Understanding Language Benchmarks for Canadian Immigration — IELTS vs. CLB
If you’re planning to move to Canada—whether for study, work, or permanent residency—proving your English proficiency is a must. Two key systems come into play:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A globally recognized English proficiency test.
- CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark): Canada’s national standard for assessing English skills, used for immigration and citizenship applications.
Understanding how IELTS scores align with CLB levels is crucial because Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses CLB scores to assess your eligibility across various programs like Express Entry, PGWP, CEC, and PNPs.
IELTS to CLB Conversion Chart
Use this chart to find your CLB level based on your IELTS General Training scores. (Note: IRCC only accepts IELTS General Training for immigration purposes—not Academic.)
| CLB Level | IELTS Reading | IELTS Writing | IELTS Listening | IELTS Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
What Do CLB Levels Mean?
CLB levels range from 1 to 12 and reflect your ability in four skills: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.
- CLB 1–4: Basic understanding. You can handle daily survival-level conversations.
- CLB 5–8: Intermediate level. You can express complex thoughts and understand everyday discussions. This is often the minimum range for most immigration pathways.
- CLB 9–12: Advanced proficiency. You can manage academic or workplace communication with ease—helpful for high-skilled immigration or leadership roles.
Why CLB Scores Are Important for Immigration
Different immigration streams in Canada require different CLB levels:
Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program)
- Minimum requirement: CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0 in all bands)
- Higher scores (e.g., CLB 9 = IELTS 7.0): Boost your CRS points significantly
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- NOC TEER 0 or 1 jobs: CLB 7 minimum
- NOC TEER 2 or 3 jobs: CLB 5 minimum
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Requirements vary by province and job category. Always check the latest updates on the province’s website.
New PGWP Language Rules (Effective Nov 1, 2024)
The Canadian government now requires international graduates applying for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to meet these minimum CLB levels:
- University graduates: CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0)
- College graduates: CLB 5 (IELTS 5.0)
This move aims to improve graduate integration into the workforce and support their transition to permanent residency.
How IELTS & CLB Impact Your CRS Score
If you’re applying through Express Entry, your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score plays a big role in determining whether you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
- Achieving CLB 9 or higher can unlock additional points in the Skills Transferability section.
- A higher CLB means better opportunities and a stronger profile.
Tips to Prepare for IELTS and Reach Your CLB Target
To meet your desired CLB level, you must focus on each language skill:
Listening
- Practice with English-language podcasts, news, and IELTS listening samples.
- Get familiar with different accents and speech speeds.
Speaking
- Use language exchange apps, join conversation clubs, or enroll in CLB-specific speaking programs.
- Practice fluency, pronunciation, and real-life scenarios.
Reading
- Read diverse content: articles, newspapers, and IELTS practice passages.
- Focus on scanning, skimming, and identifying main ideas.
Writing
- Practice writing task 1 and task 2 responses.
- Work on structure, grammar, and time management.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use IELTS Academic for immigration?
No. For immigration purposes, IRCC only accepts IELTS General Training.
Q2: What’s the minimum CLB for Express Entry?
For the Federal Skilled Worker Program, it’s CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0 in each skill).
Q3: Do all provinces have the same CLB requirements?
No. Each Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) may have different language requirements depending on job classification.
Q4: Do I need a recent IELTS score?
Yes. Your IELTS results must be less than two years old when you submit your application.