Canada is considered one of the most conducive countries in the world for several reasons, including tourism, further education, government support for recognized citizens, a place where human rights can be expressed without reservation, and a well-functioning working system.
This has contributed positively to the nation’s economy, as immigrants from other parts of the world also want to utilize this opportunity to further their path to quality living.
If this is the path you have chosen, you need to know the required IELTS scores for working in Canada and obtaining PR. This article provides that information.
The Express Entry System
One of the fastest ways of getting the required IELTS score for working in Canada and obtaining PR in 2024 is through the Express Entry System.
This system is a host to three programs. Each by which you can obtain your desired end. They are the following;
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
Though each is designed distinctively for a kind of immigrant, they collectively provide individuals from all around the world an equal opportunity to explore the country’s vast resources to strengthen their professional careers and also provide solutions to the challenges facing their region of employment.
However, if you are not found to merit the demands of this entry, you will be denied the opportunity to be considered, even before applying for the opening. One of the demands to be met for this entry is displaying your language proficiency by undertaking an IELTS exam and meeting the criteria of the required IELTS scores for working in Canada.
What is IELTS?
IELTS is an acronym for the International English Language Testing System. It is a standardized testing system designed for non-native English speakers to assess their proficiency in writing, reading, listening, and speaking the English language.
The grading system runs from 1 to 9 for each category of the assessment. The scores from each category will be combined to measure the cumulative average of the examination, which is the result score.
This assessment will be required in your pursuit of working in Canada and obtaining PR. It will display your English ability to the respected body—especially if you are going through the Express Entry program—and showcase you as an ideal applicant for entry into their country.
A high score in your IELTS examination can solidify your chances of being invited to apply (ITA) after your application has been placed in the express entry pool.
According to the Government of Canada, the processing time to receive an invite would take an average of 5 months, depending on the program you applied through. However, a strong IELTS score may take less.
Although the required IELTS scores to work in Canada and obtain PR in 2024 depend on the nature of your profession, whether as a skilled worker or a student hoping to further education. However, there is a minimum benchmark for staying on course.
IELTS Benchmark for Working in Canada and Obtaining PR in 2024
Although the required IELTS scores for working in Canada differ for each program, if you wish to obtain PR through this application, you should have a minimum of 6.0 in each of the IELTS categories, which cover Writing, Reading, Speaking, and Listening.
CLB is the Canadian Language Benchmark, and it is used to measure the language ability of the applicants.
When your IELTS score is evaluated through the lens of CLB, your entry success is measured, and you can ascertain your chance of being invited.
After being assessed, if you are within the CLB point of 5 to 10, you are within the grades considered for entry. However, you will not qualify for entry if you have a CLB point lower than 5, that is, a CLB point of 4 or below. Moreover, a CLB point of 10 and above strengthens your application’s success. You stand a high chance of being invited to apply (ITA).
Now, let us consider the required IELTS scores to work in Canada and obtain PR and their route of entry;
Federal Skilled Worker Program
This program is designed for immigrants who intend to work in Canada (outside the province of Quebec) and obtain a PR. It is for skilled workers with at least 12 months of work experience under the NOC TEER code 0, 1, 2, or 3.
| NOC TEER | Occupation Type | Examples |
| 0 | Management Occupations | Occupations requiring: Supervision 2 years or more of Apprenticeship training, College Diploma |
| 1 | Technical Occupations that require a University degree | Forestry professionals, data scientists, web developers, and programmers. |
| 2 | Occupations requiring 2 years or more of Apprenticeship training, 6 months or more of on-the-job training, a College Diploma | Agricultural and Fish Products Inspectors, Biological Technologists, Construction Inspectors, etc. |
| 3 | Occupations requiring 2 years or more of Apprenticeship training, 6 months or more of on-the-job training, a College Diploma | Occupations requiring: Supervision 2 years or more of Apprenticeship training, College Diploma |
The range of the required IELTS scores to work in Canada and obtain PR under this program is a minimum benchmark of CLB 7 for NOC TEER 0 and 1 and CLB 5 for NOC TEER 2 and 3.
