Visa officers require that some Canadian immigration applicants take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). IELTS results help visa officers determine whether the applicant has sufficient English language ability for proper integration into Canadian society and the Canadian workforce.
To demonstrate language ability, many immigration applicants submit a written English document with their application. However, an application that relies solely on a written submission may take longer to be processed than one that is submitted with IELTS results. Because the IELTS results are independent and verifiable, the visa officer will accept these results as determinate and will be able to conclude language ability more quickly. For Citizenship and Immigration Canada, IELTS results are considered the only conclusive proof of English language proficiency.
If the visa officer requires you to take the IELTS, you will need to contact your local IELTS test centre to find out the dates when you will be able to take your test and what the cost will be. Then, download and complete the application form, and send it the local IELTS centre, along with your photos, a copy of your identification, and your payment.
Many people take preparation courses before they take the IELTS to ensure that they receive as high a score as possible. You can also take IELTS practice tests to get an idea of what the tests are like.
The IELTS consists of four parts: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The whole test lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes and can be completed in one day. The Speaking component can also be taken up to 7 days before or after the other three components (at the discretion of the test centre).
Listening
The Listening component lasts for 30 minutes and consists of four audio clips that you must listen to and answer questions about.
- Conversation – 2 speakers
- Monologue
- Conversation – 4 speakers
- Lecture
You can read the questions and familiarize yourself with the question types before you listen to the recordings. Listen carefully, as the recordings are played only once.
Reading
The Reading component lasts for 60 minutes and consists of three passages you will read and answer questions about. The texts are typically taken from books, newspapers, magazines, and journals. You will be asked to:
- Identify attitudes and perceptions
- Find detailed information
- Complete a diagram
Writing
The Writing component lasts for 60 minutes and consists of 2 tasks. You will need to:
- Write a descriptive report of a table or diagram (150 words)
- Write an essay in response to a statement (250 words)
- Be sure to read the question carefully before composing your text.
Speaking
The Speaking component lasts for 10-15 minutes. It is a face-to-face interview between the candidate and the examiner. It consists of:
- Introduction and interview
- Individual talk
- Discussion topics
Try to speak fluently, using appropriate grammar, and demonstrate a range of vocabulary. Always try to support your opinions and answer the questions with more than ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
Scoring
You will be given a score for each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) on a Band Scale from 1-9. In order to be awarded the maximum 16 points for English language ability on the Federal Skilled Worker application, you will need to score a 7 or higher in each component.
Band 1 – Non user
Band 2 – Intermittent user
Band 3 – Extremely limited user
Band 4 – Limited user
Band 5 – Modest user
Band 6 – Competent user
Band 7 – Good user
Band 8 – Very good user
Band 9 – Expert user
IELTS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need to take the IELTS? You do not need to take the IELTS to submit your application. However, if the visa officer who is handling your file requests that you complete the IELTS, you will need to take the test in order for your application to be processed to completion.
2. How do I prepare to take the IELTS? There are preparation courses available through educational institutions and on the internet. It is advisable to take one of these courses as most of them provide you with practice tests.
3. Should I take the Academic or the General Training Module? The General Training Module is required for immigration purposes. The Academic Training Module is only required for candidates who wish to study in English at an undergraduate or post-graduate level. It is the responsibility of the candidate to inform the test centre whether they wish to take the Academic or the General Training Module.
4. Where do I take the IELTS?
5. How much does the IELTS cost? The cost varies but is typically around $250CDN.
6. How long does the test take? The whole test takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete.
Listening – 30 minutes
Reading – 60 minutes
Writing – 60 minutes
Speaking – 10-15 minutes
7. How long does it take to get my results? Results are generally issued 13 days after the test.
8. If I’m not satisfied with my results, how soon after can I take the test again? Candidates are able to repeat the test whenever they wish. You will need to submit another application form; on that form you must indicate the date on which you last took the test. New fees will apply.
9. Can I repeat only the module in which I did not score well? No. The IELTS is meant to provide an overall profile of a candidate’s English proficiency at a given time. For the results to be accurate, all modules must be taken over at the same time.
10. How long are the test results valid for? IELTS results are valid for a period of two years. IELTS results issued within 12 months from the date of submission of an application should remain valid throughout the application process. |
Concerns 
