What IELTS score do you need for the BC PNP?

The guide accepts CELPIP-General (not the General LS test), IELTS General Training (not IELTS Academic or One Skill Retake), PTE Core (not PTE Academic), TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Results are valid for two years from the date of issuance: they must be valid at registration to earn points, and at application if a minimum level applies to you.

If the BC PNP asks a TEER 0 or 1 applicant for a test, it uses the CLB competency tables to decide the level your job needs. The BC PNP's news page also confirms the closure of ELSS and says completed study in B.C. or Canada still earns extra registration points.

Points are based on your lowest CLB across the four abilities, up to 40: CLB 9 or higher 30, CLB 8 25, CLB 7 20, CLB 6 15, CLB 5 10, CLB 4 5, and 0 below CLB 4 or with no test. Valid English and French tests, both at CLB 4 or higher and taken within the past two years, add 10 more. 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.

Both streams have an Express Entry BC (EEBC) option. The guide says you must meet the criteria of the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades or Canadian Experience Class programme and hold an Express Entry profile number and job seeker validation code. Under the Comprehensive Ranking System, a provincial or territorial nomination is worth 600 points. To be nominated through Express Entry you must also qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades or Canadian Experience Class programme (IRCC), whose minimums are CLB 7 (FSW), CLB 7 or 5 by TEER (CEC) and CLB 5 speaking and listening with CLB 4 reading and writing (FST) (IRCC). See our Express Entry guide.

For 2026, BC says it received an extra 1,000 nominations, for an allocation of 6,254 (BC PNP news, 18 August 2026). IRCC's provincial nominee language page (modified 23 June 2026) lists IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General and PTE Core for English, plus TEF Canada and TCF Canada for French, and its equivalency charts say results must not be more than 2 years old when IRCC receives your application. For Express Entry, IRCC says you must take the IELTS General Training option and does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake (IRCC); IELTS Academic is not on any IRCC economic-immigration list.

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