Which IELTS test is accepted?
IRCC accepts IELTS General Training for Express Entry. IELTS Academic is not accepted for this purpose, and IRCC says it does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake for Express Entry. Results must be less than two years old when the profile is submitted and when the permanent residence application is filed.
Federal Skilled Worker minimum
The Federal Skilled Worker Program requires at least CLB 7 in all four abilities for the first official language. In IELTS General Training, CLB 7 corresponds to at least 6.0 in listening, reading, writing and speaking.
| Target | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| CLB 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| CLB 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| CLB 10+ | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
Why CLB 9 is a major CRS target
CLB 9 can increase direct language points and can unlock stronger skill-transferability combinations with education and foreign work experience. A single lower ability can prevent the “CLB 9 or more in all four abilities” transferability row from applying.
Listening 8.0, reading 7.0, writing 7.0 and speaking 6.5 is not CLB 9 across all four abilities. Speaking 6.5 converts to CLB 8, so use each ability’s converted level in the calculator.
IELTS planning for applicants in Pakistan
- Choose General Training when booking.
- Set a target for each ability, not only an overall band.
- Enter the converted CLB levels into the CRS calculator.
- Compare the current result with a CLB 9 scenario to estimate the potential gain.
- Retake only when the likely gain justifies the time and cost.
Other accepted language tests
IRCC also accepts CELPIP-General and PTE Core for English. For French, it accepts TEF Canada and TCF Canada. French can provide core language points and, when conditions are met, additional CRS points.
Official source
Confirm test versions, validity and conversion tables on IRCC’s Express Entry language test page.