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IELTS Requirement for Canada ( Full Guide)

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If you want to study, work, or migrate to Canada, IELTS is one of the most important requirements. Canada accepts IELTS Academic for study permits and IELTS General Training for immigration (PR). This guide explains the minimum IELTS score you need for Canada for students and skilled workers.

IELTS Requirement for Canada for Study

Canada mainly offers two pathways for international students:

1. SDS Category (Student Direct Stream)

This is the fastest visa pathway for Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani, and other Asian students.

Minimum IELTS Score for SDS 

  • Overall: 6.0
  • No band less than 6.0
  • Test Type: IELTS Academic

Why SDS is better:

  • Faster study permit approval

  • Higher visa success rate

  • Required by most top universities

2. Non-SDS Category

If you don’t meet SDS requirements, you can apply under Non-SDS.

Minimum IELTS Score

  • Overall: 5.5
  • No band less than 5.5
     (However, visa success may be lower compared to SDS.)

IELTS Requirements for Canadian Universities

Different Canadian universities have different IELTS score requirements.

Top Universities (High Requirements)

University Minimum IELTS
University of Toronto 6.5 (no band < 6.0)
University of British Columbia 6.5 (speaking & listening 6.0)
McGill University 6.5
University of Alberta 6.5

Mid-Range Universities

University Minimum IELTS
University of Manitoba 6.0
Brock University 6.0
University of Regina 6.0
Lakehead University 6.0

Universities Accepting 5.5 Bands

Some colleges accept minimum 5.5 in one or two modules:

  • Cambrian College

  • St. Clair College

  • Northern College

  • Fanshawe College (some programs)

IELTS Requirement for Canada PR (Express Entry)

To get Permanent Residency (PR), you need IELTS General Training, not Academic.

Minimum IELTS for PR Programs

1. Express Entry – Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)

  • CLB 7 required
     Equivalent IELTS General:

  • Listening: 6.0
  • Reading: 6.0
  • Writing: 6.0
  • Speaking: 6.0

2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

  • For NOC 0 & A jobs: CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0)

  • For NOC B jobs: CLB 5
     Equivalent IELTS General:

  • Listening: 5.0
  • Reading: 4.0
  • Writing: 5.0
  • Speaking: 5.0

3. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Varies by province, but most require:

Program Minimum IELTS
Ontario PNP CLB 6 (IELTS 5.5–6.0)
Saskatchewan PNP CLB 4–7
Nova Scotia PNP CLB 5
Manitoba PNP CLB 5

Which IELTS Test Should You Take?

Purpose Required Test
Study in Canada IELTS Academic
Work visa IELTS General
PR/Immigration IELTS General
SDS Application IELTS Academic

IELTS Score for Canada Study vs PR (Comparison)

Category Required Band
Study (SDS) 6.0 each band
Study (Non-SDS) 5.5 each band
University Admission 6.0–6.5
Express Entry PR 6.0 each band
PNP Programs 5.0–6.0

Is IELTS Mandatory for Canada?

Study Permit: Yes

PR/Express Entry: Yes

Work Permit: Required in most cases

Some universities accept alternatives like PTE/TOEFL, but IRCC requires IELTS for PR.

How to Score Higher for Canada (Tips)

1. Listening

  • Practice Cambridge tests

  • Improve speed & concentration

2. Reading

  • Master skimming & scanning

  • Practice True/False/Not Given

3. Writing

  • Use Task 2 structure

  • Maintain clear ideas & grammar

4. Speaking

  • Practice cue cards

  • Maintain fluency, avoid long pauses

Why Choose Banglay IELTS? (Updated Section)

Banglay IELTS is one of the most effective platforms for Bangladeshi students preparing for 6.0, 6.5, or Band 7+ scores. Here’s why:

1. IELTS-Certified Trainers

Learn from expert instructors with years of experience and proven success rates.

2. Complete Course Structure

Step-by-step preparation for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

3. Weekly Mock Tests

Computer-based & paper-based tests to simulate the real exam environment.

4. Personalized Writing & Speaking Feedback

Get corrections, band predictions, and improvement tips.

5. Online + Offline Classes

Flexible schedules for students across Bangladesh.

6. Band Improvement System

Customized study plans designed to target weak areas.

FAQs – IELTS Requirement for Canada

 

1. Is 6.0 enough for Canada?

Yes, 6.0 in each band is enough for SDS.

2. Can I go to Canada with 5.5 bands?

Yes, under Non-SDS and some colleges.

3. Which IELTS is required for Canadian PR?

IELTS General Training.

4. Is 7 band good for Canada?

Yes, excellent for universities and boosts PR points.

5. Can I apply without IELTS?

For PR: No.
For study: Some universities accept alternatives, but visa success is lower.



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