 150 points)

Your language: up to 128 points
Spouse language: up to 20 points
Spouse CLB 9+ gives max bonus

Key Tips for Canada PR Applicants

Take IELTS General Training

Not Academic, unless you need it for education

Aim for CLB 9+ (IELTS 7-8)

The CRS point jump from CLB 7 to 9 is significant

Plan for 2-year validity

Don't take the test too early or you may need to retake

Consider French too

TEF/TCF can add up to 50 bonus CRS points

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Resources

IELTS for Canada PR: Complete 2026 Guide

IELTS to CLB Conversion Table

Express Entry Programs & IELTS Requirements

Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Federal Skilled Trades (FST)

Maximize Your CRS Points from IELTS

Single Applicant (max 136 points)

With Spouse (max 150 points)

Key Tips for Canada PR Applicants

Take IELTS General Training

Aim for CLB 9+ (IELTS 7-8)

Plan for 2-year validity

Consider French too

Ready to Practice for IELTS?

Related Resources

IELTS Academic vs General Training

IELTS Score Requirements by Country

IELTS One Skill Retake

IELTS vs TOEFL 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

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