IELTS Required Score for Canada 2025 - Minimum Bands for PR, Study & Work

The IELTS exam is one of the most accepted English language tests for people who want to go to Canada. It is approved by the Canadian government for many visa types, including a student visa, PR (Permanent Residency), and a work permit.

Most top Canadian universities, colleges, and immigration programs accept IELTS scores for admission or visa applications. The test checks your English skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Your IELTS band score plays a key role in whether you can get into a university, apply for Express Entry, or qualify under programs like SDS or PNP.

In this article, you will learn about the required IELTS score for Canada, how it works for different visa types and study levels, and some useful tips to get the score you need.

Why is IELTS required for Canada

The IELTS test is a very important step if you want to move to Canada for study, work, or permanent residency (PR).

• Language test accepted by IRCC: IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) accepts IELTS as a trusted English language test. It checks if you can communicate well in English in real-life situations.
• Needed for PR and Study Visa: If you are applying for Canada PR through Express Entry, PNP, or any other stream, you must give the IELTS General Training test.
  If you are going to study in Canada, you must take the IELTS Academic.
• Required by all Canadian universities: All universities and colleges in Canada ask for IELTS scores, whether you apply through the SDS or non-SDS route. It helps them see if you are ready to study in an English-speaking classroom.

IELTS Score for Canada PR in 2025

If you are planning to apply for Canada PR (Permanent Residency) in 2025, you must show proof of your English language skills. The Canadian government uses the IELTS General Training test to check your language level. You cannot use the IELTS Academic test for PR. Only IELTS General is accepted by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).

To apply through the Express Entry system, you need a minimum of CLB 7, which means 6.0 in each section of the IELTS: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

Your IELTS band score is converted into CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) levels. Based on your CLB level, you get points under the Express Entry system. Higher scores mean more points and better chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Here is a quick table for the Federal Skilled Worker Programme (FSWP):

CLB Level	Reading	Writing	Listening	Speaking	Points (Single Applicant)
CLB 7	6.0	6.0	6.0–7.0	6.0	4
CLB 8	6.5	6.5	7.5	6.5	5
CLB 9	7.0	7.0	8.0	7.0	6
CLB 10+	8.0+	7.5+	8.5+	7.5+	6

Even if English is your second language, you can earn 4 points if your score is at CLB 5 or above in all sections.

For the Federal Skilled Trades Programme (FSTP), the required score is CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing.

For the Canadian Experience Class (CEC):

• NOC A jobs need CLB 7 → IELTS 6.0 in each section
• NOC B jobs need CLB 5 → IELTS 5.0 in each section

Key Points:

• IELTS General Training is the only test accepted for PR
• Minimum CLB 7 means IELTS 6.0 in each section
• Higher CLB = More CRS points = Better chance for ITA
• Validity of IELTS score = 2 years (must be valid at the time of application)

If your score is low, you can always retake the test and try to boost your bands for better Canada PR chances.

Also Read: IELTS vs CLB Comparison: Major Differences & Applications

IELTS Score for Canada Student Visa (Study Permit)

If you want to study in Canada, you will need a Canada student visa, also called a study permit. One important part of this is proving your English language skills. The IELTS test is one of the most common English tests accepted for this purpose.

Most Canadian colleges and universities ask for a minimum IELTS score based on the level of the course you choose. For undergraduate programs, the required score is a bit lower than postgraduate programs.

Minimum IELTS Score for Canada Study Visa in 2025 (H3)

Study Level	Overall IELTS Score	Each Band Score (L, R, W, S)
Undergraduate Courses (Bachelor’s, Diploma)	6.0	At least 5.5 in each band
Postgraduate Courses (Master’s, PG Diploma)	6.5	Minimum 5.5 or 6.0, based on university
SDS Program (Student Direct Stream)	6.0	6.0 in each band required

What is SDS Program?

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a fast-track visa option for students from some countries, like India, the Philippines, Vietnam, and more. To apply through SDS, you must have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with no band less than 6.0.

Also Read: What is SDS (Student Direct Stream) in Canada?

IELTS Requirement for Canadian Universities 2025

To study in Canada in 2025, international students must show proof of their English language skills. Most Canadian universities accept IELTS Academic test scores for admission into undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

The minimum IELTS score needed to study in Canada is usually 6.5 overall, but some top universities may ask for a higher score, especially for postgraduate courses.

Also, starting in 2025, students must get a provincial attestation letter before applying for a Canadian study permit. You will also need an offer letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to be eligible.

Minimum IELTS Score for Canada Student Visa (SDS Stream)

If you are applying through the Student Direct Stream (SDS), the minimum IELTS Academic score required is 6.0 overall, with no band less than 6.0 in any section.

General IELTS Requirement for Canadian Universities (H3)

• Undergraduate programs: Minimum 6.5 overall
• Postgraduate programs: Usually 6.5 to 7.5 overall, depending on the university and course
• No individual band (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) should be too low (generally above 6.0)

Top Canadian Universities and Their IELTS Requirements 2025 (H3)

University	UG IELTS Score	PG IELTS Score
University of Toronto	6.5	7.0
The University of British Columbia	6.5	6.5
McGill University	6.5	6.5
McMaster University	6.5	6.5
University of Alberta	6.5	6.5
University of Waterloo	6.5	7.0
University of Ottawa	6.5	6.5
Queen’s University	6.5	7.0
York University	6.5	7.5
Dalhousie University	6.5	7.0

IELTS Band Requirement by Study Level

Diploma / Undergraduate

If you are planning to study a diploma or undergraduate course in Canada, like a Bachelor’s degree or short-term program, you must show good English skills. For most colleges and universities, the minimum IELTS score required is:

• Overall IELTS Band Score: 6.0
• Each Band (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking): No less than 5.5

Some institutions may ask for higher scores, so it's always good to check the official website of the university or college where you want to apply.

