We have some fantastic news for foreign nationals seeking to live and work in Canada: the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) does not have to be a hiccup for immigrants who want to start a new life in the Great White North.
With an abundance of opportunities such as free universal healthcare, a forward-thinking educational system, high quality of life and a sound social and economic system, it only makes sense why more people, especially students, are looking to settle in Canada.
But first, let’s get into what IELTS is all about, the suitable immigration pathways that either have a reasonable IELTS requirement or may not require an IELTS, as well as the application process.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Explained
The IELTS test is aimed at international students who want to study or live and work in Canada - a country where English is a native language. The IELTS test is also a requirement in other countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and USA. International students will be tested on their ability to read, listen, write and speak in English while the grading will be on a scale of one to nine.
You may ask yourself: what does IELTS do for your immigration application?
Well, for starters, taking the IELTS test will show your level of proficiency in English, which also means that you are able to communicate efficiently in a native English speaking environment, therefore opening doors to other opportunities such as employment and community integration. It goes without saying that demonstrating this type of ability will boost your chances of permanent residence (PR) in Canada.
We would like to note that IELTS is a vital requirement if you are looking to gain PR for Canada. Understandably so, you would have to prove that you can combat potential language barriers and integrate well into the Canadian culture and workforce if you are looking to officially settle up in the North.
Immigration Programs Without IELTS
You would be delighted to know that there are ways around IELTS for those seeking to move to Canada on a more temporary basis. The immigration programs may either have a low IELTS score or may not require IELTS at all. Let us dive deeper into these programs and the requirements thereof.
The Express Entry System
Because the Express Entry system comprises three highly accommodating immigration pathways, it has become the most preferred immigration option. The three programs under Express Entry are: (1) Canadian Experience Class, (2) Federal Skilled Worker Program and the (3) Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Furthermore, you would have to create an Express Entry profile to receive an Invitation To Apply (ITA) before applying directly to one of Express Entry streams. Depending on the nature and circumstances of your immigration, if it’s temporary, you may not require an IELTS to visit Canada.
Express Entry IELTS Requirement
For skilled immigrants wanting to immigrate under the Express Entry permanently, below are the requirements for each Express Entry program, according to the official Canadian government website:
Foreign nationals can earn an additional 50 points if they have strong French language skills - whether or not French is their second language.
Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadiens (NCLC) is the French language equivalent for the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) test. If you score NCLC 7 or higher on all four French language skills (writing, listening, reading and speaking), you can:
- Earn an additional 25 points if you scored CLB 4 or lower in English (even if you did not take the English test).
- If you scored CLB 5 or higher on all four English skills, you can earn an additional 50 points.
Eligibility under Express Entry depends on how well you can demonstrate your language proficiency in either English or French, and you should take the language test that’s approved by the Canadian government. Below are the approved language test, as per the information on the official Canadian government website:
English
CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
- you must take the CELPIP-General test
- we don’t accept the General-LS test for Express Entry
IELTS: International English Language Testing System
- you must take the General Training option we don’t accept the Academic option for Express Entry
French
TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français, including:
- compréhension de l’écrit
- compréhension de l’oral
- expression écrite
- expression orale
TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français, including:
- compréhension de l’écrit
- compréhension de l’oral
- expression écrite
- expression orale
Let us move onto the minimum levels for the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Minimum IELTS score for Canada PR for all four levels for the Federal Skilled Program:
- English: CLB 7
- French: NCLC 7
Minimum IELTS score for Canada PR for all four levels for the Canadian Experience Class: the requirements will depend on the job’s National Occupation Classification (NOC).
- NOC 0 or A: CLB 7 (English) and NCLC 7 (French)
- NOC B: CLB 5 (English) and NCLC 5 (French)
Minimum IELTS score for Canada PR for all four levels for the Federal Skilled Trades Program: You will be tested on reading, writing, speaking and listening in English or French.
- English: speaking and listening CLB 5
- English: reading and writing CLB 4
- French: speaking and listening
- French: reading and writing NCLC 4
On a lighter note, we would like to remind you that you are not alone on this journey. Here, on Canadian Visa Review, we can advise you through the process.
The Validity of the Test ResultsThe test results of foreign nationals who want to live and work in Canada permanently must be less than two years old when sub
mitting with their Canada PR application. If you receive an ITA to apply to one of the Express Entry streams, you would have to check whether or not your language test results are still valid (less than two years old).
Should your results be expired, you should retake the test, apply before it expires or decline the ITA and go back into the Express Entry pool to be considered again.
