FAQs: IELTS for Canada Immigration, Work and Studies

If you’re thinking of moving to Canada, whether it’s for work, study or permanently, you’ll need to do your IELTS test. Having a good score on the IELTS test will show that as a foreign national, you’re able to communicate well. This is important as it will help you find work in Canada, be a functional member and make your study journey easier.

Having a great score will also improve your chances of receiving a Canadian visa. Let’s have a look at some of the most frequent IELTS questions for Canada immigration, work and studies.

All About the Canadian IELTS

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FAQ 1: What is IELTS?

Canada uses the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as a way of testing immigrants’ English levels when they’re applying for immigration, work or study visas. IELTS is accepted by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and by universities and colleges across Canada. The test evaluates your English proficiency on a scale of 0 to 9 in each of four skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Good to know:

IELTS is accepted as evidence of English language proficiency by over 10,000 organizations worldwide.

FAQ 2: How do I register for IELTS?

Each country has its own website and test centres. You’ll need to log onto the IELTS website of your country and apply for registration. You may also select if you prefer to have your test computer-delivered or paper-based. You’ll also need to select the location and test date

Please note that doing the computer-delivered test isn’t done at home, you’ll need to take the test at one of the IELTS centres in your country.

When applying make sure that you have a paper or digital copy of your passport.

FAQ 3: What are the costs to take the IELTS test?

On average the cost of the IELTS test is around $300 in almost every country. The paper and computer-based versions of the test both cost the same. The cost is also the same whether you’re taking the IELTS test for academic or general training type.

FAQ 4: How do I know I’ve successfully registered for the test?

Once you’ve completed your IELTS registration, you should see a confirmation on your computer screen. You need to print it and take it with you to the test. You’ll also receive a hard copy or an email of the registration confirmation.

FAQ 5: How can I prepare for the IELTS test?

Preparation is very important when it comes to the test. This is because it determines whether or not you’re eligible for the Canadian visa you’re applying for. Here are a few tips to help prepare for your IELTS exam:

  1. Be sure to take a practice test
  2. Develop your English capabilities and IELTS strategies
  3. Practice multitasking when listening in English
  4. Expose yourself to English as much as possible

Here are a few British Council tips that most good language learners do, in order to help improve your IELTS score.

  • Good language learners notice their mistakes and learn from them;
  • Do group activities;
  • Watch movies and listen to music in English; and
  • Do extra practice. Test and improve your language, reading and listening skills with self-study material.

CanadianVisa.org has an online preparation course that includes explaining the exam, video lectures, practice exercises and strategies to help you succeed. You’ll be able to do writing samples which can be submitted and then reviewed, graded and commented on by qualified Canadian IELTS instructors.

FAQ 6: When will I receive my IELTS results?

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Obtaining your results is quite simple. If you’ve chosen to do the test on a computer, you’ll get your results within three to five days after your test. However, if you choose to take the paper-based test, your results will be available after 13 days from the day you took the test.

FAQ 7: How long does the IELTS test take? 

IELTS has four parts – Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (11–14 minutes). The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

FAQ 8: Am I able to re-do my IELTS test?

Yes! You’re able to retake the test as there are no restrictions on doing so. You can book a test as soon as you feel you are ready to do so. We do, however, recommend that you do additional studying before taking the test again. This will help you achieve the favourable results you’re looking for.

FAQ 9: What should we carry for the IELTS exam?

The testing centre will check your identity before you arrive, so it’s important to bring the same national identity card or passport used when you booked the test. If your ID is invalid or expired you won’t be accepted.

FAQ 10: How do I know which IELTS test I need?

Be sure you’re applying for the correct test as each test can either be for Canada immigration, work and studies

There are two types of tests, the one you choose will depend on your reason for going to Canada. If you want to move to Canada for study purposes, then you should take the IELTS Academic test. If you plan on applying for a Canadian work or immigration visa, then the IELTS General Training test is recommended.

Canadian Immigration, Work and Study Programs

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Top Canadian Immigration Program

There are over 100 visas and immigration programs in Canada, however, Express Entry is known to be one of the largest points of entry for Canadian immigration.

What is Express Entry?

It’s an online immigration system that manages three federal programs namely; the Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class, and the Canadian Experience Class. Express Entry creates an easy and simple pathway for immigrants to move to Canada as permanent residents.

A successful application is dependent on your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score out of a possible 1,200 points. You’ll receive points for aspects such as education, language and work experience.

Express Entry is also one of the Canadian programs where a job offer isn’t a requirement.

Canadian Study Permit

Any foreign national who wants to study at some of the best colleges and universities in Canada will need a Canadian study permit. If you successfully obtain a study visa, it will be valid for the length of your study program plus an extra 90 days.

Study eligibility requirements are as follows:

  • Be enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI);
  • Have enough money to pay for your tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation (for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada);
  • Not have a criminal record; and
  • Prove that you intend to leave Canada when your study permit expires.

Top Canadian Work Program

There are two types of work permits, they are:

  • Open Work Permit - with this visa you can work in any location in Canada for any employer.
  • Employer-Specific Work Permit - this visa will have certain restrictions which will be available on the work permit. Restrictions include your position or your employer's name.

An open work permit can be obtained via:

  • Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) - international graduate students can apply for this open work visa and work anywhere for any employer in Canada. This permit can be valid for up to three years, depending on the length of the graduate’s program.

An employer-specific work permit can be obtained via:

  • Global Talent Stream - this is a pathway for Canadian employers to access highly-skilled global talent to expand the workforce in Canada.
  • Caregivers - Canadian families can hire foreign nationals to provide care, in a private residence, to children, seniors or people with certified medical needs.

If you’re thinking of getting a visa for Canada immigration, work and studies, then you’ll need to get a start on your IELTS soon!