IELTS Language Test for Canadian Immigration

International students, foreign workers, and other foreign nationals need to take the IELTS test in Canada because it is one of the minimum requirements to study, work or immigrate to Canada.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely known proficiency test that assesses the writing, speaking, reading, and listening abilities of international students and foreign nationals worldwide.

Its management includes British Council, IDP IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English.

For more than 30 years, British Council has assessed foreign nationals’ English abilities using IELTS.

About IELTS

If you want to integrate yourself into an English-speaking foreign country, IELTS will always be among the accepted language tests required by applicants to meet the eligibility requirements.

Therefore, you need to enroll in IELTS to study, work and immigrate to most English-speaking countries.

Furthermore, more than 11,000 organizations across the globe accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Therefore, it is impossible to fail an IELTS test.

Truly, IELTS is more globally recognized than other English language tests.

You can take the IELTS test and use the result in many organizations, including immigration offices, government departments, training organizations, educational institutions, Multinational Corporations (MNCs), and professional associations.

Additionally, IELTS exam results feature scores on a scale ranging from 0 to 9 in each English language ability (writing, speaking, reading, and listening). Your IELTS result will also include an overall band score.

However, institutions, organizations, and associations usually set the minimum IELTS score mandatory for applicants to pass to meet their requirements.

Ultimately, the IELTS exam can be taken using a computer (Computer-Based Test) or on paper (Paper-Based Test).

It would be best if you noted that all IELTS test results expire two (2) from the date you received the result.

Book IELTS test in Canada (CBT & PBT)

IELTS Computer-Based Test (CBT)

If you prefer to book IELTS Computer Based Test Canada, this option is for you. IELTS CBT is scheduled to be taken thrice daily, even on weekends.

Besides, IELTS CBT results are usually ready between 3 to 5 days.

IELTS Paper-Based Test (PBT)

Unlike IELTS computer-based tests, you do not need a computer to take paper-based IELTS.

Moreover, you can access your PBT test result quickly in about thirteen (13) days. PBT IELTS test features the same questions as computer-based IELTS except that you will not use a computer at the IELTS test center.

Indeed, IELTS PBT’s speaking section involves an in-person assessment with an examiner.

Above all, there are two (2) types of IELTS tests, which include IELTS Academic, as well as IELTS General training tests.

IELTS Academic and General IELTS training tests are applied for different purposes, which include education and immigration.

IELTS Academic VS General training tests in Canada

If you want to book IELTS in Canada, you should first determine why you need the test results: education or immigration.

To begin with, IELTS academic and general training tests are available in many countries. To get started, search for an IELTS test center close to you and book your preferred test.

Generally speaking, IELTS Academic tests are suitable for international students who want to enroll in an academic program or training in a Canadian post-secondary institution.

Through IELTS Academic, you can satisfy the English language requirements for most Canadian colleges, universities, and professional associations, regardless of if you are an undergraduate or postgraduate student.

Furthermore, the IELTS General Training test is ideal for foreign nationals looking forward to meeting IRCC’s immigration program requirements.

Moreover, IELTS Academic and General Training tests have similar questions in their listening and speaking sections. Notwithstanding, there are a few differences in their writing and reading sections.

In addition, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accept IELTS exam results for several Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs.

This makes it possible for you to book the IELTS test in Canada to apply for permanent residency and citizenship in Canada.

However, you can use the IELTS search tool to confirm if an institution, organization, or association accepts IELTS. The search tool also provides information on each organization’s minimum IELTS scores.

You will be required to input the organization’s name, type, and location to get results on the search tool.

Understanding the sections when you book the IELTS test in Canada

As said earlier, the IELTS test format consists of four (4) sections: writing, reading, speaking and listening.

Writing section:

The writing section of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test takes about an hour to complete.

The writing section consists of two (2) tasks, which are mandatory for you to fill out.

Reading section:

Before passing the IELTS reading section, you must answer 40 questions regarding some texts shown to you within an hour.

Speaking section:

The IELTS exam speaking section involves an 11 to 14-minute assessment between you and an examiner.

In addition, this section involves three (3) aspects, which you must take seriously within the timeframe.

Listening section:

The IELTS test listening section includes ten questions in four segments. Altogether, you are required to answer 40 questions within 30 minutes.

Finding a center to book the IELTS test in Canada

If you are looking for where to book an IELTS test in Canada, this article will provide information on your closest IELTS test center. IELTS test booking can be made via British Council or IDP in Canada.

Of course, you can book an IELTS test in Canada with British Council and visit one of their nationwide test centers to take the exam on paper or computer.

Moreover, IELTS has many test centers located in many provinces and territories of Canada.

These include Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.

IELTS exam scores

When you partake in an IELTS test, you will get a score based on your ability to write, read, listen and speak in English. IELTS scores range from 0 to 9.

Furthermore, your score in each section will be added together to get your average score, the overall score.

IELTS test booking in Canada costs about 300 Canadian Dollars per candidate for both paper-based and computer-based exams.

IELTS fees

This information is beneficial for prospective applicants asking how much is IELTS test is in Canada. Due to exchange rates, the fee may vary in foreign countries.

IELTS language test for Canadian immigration

If you are processing your immigration to Canada, a superb reason to book the IELTS test in Canada is that it was the first test approved by IRCC and Immigration-Québec for permanent residency and citizenship.

Besides, the Government of Canada measures the language abilities of foreign nationals who want to immigrate and become permanent residents using the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).

The score benchmark of CLB has a slight difference from IELTS. Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) has up to 12 levels, while IELTS has just nine levels of band scores.

You can use an IELTS to CLB converter to save stress in determining your CLB score benchmark.

Immigration Programs Supported by IELTS

As an illustration, the following are Canadian immigration programs where you can book the IELTS test in Canada.

1. Express Entry: IRCC accepts IELTS to immigrate to Canada through FSTP, FSWP, or CEC.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs: You can book an IELTS test in Canada to receive a nomination from a Canadian province or territory for PR.
3.  Family sponsorship: IRCC accepts IELTS in sponsoring family members, spouses, etc., for PR.
4. Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP): Though IELTS, you can become a permanent resident by completing studies or working in some Canadian provinces.
5.  Agri-Food Pilot: You can enroll in IELTS to immigrate and work in some agri-food industries in Canada.
6.  Quebec-Selected Skilled Workers: When you book the IELTS test in Canada, you can become a permanent resident in Quebec.
7.  Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot: IELTS helps you to meet the language requirements to immigrate and work for small communities seeking to boost their economy.
8.  Caregivers: If you can take care of children, aged persons, disabled persons, etc., you should book an IELTS test in Canada to apply through Home Child Care Provider Pilot Program or Home Support Worker Pilot Program.
9. Start-up Visa: You can immigrate and establish a business in Canada with a valid IELTS exam result.
10.  Permanent Residence Pathways for Hong Kong Residents: Hong Kong residents working in Canada can get PR via two pathways with a language test result.
11.  Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway: Some temporary residents in Canada and their families can get PR via this pathway by meeting some requirements and enrolling in a test like IELTS.
12. Health-Care Workers Permanent Residence Pathway: Refugee claimants in the healthcare sector during the COVID-19 pandemic can immigrate using a valid IELTS, CELPIP, or CAEL test result.