IELTS for the Canada PGWP and Citizenship: Scores You Need

If you apply for a PGWP on or after November 1, 2024, IRCC requires proof of English or French. The level depends on what you studied:

IRCC lists IELTS General Training among the accepted tests. Check the official PGWP eligibility page and the PGWP language results table before you book.

You must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of confirmation that you completed your programme, so book IELTS early in your final term. A result in hand before graduation removes the risk of waiting for a test date while the clock runs.

If you plan to move on to permanent residence, aim higher than CLB 7 now. A CLB 9 result helps your Express Entry score later; see the IELTS CLB chart for Express Entry.

Applicants aged 18 to 54 must show they can speak and listen at CLB 4 or higher in English or French. Reading and Writing are not assessed for citizenship.

With IELTS General Training, CLB 4 means at least 4.0 in Speaking and 4.5 in Listening. IRCC also accepts other proof, such as secondary or post-secondary education completed in English or French, and a citizenship officer still observes your language during the process. See language proof for citizenship for the full list.

• For the PGWP, focus on your weakest skill: all four need CLB 7 for degree holders.
• Practise Listening with one play only. Our IELTS Listening practice uses the same one-play format and timing.
• If the test will be computer-delivered, rehearse on a screen. Computer-based IELTS vs paper explains what changes.

Our Reading and Writing tests use the Academic format, which is a step harder than General Training Reading and covers the same Task 2 essay, so they work as stretch practice for timing and essay writing.

Many graduates take IELTS twice: once for the PGWP and again a year later for Express Entry. You can often avoid that. A General Training result is valid for two years for Express Entry, so if you score CLB 9 for your PGWP you may be able to reuse it for your permanent residence profile, as long as it is still less than two years old when you submit your application.

That is why it is worth aiming above the PGWP minimum. Compare the levels in the IELTS CLB chart for Express Entry, and see how Listening bands convert in the IELTS listening score calculator.

• The wrong module: the PGWP table lists IELTS General Training.
• One skill below the level: CLB 7 needs 6.0 in all four skills, including Reading.
• Leaving the test too late: the 180-day application window keeps running while you wait for a test date and results.
• For citizenship, a copy that cannot be read or is missing: IRCC returns incomplete applications.

Not sure which skill is weakest? A full IELTS mock test gives you a score for each section in one sitting.