IELTS General Training is one of the language tests accepted under the language criterion for Canada’s skilled worker immigration programmes.
These programmes generally require applicants to demonstrate their language proficiency in English or French.
Most applicants sit only one English test. To demonstrate English proficiency, each applicant must take either theInternational English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training, Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)or thePearson Test of English (PTE) Core.
Contents
About IELTS General Training
IELTS General Training comprises 4 sections: listening, reading, writing and speaking. The whole test lasts 2 hours 45 minutes and can be completed in a single day. The speaking section may also be taken up to 7 days before or after the other 3 sections (at the test centre’s discretion).
Considering a residency programme? The Prosperous Living Investment team assesses your profile free of charge and advises on the pathway that fits your goals.
Nghe
The listening section lasts 30 minutes and comprises 4 audio recordings, which the candidate must listen to before answering the related questions.
- Conversation: 2 speakers
- Monologue
- Conversation: 4 speakers
- Lecture
Candidates may read the questions and familiarise themselves with the question types before the recording is played. Listen carefully, as the recordings are played only once.
Reading
The reading section lasts 60 minutes and comprises three passages, which the candidate reads before answering the related questions. The texts are generally taken from books, newspapers, magazines and academic journals. Candidates are asked to:
- Identify attitudes and perceptions
- Find detailed information
- Complete a diagram
Writing
The writing section lasts 60 minutes and comprises 2 tasks. Be sure to read the question carefully before drafting your text. Candidates need to:
- Write a descriptive report on a table or diagram (150 words)
- Write an essay in response to a statement (250 words).
Speaking
The speaking section lasts between 10 and 15 minutes. It is a face-to-face interview between the candidate and an examiner. It comprises:
- Introduction and interview
- Individual long turn
- Discussion topic
Try to speak fluently, use appropriate grammar and demonstrate a varied vocabulary. Always try to support your opinions and to answer questions with more than “yes” or “no”.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Preparation courses are available through educational institutions and online.Website IELTS provides practice exercises and mock tests for candidates.
Of the two IELTS tests, only IELTS General Training is accepted for Canadian immigration purposes. Candidates need to sit IELTS General Training in support of their immigration application, even if they have previously sat IELTS Academic.
On theofficial IELTS website, candidates can search for their nearest IELTS test centre using the navigation bar at the top.
The cost varies depending on the candidate’s location. In general, it is around CAD 300.
The whole test takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete.
- Speaking: 10–15 minutes
- Listening: 30 minutes
- Reading: 60 minutes
- Writing: 60 minutes
Candidates can expect to receive results for the computer-based test within 3–5 days.
Results are usually released 13 days after the candidate sits the paper-based test.
Candidates may request a remark (Enquiry on Results) within 6 weeks of the test date. The process takes between 2 and 21 days. If the candidate’s overall score changes, IELTS refunds the Enquiry on Results fee.
Candidates may also resit the test whenever they wish. New fees apply.
No. IELTS is intended to provide an overall profile of a candidate’s English ability at a given point in time. For results to be accurate, all modules must be taken at the same time.
IELTS results are valid for 2 years. IELTS results issued within 24 months of the date of application remain valid throughout the processing of the application.
IELTS results correspond to CLB levels as follows:
- CLB Level 4 – IELTS Listening: 4.5 Reading: 3.5 Writing: 4.0 Speaking: 4.0
- CLB Level 9 – IELTS Listening: 8.0 Reading: 7.0 Writing: 7.0 Speaking: 7.0
- CLB Level 8 – IELTS Listening: 7.5 Reading: 6.5 Writing: 6.5 Speaking: 6.5
- CLB Level 7 – IELTS Listening: 6.0 Reading: 6.0 Writing: 6.0 Speaking: 6.0
- CLB Level 6 – IELTS Listening: 5.5 Reading: 5.0 Writing: 5.5 Speaking: 5.5
- CLB Level 5 – IELTS Listening: 5.0 Reading: 4.0 Writing: 5.0 Speaking: 5.0
The tests are the same. The only difference is the experience. For the computer-based test, candidates enter their answers for the Reading, Listening and Writing sections on a computer. For the paper-based test, candidates write their answers on paper. In both tests, the Speaking section is conducted in person with an examiner.
The two formats are of equal difficulty.
One difference worth noting is the time taken to receive results. IELTS provides results for the computer-based test in 3–5 days, while results for the paper-based test take 13 days.
The score a candidate needs to be eligible for Canadian immigration depends on the skilled worker programme they are applying to.
The minimum CLB level set byImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)is CLB 4. Some programmes require CLB 4.
Other programmes have higher language requirements. Requirements usually range from CLB 5 to CLB 7.
For some programmes, the higher the CLB level, the more points the candidate receives. For others, candidates need only demonstrate that they meet the minimum level as part of the requirements for permanent residence eligibility.
Canada’s immigration language testing rules are set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). They are not set by language testing organisations such as IELTS or CELPIP.
According to the Government of Canada, the IELTS General Training test is a more appropriate way of assessing the language ability of an immigration candidate. IELTS Academic is intended to test a student’s ability to take part in educational programmes delivered in English.
Both tests are accepted for Canadian immigration purposes and both assess a candidate’s English skills objectively. Ultimately, candidates should choose the test with which they feel most comfortable.
Accompanying you on your journey in residency investment
The Prosperous Living Investment team advises on pathways, assesses profiles and manages investments transparently for every residency, citizenship and international property objective.
Free profile assessmentWhere life gets prosperous