What is a good score for Canada immigration?

This article will review test score you need to immigrate to Canada.


You will learn how to calculate your score, how to send it, the minimum requirements.

We will also review the four programs and how the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) relates to IELTS.

How to calculate the IELTS score for immigration to Canada

Immigration to another country requires careful consideration and planning.  

Every country has set requirements to get permanent residence or a work permit. None less so than Canada.  

The Canadian immigration authority wants professional people to settle and work in the country.  

Articulate English is also needed, so you must have completed the IELTS exam.  

Most English-speaking countries use the IELTS to measure the English ability of applicants.  

If you don’t manage to achieve the IELTS score for Canada immigration you will not receive an Invitation to Apply.  

You must pass all four sections, reading, writing, listening and speaking.  

There are two categories of IELTS, General and Academic.  

To qualify for entry into Canada, you must complete the general test even if you have completed the academic test before. Since people’s language abilities change over time, the score that you achieve in the IELTS is valid for two years.  

It takes up to six months to process immigration applications and the scores must be valid for the entire period.

So, what is the minimum IELTS score required for Canada immigration?

Canada has a benchmark called the Canada Language Benchmark CLB. You can score between 1 and 12.  

For the Canada Federal Skilled Worker Quota you need a CLB of 7. This is the same as an IELTS score of 6 for each of the proficiencies.  

All would-be immigrants must take the test even if their native language is English. You can use your IELTS score from any test centre around the globe.

So, what is the minimum IELTS score required for Canada immigration?

Canada has a benchmark called the Canada Language Benchmark CLB. You can score between 1 and 12.  

For the Canada Federal Skilled Worker Quota you need a CLB of 7. This is the same as an IELTS score of 6 for each of the proficiencies.  

All would-be immigrants must take the test even if their native language is English. You can use your IELTS score from any test centre around the globe.

Canada Express Entry minimum points

For the following programs:  

- Federal Skilled Worker FSW

- Federal Skilled Trades FST

- Canadian Experience Class CEC

- and some Provincial Nominee Programmes PNP  

You need to use the Express Entry, also known as Federal Entry online application system to apply.  

The Federal Express Entry is the points based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).  

The CRS determines if you have enough points for your application.  

You get points for age, education, work experience and language skill.  

The minimum amount of points for Canada Express Entry is 67.  

Your IELTS score contributes a lot towards your Canada Express Entry.  

You should try to score above the minimum in each of the four categories.  

A good score is more likely to result in an invitation to apply. You can get up to 28 points out of 100 for your English or French language skills.  

IELTS is the most favoured language exam by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada IRCC.  

Employers and academic institutions also need proof of your English language skills.

IELTS for Canada Express Entry

IRCC stands for Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada.  

The IRCC determine requirements for Express Entry into Canada.  

The Canadian authorities need CLB level 7 Canadian Language Benchmark. This is the same as Band 6 in each of the four IELTS sections.  

You should, of course, aim for a higher score, so you can improve your overall points score.  

A higher overall score will enhance your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply for residence.  

The Comprehensive Ranking System is used to evaluate all the applicants under the express entry system.