Quick answer
For a PGWP, IRCC accepts IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General or PTE Core, not IELTS Academic. CLB 7 means at least 6.0 in each IELTS General Training skill; CLB 5 means 4.0 in reading and 5.0 in writing, listening and speaking. Express Entry uses the same tests, and your results must be less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you apply.
Last reviewed against official Government of Canada sources. Rules change often: confirm with a counsellor before you apply.
- English tests accepted
- IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, PTE Core
- Not accepted
- IELTS Academic
- CLB 7 on IELTS General
- 6.0 in each skill
- Express Entry results
- Must be less than 2 years old
Which tests IRCC accepts
For the PGWP and Express Entry, IRCC accepts three English tests: IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General and PTE Core. In French, it accepts TEF Canada and TCF Canada. IELTS Academic is not accepted, and Express Entry doesn't accept the IELTS One Skill Retake.
Colleges and universities often accept IELTS Academic for admission. If that's the test you took, you'll need a General Training, CELPIP or PTE Core result for your PGWP or Express Entry.
CLB 5 and CLB 7 scores, test by test
| Test | CLB 5 (R / W / L / S) | CLB 7 (R / W / L / S) |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS General Training | 4.0 / 5.0 / 5.0 / 5.0 | 6.0 / 6.0 / 6.0 / 6.0 |
| CELPIP-General | 5 / 5 / 5 / 5 | 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 |
| PTE Core | 42 / 51 / 39 / 51 | 60 / 69 / 60 / 68 |
Which level you need
- PGWP after a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree, or another university program: CLB 7.
- PGWP after a college, polytechnic or other non-university program: CLB 5.
- Express Entry, Federal Skilled Worker Program: CLB 7.
- Express Entry, Canadian Experience Class: CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs; CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs.
- Express Entry, Federal Skilled Trades Program: CLB 5 for speaking and listening; CLB 4 for reading and writing.
More on each: PGWP explained and Express Entry explained.
How long your results stay valid
For Express Entry, your results must be less than 2 years old both when you complete your profile and when you submit your permanent residence application. If you apply with expired results, IRCC refuses the application.
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