IELTS for Canada Immigration 2026: Scores & Requirements
Planning to immigrate to Canada? IELTS is the most widely accepted English test for Canadian immigration, and your score is the single biggest factor in your CRS points. This guide covers everything: required scores, CLB conversion, Express Entry points, and strategies to maximise your score.
IELTS to CLB Conversion Table
Canada uses the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) system. Your IELTS scores are converted to CLB levels as follows:
| CLB Level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| CLB 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| CLB 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| CLB 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| CLB 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| CLB 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| CLB 10+ | 8.5+ | 8.0+ | 7.5+ | 7.5+ |
Minimum for Express Entry: CLB 7 in all skills (highlighted in green). Higher CLB = more CRS points.
CRS Points for Language
Language is worth up to 136 points (single applicant) or 150+ points (with spouse) in the Comprehensive Ranking System. Here is the breakdown:
| CLB Level (per skill) | Points (Single) | Points (Married, per skill) |
|---|---|---|
| CLB 4-5 | 0-6 | 0-6 |
| CLB 6 | 9 | 8 |
| CLB 7 | 17 | 16 |
| CLB 8 | 23 | 22 |
| CLB 9 | 31 | 29 |
| CLB 10+ | 34 | 32 |
IELTS Requirements by Programme
| Programme | Test Type | Minimum CLB | Minimum IELTS Scores |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Entry (FSW) | General Training | CLB 7 all skills | L:6.0 R:6.0 W:6.0 S:6.0 |
| Express Entry (CEC) | General Training | CLB 7 (NOC 0/A) or CLB 5 (NOC B) | Varies by NOC |
| Provincial Nominee (PNP) | General Training | Varies by province (CLB 4-7) | Check province |
| Study Permit | Academic | Typically IELTS 6.0-6.5 | University dependent |
| Spouse/Partner Sponsorship | Not required | N/A | N/A |
Score Maximisation Strategy
Every 0.5 band improvement translates to significant CRS points. Here is how to maximise your score:
Listening: Target 8.0+
Listening is often the easiest skill to improve. Practise with BBC podcasts, do lots of timed tests, and learn to predict answers. Getting 8.0+ in Listening is achievable with consistent practice.
Reading: Target 7.0+
General Training Reading is easier than Academic. Focus on time management (20 min per section) and TFNG strategy. Aim for 30+ correct out of 40.
Writing: Target 7.0
Writing is the hardest to improve. Learn proper essay structure, practise 2-3 essays per week, and get feedback. See model essays.
Speaking: Target 7.0+
Practise daily with a partner or by recording yourself. Prepare adaptable stories for cue cards. Focus on fluency over accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
Canada Key Facts
- Test type General Training
- Minimum CLB 7 (6.0 all)
- Target CLB 9 (7.0-8.0)
- Max CRS pts 136 (single)
- Valid for 2 years