Minimum CLB by program
These minimums are on IRCC's Express Entry language test page. A second official language is optional for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and earns extra points at CLB/NCLC 5 or above.
| Program | Minimum English level |
|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker Program | CLB 7 in all 4 abilities |
| Canadian Experience Class, TEER 0 or 1 job | CLB 7 in all 4 abilities |
| Canadian Experience Class, TEER 2 or 3 job | CLB 5 in all 4 abilities |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program | CLB 5 speaking and listening, CLB 4 reading and writing |
CLB to IELTS General, CELPIP and PTE Core (IRCC's tables)
IRCC accepts three English tests for Express Entry: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core. The French options are TEF Canada and TCF Canada. IELTS Academic is not on the list, and IRCC says "We don't accept IELTS One Skill Retake for Express Entry" (IRCC). The scores below are the lowest in each band of IRCC's test equivalency charts. To convert every score, use our CLB calculator or PTE Core CLB calculator.
| CLB level | CELPIP-General (each skill) | IELTS General Training (minimum) | PTE Core (minimum) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 9 | 9 | R 7.0 · W 7.0 · L 8.0 · S 7.0 | R 78 · W 88 · L 82 · S 84 |
| CLB 7 | 7 | R 6.0 · W 6.0 · L 6.0 · S 6.0 | R 60 · W 69 · L 60 · S 68 |
| CLB 5 | 5 | R 4.0 · W 5.0 · L 5.0 · S 5.0 | R 42 · W 51 · L 39 · S 51 |
| CLB 4 | 4 | R 3.5 · W 4.0 · L 4.5 · S 4.0 | R 33 · W 41 · L 28 · S 42 |
Know your target? Check where you stand
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Take a free scored IELTS mock →How many CRS points language is worth
Under the Comprehensive Ranking System, official-language proficiency is worth up to 160 points without a spouse or partner (150 with one). For your first official language, each ability earns 17 points at CLB 7, 23 at CLB 8, 31 at CLB 9 and 34 at CLB 10 or more (16, 22, 29 and 32 with a spouse). Moving from CLB 7 to CLB 9 in all four abilities therefore adds 56 points for a single applicant, before skill-transferability points.
Your results must be less than two years old both when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you submit your permanent residence application (IRCC). For choosing between IELTS General and PTE Core, see our comparison for Canada.
Immigration rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current requirement on the IRCC Express Entry language page before you book a test or apply. This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is IELTS Academic accepted for Express Entry?+
No. IRCC says you must take the IELTS General Training option.
What IELTS score is CLB 7?+
6.0 in each of reading, writing, listening and speaking on IELTS General Training, per IRCC's equivalency chart.
What IELTS score is CLB 9?+
Reading 7.0, writing 7.0, listening 8.0 and speaking 7.0 on IELTS General Training.
Can I use IELTS One Skill Retake for Express Entry?+
No. IRCC states it does not accept One Skill Retake for Express Entry; it is accepted only for the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot.
Is PTE Core accepted for Express Entry?+
Yes. PTE Core is one of the three English tests IRCC accepts, and IRCC says you must take the PTE Core option.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS General vs PTE Core for Canada
- CLB score calculator
- PTE Core CLB calculator
- IELTS for Canadian citizenship
- All 711 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 30 September 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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