What IELTS score do you need for the Atlantic Immigration Program?

IRCC says you need to take the CELPIP-General test, the IELTS General Training test or the PTE Core test; IELTS Academic and PTE Academic are not on the list. TEF Canada and TCF Canada are accepted for French. Results must be less than 2 years old when you apply.

The eligibility page adds education right for the job offered and qualifying work experience, which recent graduates of a recognised Atlantic Canadian institution may be exempt from.

The AIP covers New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador. You need a job offer from a designated employer in one of them, as a skilled worker or a recent graduate of a recognised Atlantic Canadian institution, and you can be abroad or in Canada as a temporary resident. The province endorses the job before you apply to IRCC for permanent residence.

Provinces add their own limits. Nova Scotia has paused AIP job offers in NOC 62020 (food service supervisors) (Nova Scotia). Newfoundland and Labrador says in-Canada candidates need valid status and at least four months left on their permit before they apply (NL).

The AIP is separate from the provincial nominee programmes. The 600 Express Entry points in IRCC's CRS criteria are for a provincial or territorial nomination, not an AIP endorsement.

Each ability converts separately; an overall IELTS band does not count. Convert your own scores with our CLB calculator or the PTE Core CLB calculator. For the provincial programmes in the same region, see our Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador guides.

Provincial programmes change often, sometimes with no notice. Confirm the current rule on the IRCC AIP language testing page before you book a test or submit an expression of interest. This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice.