Is IELTS Accepted for Canada Student Visa?

Are you looking to study in Canada? If so, you may be wondering if the IELTS is accepted for the Canadian student visa. The answer is yes! The IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic are both accepted for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) of the Canadian study visa. To be eligible for a Canadian student visa, you must have a minimum of 5.5 in each of the IELTS bands and an overall IELTS score of 6.0. IELTS requirements for Canadian universities vary depending on whether you are applying for an undergraduate or graduate course.

The IELTS Academic is widely accepted by colleges, universities, and Designated Learning Institutes (DLI) across Canada. It is used to assess the language skills of non-native English speakers who want to study in a country where English is the primary language of communication, such as Canada. All universities and colleges in Canada accept IELTS, as well as all professional associations that have established minimum language requirements for professional registration. The minimum IELTS requirement for the Canadian student visa is regulated by the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), which are national standards used in Canada to define, recognize, and quantify English language proficiency.

The IELTS requirement for the Canadian student visa is one of the first steps in the application process for a study permit. With time spent learning, working, and socializing in Canada, your English skills will only become stronger by the time you take any of the exams. The C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency certificates are valid for life, meaning some institutions in Canada accept results that are more than two years old. The IELTS General Training is also accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) when it comes to moving to Canada as an immigrant or student.

For undergraduate programs, you will need at least 5.5 bands in each section along with an overall score of 6.0 or higher. All students looking to study in Canada should start their journey early by reading the best books for IELTS preparation or taking IELTS training classes. Once you meet the IELTS band requirements of the Canadian student visa, there are numerous colleges and universities in Canada to choose from. A work permit issued by the Canadian government is also required for those who wish to work in Canada for a specified period of time.

Simon Gooch
Simon Gooch

"Simon Gooch is a seasoned professional with a passion for transforming the landscape of international education. With over two decades of experience in the education industry, he has excelled in roles that encompass student recruitment, market development, and educational consulting. Currently serving as the Global Sales Director for ELS Educational Services, Inc., Simon's commitment to expanding educational access is evident in his work overseeing agent sales worldwide, with a particular focus on ELS centers across the USA. His career journey also includes founding Seed Educational Consulting Ltd, a B2B and B2C agency dedicated to helping students from Africa pursue higher education opportunities in various countries. Simon's strong leadership, exceptional agent relationship management, and proficiency in opening new and emerging markets have played pivotal roles in his successful career.Simon's academic background further strengthens his expertise, a fluent French speaker holding a First-Class degree in French and Modern European Studies from the University of East Anglia. His specialties lie in customer relationship management with a clear focus on agents, parents/students, and university partners. Simon's remarkable track record in developing emerging markets, particularly in Russia, the Middle East, and Africa, showcases his ability to drive consistent and long-term growth in these regions. With a deep commitment to educational access and international collaboration, Simon Gooch continues to make a significant impact in the field of international education."