Now, let us continue with the rest of the immigration programs that will not require an IELTS.
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
You can apply for the PNP through the Express Entry system. You would create your Express Entry profile and show which provinces you would like a nomination from. Before choosing a province, we urge candidates to double-check the social and economic conditions of the province before choosing a Canadian province to settle in.
The PNP is a province-driven program and under this program, eligible candidates would usually be skilled workers who are able to fill the shortage of skills in a province. You may need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from your Canadian employer which will serve as proof that your employer is authorized to hire a foreign skilled worker for the job. Furthermore, you can have a reasonable IELTS score between CLB 4 to 6. However, the higher the score, the better your chances.
The Canadian Student Visa
Depending on the requirements of the Designated Learning College (DLI), some student visas may not require an IELTS to further their studies. However, international students would have to meet the criteria of the study visa requirements. It is worth noting that most well-renowned DLI’s and universities in Canada may require an IELTS - it is better to obtain an IELTS as this will increase your chances of a successful application and broaden your options.
The Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
The Visitor Visa does hold a set of requirements but because this is a temporary visa, it will not require an IELTS. A visitor visa is a document that will be placed in your passport and it will signify eligibility for those traveling in and around Canada temporary - the visitor can stay up to six months. The border service officer may allow you to stay less or longer, depending on your admissibility to Canada.
To qualify for this visa, you would need to be in good health, have no record of criminal activity or immigration convictions, and convince the immigration officer that you have ties in your home country which will require you to go back home.
Additionally, you should also have enough money to take care of yourself and produce a medical exam and letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada. The applicant should also have the necessary supporting documents at hand, which should be submitted with the visa application.
Canada Business Immigration Program
Streams such as the Start-Up Business Class will require you to meet a language criteria and therefore, it is important to double-check the requirements before applying to business immigration programs - this can be highly time consuming as your application will be delayed and rejected should you fail to meet the language requirement. The Canadian government has dedicated three relevant groups of people: (1) Entrepreneurs, (2) Self-Employed individuals and (3) Investors.
Under these streams, a language requirement is almost always standard but most likely reasonable. You will be assessed on your listening, reading, writing and speaking skills and you are required to reach a proficiency of at least benchmark level 5 for the Start-Up Business Class.
According to the Canadian government, being able to demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in English or French is vital when it comes to foreigners integrating into the Canadian culture and workforce.
The Family Class Sponsorship Program
If you are looking to gain PR for Canada under the Family Class Sponsorship Program, then this program is for you. If you are 18 years or older and you live and work in Canada as a permanent resident or Canadian citizen, you can sponsor your relatives so they may gain PR status in Canada.
Additionally, you can sponsor your spouse, conjugal or common-law partner, dependent or adopted children, parents and grandparents. In other words, you do not require an IELTS if you are being sponsored by a close relative who is already a Canadian citizen or has PR status.
For a more in-depth overview of the language requirements, simply find out more about Canadian Immigration Language Requirements: CELPIP vs IELTS here.
The Application Process
Whichever immigration program you choose, you have to go through these steps when undergoing PR for Canada:
Step 1: Check if you meet the program criteria (and the job requirements)Step 2: Check your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score - under Express Entry system or other points driven programs
Step 3: Gather your documents beforehand and have it ready
Step 4: Create your online Express Entry profile
Step 5: Apply to the most suitable program, pay the application fees and submit your application
You may want to check the fees required for your application, so feel free to explore our article on the costs involved to move to Canada.
Before you submit your Canada PR application, you should do a final check to ensure everything is in place, fill in all required fields accurately and honestly, and have the necessary supporting documents on hand to validate the information you have provided.
If you found this information helpful, then feel free to head over to Canadian Visa Review for more resourceful tools to kick-start your immigration journey.
FAQS
Can I go to Canada without IELTS?
International students can study in Canada without an IELTS, although some well-renowned universities or DLIs may require you to have an IELTS. An IELTS requirement depends on the type of program/visa and the university requirement.
How do I prepare for IELTS?
According to the British Council, you should take the practice test, ensure you understand the format of the test, know the time constraints, nurture your English and IELTS strategies, practice multitasking, use the proper English terms to communicate clearly and immerse yourself into the process.
How much does the IELTS cost in Canada?
According to the Official IELTS Test Centre, test fees are: $308.85 + tax (all locations in Ontario), $311.61 + tax (Vancouver PB locations) and $302.68 + tax (Vancouver CD locations).