Take IELTS for PR (permanent residency): The language proficiency test accepted by the Canadian Government
IELTS was the first test to be recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Immigration Quebec as proof of English language proficiency for its immigration and citizenship programs.
Explore the different citizenship programs available to immigrate to Canada:
Express entry
This program provides a fast and efficient pathway for qualified candidates seeking to settle in Canada permanently.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Canada’s provinces and territories have their own nomination programs aimed at attracting skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates to meet the specific workforce needs of each region.
Quebec-selected skilled workers
This is the application process for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents of Canada and live in Quebec.
Caregivers
Canada offers special programs for caregivers who wish to work and settle in the country.
Self-employed Workers
This program is designed for individuals with self-employed skills who wish to contribute to the Canadian economy.
Atlantic Immigration Program
This program is a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates from a Canadian institution who want to work and live in 1 of Canada’s 4 Atlantic provinces—New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador. The program helps employers hire qualified candidates for jobs they haven’t been able to fill locally.
The British Council is dedicated to supporting refugees globally, collaborating with governments and educational partners to create opportunities. In Canada, we offer a 50% discount on the IELTS test fee to ensure refugee access. This initiative aims to empower refugees for better job and educational prospects in the country through successful IELTS testing. Limited promo codes are available this year, so Canadian refugees should apply today to seize this unique opportunity.
Regardless of the option you choose, proficiency in the English language, demonstrated through IELTS, can be a crucial requirement for your immigration process to Canada.
Part of the process of applying to many of Canada’s immigration programs is to prove language ability. The Government of Canada uses Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs) as a measure of English language ability. These CLBs are aligned to the band scores of IELTS for Canadian immigration.
We have created a handy calculator so that you can easily convert IELTS band scores to the equivalent CLB.
Most programs require that you have an IELTS band score in the General Training version of the test, but make sure you check with the immigration program specifications before you register for your IELTS test.
Because the CLBs are aligned to IELTS band scores, the higher IELTS band score you achieve, the more likely your CLB score will be higher. To improve your IELTS band score, visit our IELTS preparation page to get a variety of resources, including:
Our partners at Canada Visa have a free online assessment form which will help to determine the best immigration path for you. Once you have completed the form, Canada Visa will contact you to provide further help and answer any questions you may have.