Good knowledge of the basic Canada IELTS requirements is necessary when applying for a student visa.
Many people from around the world migrate to Canada for studies and are expected to pass the IELTS exam as part of the process for immigration. Even foreign students planning to school in Canada and today, you’ll get to see all the necessary Canada IELTS requirements for your student visa.
What is IELTS and its Purpose?
The IELTS is a standardized English language test for immigrants moving into Canada. This test helps to identify your capacity in the English language as per the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).
This English Language testing system is generally one of the most accepted assessment tests that helps evaluate an applicant’s proficiency in English language. The system makes use of a (9) nine-band scale that describes the level of grip over the English language.
Passing the IELTS exam can seem a bit overpowering when you first start preparing which is why it’s essential to know all the necessary Canada IELTS requirements for you get started.
The IELTS test are of two categories
- Academics: majorly for those who wish to apply for higher education or professional registration.
- General Training: for those who are migrating to Canada for work or permanent residency.
The IELTS assessment program is also divided into four different sections where your proficiency on English language is been assessed and tested. These include:
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
One of the grounds you may find the exams challenging is its totally different minimum band scores which you must get on each of the four sections of the assessment program, alongside a minimum overall score.
Canada IELTS Requirements for Student Visa
Most Canadian economic immigration programs have a minimum language requirement, but these are not all the same.
As part of the Canada IELTS requirements for student visa, your score in the assessment program may depend directly on the program you’re applying for. Nevertheless, most actually operate on a point system.
Points can be claimed for things like age, total number of years of work experience and even education status. All results are converted into Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).
The CLB grades applicants from 4 (poor) to 10 (excellent).
Canada IELTS requirements are dependent on:
- Canada IELTS requirements for general immigration
- Canada IELTS requirements to study in Canada
As discussed earlier, the candidate proficiency is determined in the language in four sections (speaking, reading, listening and writing).
Note that: Reading, listening and writing sections are completed on the day of the exams without any breaks in between.
The speaking section can be completed before or after the other tests. The listening section takes a duration of 30 minutes and the candidate will have to listen to four recordings and then would write answers to a series of questions relating to what he heard when listening to the recordings.
Reading section takes a duration of about 60 minutes (one hour) and usually consist of about 40 questions projected to test a wide range of your reading skills. These reading skills includes reading for gist, for main ideas, skimming (reading or glancing through quickly), understanding logical arguments, recognizing the writer’s opinion, purpose and attitudes.
The speaking section takes 11 to 15 minutes and is usually done in a dialogue. During the dialogue, you will be assessed with the use of spoken English.
The writing section takes a duration of 60 minutes. The candidates are usually given two topics of general interest:
- Task 1: The candidate will be presented with a situation and asked to write a letter requesting information, or maybe explaining the situation.
- Task 2: The candidate will also be asked to write an essay in response to a problem, point of view or argument.
What is the Minimum IELTS Score for Canadian Immigration
As part of Canada IELTS requirements, it’s always good to know the minimum score for your Canadian immigration.
To apply for Canadian permanent residence or work visa, you will have to measure up for the IELTS General with the score conditioned by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
When it comes to the IELTS score for Canada immigration, you must have an overall score of 7 as the minimum level of language proficiency, that is, at least 6.0 IELTS band for each section for the Canadian primary residence.
What is the Minimum IELTS Score to Study in Canada
As part of Canada IELTS requirements, it’s always good to know the minimum score to study in Canada, this smoothens your entire Canadian student visa application process.
For study’s sake, the IELTS score for Canada are not the same for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The overall minimum IELTS band and section wise score for the Undergraduate courses in Canada is 6, with not less that 5.5 in each band; While for postgraduate studies in Canada – is with an overall of 6.5, with not less than 6.
Conclusion
When immigration programs indicate a language requirement, they normally relate it to a CLB level. Our advice is to put in your best effort, and if you probably don’t like your results, you can always opt in for the test again and try to improve them.
The most important thing to remember is that these are tests! You should always prepare by studying and doing test practices even if you are confident with your language ability.
Whether you are immigrating to Canada through any program or any other eligible options, it is necessary and required of you to do your very best in your IELTS exam.
Now I’d Love to Hear from You:
- Which of the above Canada IELTS requirements have you been missing out in your quest to study in Canada?
Let me know by leaving a comment below!
