Minimum IELTS score for Canada Express Entry Application

Author: Nationwide Visas

The minimum ielts score for canada express entry application under FSWP - Federal Skilled Worker Program is Canadian Language Benchmark 7. It implies an overall score of 6.0 bands in the International English Language Testing System – General Test.

The IELTS is the globally recognized and accredited test for the assessment of English language proficiency. It is the most widely opted language test globally at present. IELTS primarily focuses on the language ability of the applicants in social and professional situations. This includes comprehension of the information provided in the English language, managing social interactions, and interacting with Managers of Customers.

Skilled overseas workers and immigration aspirants to Canada are increasingly opting for IELTS for demonstrating the required English language proficiency.

Who requires a language exam?

The majority of the Canadian economic immigration class applicants are required to prove language skills through an accredited test for French or English. The research of the Government of Canada has revealed that proficiency in the language is a chief factor in the ability of immigrants to establish themselves in the Canadian economy.

Refugee and Family Class immigrants do not require a full test in language as they are accepted in Canada for humanitarian and social purposes. Applicants of Citizenship of Canada in the age range 54 to 18 years are required to prove competency in French or English language. They can offer results of a test for language or demonstrate ability in other methods accepted by IRCC.

Temporary Overseas Workers are not required to prove their proficiency in the language. But overseas students have to offer proof of ability to succeed in academic settings in Canada.

Rules for proving proficiency in language differ from one DLI - Designated Learning Institution to another in Canada. However, the Government of Canada has its separate rules for accepting language tests for the approval process of Study Permits.

IELTS Test format

The IELTS test consists of 4 language components: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening. The total time allocated for completing the test is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Section One: Listening

You will need roughly 30 minutes to complete the Listening section. It consists of 4 audio recordings that will assess your proficiency in English through a couple of multiple-choice questions requiring:

  • Matching a cluster of items with reference to the recordings
  • Filling in the labels on a plan or map
  • Filling in the gaps missing in a listening text’ outline
  • Completing incomplete sentences
  • Providing answers to short queries

Section Two: Reading

You will need roughly 60 minutes to complete the Reading section. It assesses your language competency via reading articles, books, advertisements, notices, guidelines, and instruction manuals. The test evaluates your skills in:

  • Comprehending the gist
  • Isolating major ideas from a text
  • Separating precise details
  • Skim reading
  • Understanding and constructing arguments
  • Recognizing the opinions and attitudes of a writer

Section Three: Writing

You will need roughly 60 minutes to complete the Writing section also. It assesses your ability in responding to a situation like:

  • Explaining a case or requesting information
  • Responding to a viewpoint
  • Solving a problem or constructing an argument

The assessment is via 2 tasks:

  • One is by writing a letter seeking details
  • Two is by writing a lengthy essay on a provided topic

Section Four: Speaking

You will need roughly 10 minutes to 50 minutes to complete the Speaking section. It assesses your ability in oral English communication. This is achieved through an interview with an examiner. The candidates are asked about their family, home, studies, work, and interests. They will be provided a topic written on a card and will be asked to speak on it. Later, the candidates will also be asked further queries about the same topic.

IELTS is a highly preferred language test by aspiring immigrant workers and students as well. The chief reasons include its availability at thousands of Test Centers across the world. A vast volume of high-quality manuals and preparation courses are also available to ensure your best attempt in achieving the required CLB.

Now, it is quite clear to an extent how the IELTS operates and its corresponding CLB levels as well.

Canada offers 100 plus Visa and immigration programs and most of them have unique requirements in terms of CLB. The points for language proficiency on the 67 points immigration canada calculator differ from the points allocated on the Manitoba PNP points calculator.

If you are puzzled by the choice of the most suitable program for your Canadian immigration, just contact Nationwide Visas. We offer immigration strategy and solutions customized for your profile through the expertise of our ICCRC-accredited Immigration Consultants. Our services also include support for IELTS preparation through language experts and course materials.