What is the qualifying IELTS score for Canada PR in 2022?
Before we tell you the mandated qualifying IELTS score for Canada PR — let us first understand what this globally-renowned language proficiency test is.
What is IELTS?
The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS is designed to measure your command of the language — English. There are two types of IELTS tests you can choose from — Academic and General.
While the Academic IELTS training is required for universities and colleges, the General IELTS training is for purposes related to career and immigration.
Minimum IELTS score for Canada PR
Your IELTS test result plays a significant role in the CRS calculator. Most of Canada’s immigration programs are point-based — where candidates are allotted points based on certain human capital and economic factors, language proficiency is one of them.
The IELTS test will assess your skills over four key modules: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
As it takes IRCC around 6 months to process a Canada PR application under the Express Entry program — you need to achieve a score, that is valid for that entire duration.
Ideally, Canadian permanent residency under the Express Entry would require a minimum IELTS score of CLB 7 — or 6.0 in each of the four modules.
How is the IELTS score for Canada PR calculated?
IELTS score is calculated on a 9-band scale ranging from Band 1 to Band 9. Using the IELTS score calculator, each of the 4 modules mentioned above is awarded a certain band score based on your performance in the exam.
Here’s the minimum requirement for each CBL Level:
There are 40 questions in the Listening and Reading module, where each correct answer will give you 1 mark. The total is then converted into the band scales mentioned above. You will be allotted 30 minutes for the Listening module, and 60 minutes for Reading.
The Speaking module, however, is evaluated by an authorized IELTS representative in a face-to-face interview. You will be evaluated on your — fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and accuracy and pronunciation of English. This evaluation usually lasts anywhere between 11 and 15 minutes.
The last module, Writing. This will again be assessed by an IELTS representative across four areas — Task Achievement (for Task 1), Task Response (for Task 2), and the four criteria evaluated in the Speaking assessment. You will be allotted 60 minutes for this section.
The total duration of the IELTS exam is 2 hours and 45 minutes. While the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections will be conducted on a single day, the Speaking section might be conducted either on the same day — or within seven days before or after your exam.
How to get a high IELTS score for Canada PR?
Boosting your IELTS score for Canada PR just by 1 or 2 marks a higher Canadian Level Benchmark (CLB) score.
- Listening: Go through the question once, before you hit play on the recording. You can raise an issue if you are having technical difficulties with the recording. Make sure you know the correct format to write dates — and that you are aware of both British and American pronunciation.
- Reading: If you can’t understand a question, do not spend too much time on it, move on to the next one. Solve them in the end, if you have time left. Make sure you underline all the important and pivoting keywords.
- Writing: Do not use spoken English while writing — and make sure your handwriting is readable, tidy, and neat. Also, complete Task 1 first, then move to Task 2 — as Task 1 contributes to more marks in the IELTS test.
- Speaking: Listen to the question carefully before you speak up. Don’t answer if you couldn’t understand the question the first time. Request the representative to repeat the same. Make sure you speak with authority and confidence.
Take Away: Being one of the key eligibility factors in the CRS calculator — it is important that you land a good score, a score that will eventually help you get Canadian permanent residency. The higher your IELTS score, the more are your chances to boost points in the CRS calculator — and eventually, gain Canadian permanent residency.
Achieving the qualifying IELTS score for Canada PR will also justify your ability to adapt to a new community. That is why the majority of the countries that welcome immigrants use the IELTS test result as a part of the immigration eligibility criteria.
Providing proof of language proficiency is also an important factor when applying for a work permit in Canada. It is a mandated job requirement, as having strong communication skills helps organizations succeed.
Not to mention, thousands of the world’s most established universities and colleges will accept your IELTS test result as credible proof of your language proficiency in English.
