IELTS Exam for Canada: Types of IELTS & Application process

 IELTS exam for Canada is divided into 2 choices- IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training and the choice depends on the requirements set by the organization where one plans to work or study. The duration of the IELTS test is 2 hours 45 minutes and is currently conducted online due to the COVID 19 outbreak.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the main admission requirements for Canadian universities. Around 3.5 million IELTS tests have been taken in the past year and are one of the world’s most popular high-stakes English language tests. It is also an English test of choice for educational organizations, professional associations, and employers across Canada. IELTS exam for Canada is accepted by the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and also by 350+ Canadian colleges and universities. 

The IELTS test accesses English proficiency on a scale of 1-9 based on the 4 skills of Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. The IELTS score required depends on the visa requirements and the Canadian organization where one plans to study or work. The IELTS exam for Canada can be taken in any of the 150+ locations in each province’s capital city and in many regional cities in Canada.

Table of Contents

• IELTS Exam for Canadian PR
  
  • Minimum Score for IELTS Exam for Canada PR- Federal Skilled Worker Program
  • Minimum Score for IELTS Exam for Canada PR- Federal Skilled Trades Program
  • Minimum Score for IELTS Exam for Canada PR- Canadian Experience Class
• IELTS Exam Pattern for Canada
• Types of IELTS Exam for Canada
• Application Process for IELTS Exam for Canada

IELTS Exam for Canadian PR

International applicants seeking Canadian PR are required to prove English proficiency by taking the IELTS General Training test that is the preferred test for immigration to Canada. It is one of four language tests recognized by the Canadian government for immigration purposes. The other tests to prove English proficiency are the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), Test de Connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF Canada), and the Test d’Évaluation du Français (TEF). 

Each of the language tests recognized by the Canadian government for immigration purposes has different results/ marking methods. To deal with this issue, Canada has developed an equivalency scoring system for the different tests. The results of each test are given a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) equivalent from 1-10 that compares and fairly ranks candidates who take different tests in different languages. Find below the details about the IELTS exam for Canada PR:

• A Permanent Residence (PR) can be obtained for long-term immigration programs including economic programs (inclusive of Express Entry) and family sponsorship
• IELTS General Training test is required for immigration to Canada
• The Express Entry System is a faster way for skilled international applicants to gain permanent residence in Canada
• The 3 different pathways of the Express Entry System are Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class
• The minimum score required for the IELTS exam for Canada PR through Express Entry is a minimum of 6.0 for each section that is equivalent to CLB 7

Minimum Score for IELTS Exam for Canada PR- Federal Skilled Worker Program

Minimum Score for IELTS Exam for Canada PR- Federal Skilled Trades Program

Minimum Score for IELTS Exam for Canada PR- Canadian Experience Class

IELTS Exam Pattern for Canada

The IELTS exam tests candidates in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Every person taking the IELTS test attempts the same Listening and Speaking modules The Reading and Writing modules provide a choice between Academic and General Training. The total duration of the IELTS test is 2 hours 45 minutes. The details of the IELTS exam pattern for Canada are shown below:

• The Listening, Reading, and Writing modules are completed in the morning session that lasts for a total of three hours
• The Listening module is followed by the Reading and Writing modules
• The Speaking module is conducted in the afternoon session and every candidate spends 11-14 minutes in the speaking interview
• The IELTS Exam for Canada syllabus generally has two formats- IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training

Types of IELTS Exam for Canada

IELTS exam for Canada is of two types- IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Both versions of the IELTS test provide a valid and accurate assessment of a candidates’ listening, reading, writing, and speaking language skills. The IELTS exam fees in India for Canada come up to INR 14,000. Explained below are the types of IELTS exam for Canada for international applicants:

IELTS Academic

The IELTS Academic test in Canada is for candidates applying for higher education or professional registration to English-speaking countries. This test judges whether a candidate is ready to begin studying or training in the English language.

IELTS General Training

The IELTS General Training test is for those who wish to migrate to Canada and other English-speaking countries. It is also for those who want to enroll in training programs or secondary education or want to gain work experience in a country where English is the main language used for communication.

Application Process for IELTS Exam for Canada

One can apply for the IELTS exam for Canada both online and offline. Both online and paper-based registration is accepted by the Canadian government. The application process is explained in detail below:

Online Registration

• The applicant should complete the online registration by providing evidence of identity
• A  valid, original passport or Canadian Permanent Resident Card (PRC) should be provided as proof of identity
• The proof of identity should have the full name of the applicant in English and also include the date of birth
• The applicant should pay the full application fee through the Online Payment Link within 24 hours of the registration to secure a seat
• The online registration includes a 30 Days Free Online IELTS Preparation once the fees are paid, and the application is reviewed by a staff member.

Paper-based Registration

• The first step to a paper-based registration is to fill the IELTS application form
• The registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and does not guarantee a first-choice test date for the applicant
• The candidate should provide proof of identity in the form of a valid passport page or Canadian Permanent Resident Card (PRC)
• The id proof must show the full name of the applicant in English and also include the date of birth