Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
What IRCC's guidance says
The IRCC instructions on letters of acceptance say that when a prerequisite course is required before admission, the DLI may issue a conditional LOA, which you submit with your study permit application. The LOA should list any conditions, such as academic prerequisites or "proof of language competence".
| Step | IRCC rule |
|---|---|
| Offer | Conditional LOA naming the ESL or FSL prerequisite |
| First study permit | Length of the prerequisite program plus 1 year |
| Work while in ESL | No off-campus work until the main program begins |
| After passing ESL | Apply for a new study permit showing you met admission requirements |
What officers still check
The guidance says officers should take into account your bona fides and funds for the main program, should you pass the prerequisite, before issuing the permit for the ESL study. So plan your finances for the full path, not just the language course.
IRCC's eligibility page lists enrolment at a DLI, money for tuition, living and return travel, a clean record, good health and satisfying an officer you will leave. It sets no English test score; your DLI does.
Need a CLB score for Canada?
IRCC accepts IELTS General Training and PTE Core, not IELTS Academic or PTE Academic. Practise the test you will actually sit, free.
Free IELTS General practice →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
Skipping ESL with a test score
If you can reach your DLI's direct-entry score, you get an unconditional LOA and a single permit. See IELTS for a Canadian study permit and PTE vs IELTS for Canada. Immigration rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current rule on the IRCC letters of acceptance page before you book a test or apply. This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a Canada study permit without IELTS through an ESL pathway?+
Yes, if your DLI issues a conditional LOA with ESL as a prerequisite. The first permit covers the ESL program plus 1 year.
Can I work during the ESL part?+
Not off campus. IRCC says permit holders on a prerequisite program cannot work off campus until the main program begins.
Do I need a new study permit for the degree?+
Yes. After completing the prerequisite you apply for a new study permit and show you met the admission requirements.
Does IRCC set an IELTS score for the study permit?+
No. The eligibility page lists no language test; the school sets the requirement.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for a Canadian study permit
- Study English in Canada without a study permit
- PTE vs IELTS for a Canada study permit
- IELTS for Canada: scores by route
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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