IELTS for Canada: CLB levels and Express Entry

CLB to IELTS chart

This is IRCC’s equivalency chart for IELTS General Training, as of October 2026. Each section is converted on its own, so you need the score in all four to reach a CLB level.

Which IELTS counts for Canadian immigration

Studying rather than immigrating? Colleges and universities set their own IELTS requirements, so check with yours. Academic is the version made for university study.

• IELTS General Training is the IELTS option IRCC lists for Express Entry.
• IELTS One Skill Retake isn’t accepted, so plan to get your scores in one full test.
• Your result must be less than two years old when you create your Express Entry profile, and again when you apply for permanent residence.
• IRCC also accepts CELPIP-General, PTE Core, TEF Canada and TCF Canada.

Booking IELTS in Canada

Use the official IELTS centre finder, or book through IDP Canada. In October 2026, IDP’s Toronto listings showed IELTS on computer almost every day, at CAD 379, or CAD 389 for sessions with Writing on paper. Prices are set by each centre, so check yours when you book.

Choose General Training when you book if it’s for Express Entry. It’s easy to pick Academic by mistake.