Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
CLB 4 in test scores
The pilots' language test page says you need level 4 in the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or NCLC, in all 4 abilities, from an approved test. The IELTS General Training rows from IRCC's table are below.
| CLB level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 6 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| CLB 5 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| CLB 4 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
Accepted tests
IRCC accepts CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core in English, or TEF Canada and TCF Canada in French. Results must be less than 2 years old when you apply (IRCC).
On PTE Core, CLB 4 is 33 to 41 in reading, 41 to 50 in writing, 28 to 38 in listening and 42 to 50 in speaking. On CELPIP-General it is a 4 in each skill.
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.
Are the pilots open?
No. The pilots page shows both streams, Workers in Canada and Applicants not working in Canada, as closed, and says the pilots "are closed while we focus on processing existing applications". The pilots cover home child care and home support.
IRCC's caregivers page also lists the older Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots as closed (last day to apply 17 June 2024), and the Live-in Caregiver Program as closed to new applicants. Working temporarily as a home care worker is a separate option on that page. Rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current requirement on the IRCC caregivers page before you book a test or apply. This guide restates the official page; it is not legal or immigration advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canada caregiver pilot open?+
No. IRCC lists both streams of the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots as closed while it processes existing applications.
What IELTS score is CLB 4?+
On IELTS General Training: reading 3.5, writing 4.0, listening 4.5 and speaking 4.0, from IRCC's equivalency table.
Can I use IELTS Academic for the caregiver pilots?+
No. IRCC lists IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General and PTE Core for English.
Does my test need to be recent?+
Yes. IRCC says results must be less than 2 years old when you apply.
Keep reading
Related
- CLB 4 in IELTS, CELPIP and PTE Core
- IELTS for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot
- IELTS to CLB calculator
- 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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