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IELTS is trusted for migration to Canada
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) trusts IELTS for all visas that require you to provide proof of English language proficiency. IELTS is the world’s most popular test of English.
IELTS English test for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
If you make a visa application to stay or move to Canada, you need to be aware of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
(IRCC) requirements for English language tests.
So, when you apply for a work visa, professional recognition or for permanent residency in Canada, it is likely that you will be required to present evidence of English language proficiency. IELTS General Training is a tried and trusted test accepted by IRCC for immigration to Canada.
The IELTS test you take – and the score you need – will depend on both your visa requirements and/or the requirements of the institution where you plan to study or work.
Book IELTS for migration to Canada
IELTS for Study
If you intend to study in Canada, it’s likely you need to provide evidence of your English. Schools and Universities in Canada trust IELTS Academic as evidence of your English language proficiency.
What English language test do you need for migration to Canada?
The available language tests for Canadian Immigration are: IELTS, CELPIP and TEF. And, almost every category of economic immigration to Canada requires you to submit the results of a language test. What test you need, and what score you require depends on the program you apply for.
What is the difference between IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF?
You have to provide language test results from a recognised test provider. IRCC trusts and recognises two test providers in English, IELTS, and CELPIP. CELPIP stands for and the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program. There is also an option if you need (or want) to take your language test in French. In that case, you should do the TEF: Test d’évaluation de français. Regardless of the test, all three tests give you a score for each of four language abilities: listening, reading, writing and speaking.
If you are in New Zealand and you are thinking about moving to Canada, make sure you book your IELTS test.
IELTS is one of the biggest English tests in the world which means lots of countries and institutions will recognise it.
Why Jackie from China chose IELTS (read more)
IELTS for IRCC
Do you want to migrate to Canada?
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada trusts IELTS
- IELTS is accepted by more than 11,500 organisations globally
- We offer more FREE practice and support material than any other test.
Ask IELTS
IELTS for Canada
IRCC does not have a preferred English test. So, this means you can choose what test you want to take. And which test is more convenient for you. IELTS has been testing English language for over 25 years. And, we test more than 3 million test takers each year.
As the most respected English test in the world, IELTS offers more free practice tests and support material than any other test. It’s designed to help you succeed. IELTS is available at 15 test centres in New Zealand, IELTS is the English language test that supports your New Zealand study, migration and career goals.
Regardless of which test you take, you results must be from within the last two years (24 months) to be valid. So, when you submit your application for permanent residence your test results must be from within 24 months. If your results have expired, you should retake the test. Otherwise, your application will be rejected as incomplete or may be refused.
Available worldwide
IELTS: Yes
CELPIP: No
Available in Canada
IELTS: Yes
CELPIP: Yes
Results release
IELTS: 3-5 days
CELPIP: 4-5 days
Test length
IELTS: Approx 3 hours
CELPIP: Approx 3 hours
Test format
IELTS: Computer-delivered & paper-based
CELPIP: Computer-delivered
Acceptance
IELTS: Canada (+ 11,500 organisations worldwide)
CELPIP: Only in Canada
IELTS is the only English language test that is officially accepted by all immigration departments in Canada, Australia, the UK, and New Zealand.
The IELTS General Training is the best IELTS exam to get Canadian PR. For example, for Canada’s Skilled immigrants (Express Entry), you must prove your language skills by taking an approved language test.
Please remember, you must take the General Training option. IRCC does not accept the Academic option for Express Entry.
Prepare for IELTS to get the best score
When was the last time you were tested on your English language skills? High School perhaps? If so, doing an exam that tests your skills in another language (or even your native language) can make you nervous. Even if you speak English fluently, it’s important to spend a bit of time preparing for your IELTS test so you don’t face any unpleasant surprises on the day of your test. In fact, some native English speakers score less well on their test than non-native speakers. Why? Because they didn’t know what examiners were looking for when scoring their language skills. We’ll share some of the marking criteria with you.
IELTS preparation
All the practice material that we have available are designed by IELTS experts to help you get the results you need.
Moving to Canada for study or work?
Canada offers endless education and work possibilities. Learn more about how you can begin your journey to study in Canada
How will the IELTS Masterclass help you?
Join us online or face-to-face at a free IELTS Masterclass near you. Presented by an IELTS expert, the free IELTS Masterclass will help you:
- Improve your skills in IELTS Writing, Reading, Listening and Speaking
- Understand common IELTS mistakes and how to avoid them
- Understand how IELTS is scored and the assessment criteria
- Ask the IELTS expert anything you’ve wanted to know!