Canadian Experience Class
This program is reserved for skilled immigrants with work experience in Canada seeking to obtain PR. The same criteria required in a Federal Skilled Worker Program apply to this program, too. The difference is that an applicant for the Federal Skilled Worker program applies outside the country, while the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program applies from within Canada.
It is important to note that some occupation types will demand a higher minimum benchmark above the general benchmark for a particular NOC TEER.
For example, being a lawyer demands that you have an IELTS minimum score of 7 across each category of the grading system. However, being a nurse warrants a minimum score of 7 for reading and speaking, 6.5 for writing, and 7.5 for listening.
Here are the general CLB points and how they correspond to the IELTS scores.
| NOC TEER | CLB points | Writing | Speaking | Reading | Listening |
| 3 | 5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| 2 | 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 |
| 1 | 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 1 | 8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 |
| 0 | 9 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 |
| 0 | 10 and above | 7.5-9 | 7.5-9 | 8-9 | 8.5-9 |
Federal Skilled Trades Program
This program is designed for immigrants with trade experience who are recognized by one of the following skilled trade NOC groups; Major Group 72, Major Group 73, Major Group 82, Major Group 83, Major Group 92, Major Group 93, and Minor Group 6320.
To qualify for this program, you need to have a certificate of qualification issued by the Canadian authority and at least two years of skilled trade work experience. This only counts if you were within the rules and regulations of the country where you practiced the trade.
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Also, it requires that you are proficient in your language ability. This is where you will need your IELTS assessment report.
The range of the required IELTS scores for working in Canada and obtaining PR under this program is between CLB level 4 and above, with a cumulative average of 4 points out of 9 in IELTS. You will be disqualified if you score below this average. The higher your IELTS score across the 4 different sections, the higher the chances of being invited to apply (ITA).
Here are the general CLB levels and how they correspond to the required IELTS scores for working in Canada.
| CLB levels | Writing | Speaking | Reading | Listening |
| 4 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 |
| 10 and above | 7.5-9.0 | 7.5-9 | 8.0-9.0 | 8.5-9.0 |
Although the required IELTS scores for working in Canada and obtaining PR are standard for every immigrant under the Express Entry System, other criteria such as age and education must also be met. A Comprehensive Ranking System is used to measure these factors and predict your level of success.
Conclusion
Acquiring the required IELTS score for working in Canada and obtaining PR in 2024 is a dream that can come true if you begin the process. While having the necessary resources is important, one of the key requirements is taking the IELTS test to assess your language proficiency. And while at this, aim for higher scores across the four sections. A higher score will translate to a shorter processing time and better opportunities to live in the province or territory of your choice.
The needed IELTS Scores can be achieved with your dedicated effort and determination to live your dream, whether as a student or a skilled worker. So, begin the application process as soon as possible, believing that if anyone can do it, you can.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of the IELTS exam differs per location. However, for foreign students, the general training or the academic IELTS exam costs an average of $335.
To work in Canada and obtain PR would demand that you take the IELTS exam and meet the needed IELTS scores. However, there are other pathways to obtaining permanent residence. You can consider the Canadian PR visa.
To work in Canada and obtain PR, you will need an average of 6 points. However, the program through which you apply will determine the points accepted.
Your IELTS score can either be used to fast-track the success of your entry, or it can be grounds for your disqualification. A higher score on your IELTS can contribute to how soon you receive a response from the relevant authority, as you aim to get the required IELTS scores.
An IELTS exam is valid only for two years. Suppose your assessment report expires before the end of the processing time. In that case, it is advisable to take another exam while aiming toward the required IELTS scores for working in Canada and obtaining PR in 2024.
The needed IELTS Scores can be achieved with your dedicated effort and determination to live your dream, whether as a student or a skilled worker. So, begin the application process as soon as possible, believing that if anyone can do it, you can.