PG Diploma / Master's Degree

For postgraduate diploma or Master’s degree programs in Canada, the IELTS requirement is usually a bit higher. This is because PG-level study needs more advanced English skills, especially for academic writing and research.

Here are the general IELTS score requirements:

• Overall IELTS Band Score: 6.5
• Each Band: No less than 6.0 (some may accept 5.5 in one or two bands)

If you are applying under the Student Direct Stream (SDS), the requirement is strict:

• Overall: 6.0
• Each Band: Minimum 6.0

Always check with your chosen institution because some Canadian universities may ask for even higher scores for specific programs like MBA, Law, or Healthcare.

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IELTS Band Requirement for Work Permit

IELTS for LMIA-based Work Permit

If you are applying for a Canada Work Permit with the help of an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment), you may need to show your English skills. In most cases, IELTS is accepted as proof of your language ability.

The required IELTS score depends on the job offered and the NOC skill level. But usually, you should aim for at least CLB 5 or CLB 6 in IELTS General Training.

• CLB 5 = IELTS scores of around:
  • Listening: 5.0
  • Reading: 4.0
  • Writing: 5.0
  • Speaking: 5.0
• CLB 6 = IELTS scores of around:
  • Listening: 5.5
  • Reading: 5.0
  • Writing: 5.5
  • Speaking: 5.5

Always ask your employer or immigration consultant about the right score based on your job type.

IELTS for Caregiver Pilot Program

For those applying under Canada’s Caregiver Pilot Program (Home Child Care Provider or Home Support Worker), you must prove your English ability to take care of children or elderly people in Canada.

The minimum language requirement is CLB 5 in English. You need to take the IELTS General Training test.

Here is the CLB 5 equivalent in IELTS:

• Listening: 5.0
• Reading: 4.0
• Writing: 5.0
• Speaking: 5.0

IELTS for Citizenship (Optional – CLB 4 or Equivalent)

If you want to become a Canadian citizen, you must show that you can speak and understand English or French. IELTS is not mandatory, but you can use IELTS General Training as proof if you want.

The minimum required level is CLB 4 in English.

This is equal to:

• Listening: 4.5
• Reading: 3.5
• Writing: 4.0
• Speaking: 4.

Also Read: Education system in Canada

IELTS Score Validity for Canada

If you are planning to move to Canada for study, work, or immigration, your IELTS score must be valid at the time you submit your application.

The validity of IELTS score for Canada is 2 years from the test date.

That means:

• If you took the IELTS test on 1 January 2023, it will be valid only till 1 Jan 2025.
• You must apply for your visa, study permit, or PR before your IELTS score expires.

If your IELTS test result becomes older than 2 years, it will not be accepted by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).

Also Read:

• New Rules for International Students in Canada
• Safest Countries for Indian Students to Study Abroad 2025

Tips to Achieve the IELTS Required Score for Canada

Scoring well on the IELTS exam is essential for meeting Canada’s student visa, university admission, and PR requirements. A good IELTS required score for Canada ensures you can effectively communicate in academic and professional settings. 

Here are the major tips to help you succeed:

1. Understand the Exam Structure: 

• Familiarize yourself with the four sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) to know what to expect and manage time efficiently.

2. Practice with Mock Tests:

• Regularly take full-length IELTS practice tests to improve your accuracy, speed, and confidence under exam conditions.

3. Enhance Listening and Speaking Skills:

• Listen to English podcasts, news, and lectures, and engage in daily conversations to build fluency and pronunciation.

4. Improve Writing and Reading Abilities: 

• Read academic articles, newspapers, and books while practicing essay writing to develop structured and coherent responses.

5. Seek Professional Guidance:

• Consider IELTS coaching programs or online courses to get expert strategies, personalized feedback, and structured study plans.

Also Read:

• Top High Paying Jobs in Canada for 2025
• Jobs After MS in Canada - Opportunities, Salary & Recruiters
• Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Canada for 2025

Conclusion 

The IELTS required score for Canada in 2025 depends on your purpose: PR, study, or work. For Canadian PR via Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program), you need at least IELTS 6.0 in each section (CLB 7) for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. 

For the Canadian Experience Class, the minimum is also 6.0 in each section for NOC 0 or A jobs, and 5.0–6.0 for NOC B roles. The Federal Skilled Trades Program requires Listening 5.0, Reading 3.5, Writing 4.0, Speaking 5.0 (CLB 4–5). 

For study permits, most Canadian universities ask for an overall IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each section. Higher-ranked universities or competitive programs may require 6.5–7.0+. 

For work permits in Canada, your score must match your program’s requirements and be less than two years old. Always confirm the exact IELTS band needed with your chosen university or immigration program. For help with IELTS preparation or Canada applications, connect with upGrad experts.