IELTS to CLB
If you are planning to move to Canada, you will need to convert your IELTS score to a CLB level. This page explains what CLB means, how the conversion works, and what scores you need for each immigration programme.
What does CLB mean?
CLB stands for Canadian Language Benchmarks. It is Canada’s way of measuring your English ability on a scale from 1 to 12.
CLB 1 is the most basic level. CLB 12 is near-native fluency. For most immigration programmes, you will need at least CLB 7.
Canada does not use your overall IELTS band score. Instead, it looks at your four individual scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking, and converts each one separately.
IELTS to CLB conversion chart
The table below shows the IELTS General Training band score you need for each CLB level. Find your individual band scores and match them to the CLB column.
| CLB Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
Important: Only IELTS General Training scores are accepted for Canadian immigration. IELTS Academic scores cannot be used.
How to convert your IELTS score to CLB
Do not try to convert your overall IELTS band score. That number does not matter for immigration purposes.
Instead, follow these steps:
- Take your four individual IELTS band scores (reading, writing, listening, speaking).
- Use the chart above to find the CLB level for each skill.
- Your lowest CLB score across all four skills is your overall CLB level for meeting minimum programme requirements.
Your CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) points, however, are calculated using each skill score individually. So higher scores in any skill still help your Express Entry ranking.
What IELTS score do I need for CLB 7?
CLB 7 is the minimum for most Express Entry programmes. You need at least 6.0 in every section of the IELTS General Training test.
That means 6.0 in reading, 6.0 in writing, 6.0 in listening and 6.0 in speaking. If even one section falls below 6.0, your overall CLB will drop below 7.
Many students find listening the easiest section to score well in, while writing tends to be the hardest. If you are close to CLB 7 but struggling with writing, getting feedback on your essays can make a real difference.
What IELTS score do I need for CLB 8?
CLB 8 gives you significantly more CRS points than CLB 7. The scores you need are:
- Reading: 6.5
- Writing: 6.5
- Listening: 7.5
- Speaking: 6.5
Notice that listening requires a much higher band score at this level. This catches many students off guard. Practise with timed listening exercises and focus on sections 3 and 4, which are the most challenging.
What IELTS score do I need for CLB 9?
CLB 9 puts you in a strong position for Express Entry. The required scores are:
- Reading: 7.0
- Writing: 7.0
- Listening: 8.0
- Speaking: 7.0
Reaching CLB 9 requires a 7.0 or above in every skill. For listening, you need 8.0, which means getting no more than 5 or 6 questions wrong across the whole test.
At this level, focused preparation and expert feedback make the biggest difference. Our online IELTS course includes detailed corrections from ex-IELTS examiners who can pinpoint exactly where you are losing marks.
Minimum IELTS scores for Canadian immigration programmes
There are three main pathways to permanent residency through Express Entry:
Federal Skilled Worker Programme (FSWP): Requires CLB 7 in all four skills. This is the most common route for skilled workers applying from outside Canada.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Requires CLB 7 for NOC TEER 0 or 1 jobs, and CLB 5 for NOC TEER 2 or 3 jobs. This programme is for people who already have Canadian work experience.
Federal Skilled Trades Programme (FSTP): Requires CLB 5 in reading and writing, and CLB 5 in speaking and listening. The requirements here are lower because the focus is on trade skills.
Your IELTS test results must be valid for the entire processing period. Since applications can take six months or more, make sure your test is recent enough.
Common questions
How much is IELTS 7.5 in CLB?
It depends on the skill. For listening, 7.5 gives you CLB 8. For reading, 7.5 falls between CLB 9 (7.0) and CLB 10 (8.0), so it counts as CLB 9. For writing and speaking, 7.5 also counts as CLB 10.
Your overall CLB is determined by your lowest skill, so check each one separately using the chart above.
Is CLB 7 a good score?
Yes. CLB 7 meets the minimum for most immigration programmes. It means you scored at least 6.0 in every IELTS section.
That said, higher CLB scores give you more CRS points, which can make the difference between receiving an invitation to apply or not. If you can push even one or two skills to CLB 8 or 9, it helps.
Can I use IELTS Academic for CLB?
No. Canada only accepts IELTS General Training for immigration purposes. If you have taken the Academic test, you will need to sit the General Training test as well.
How long are IELTS results valid for CLB?
Your IELTS results are valid for two years from the test date. Make sure they will still be valid when your application is processed, which can take six months or longer.
Ready to get the IELTS score you need?
If you are preparing for IELTS General Training for Canadian immigration, getting the right score matters. Our essay correction service gives you detailed feedback from ex-IELTS examiners so you know exactly what to fix before exam day.