Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
CLB 5 in IELTS General Training scores
The Start-up Visa eligibility page says you need CLB 5 in all four abilities, in English or French, from an approved agency. The language testing page gives the IRCC equivalency tables; the IELTS General Training rows 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 and result age
IRCC accepts CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core in English, and TEF Canada or TCF Canada in French. IELTS Academic is not on the list. Results must be less than 2 years old when you apply (IRCC).
On PTE Core, CLB 5 is 42 to 50 in reading, 51 to 59 in writing, 39 to 49 in listening and 51 to 58 in speaking. On CELPIP-General, CLB 5 is a 5 in each skill. Check your own scores with the IELTS to CLB calculator.
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.
Program status in 2026
IRCC's page shows the status as paused: "The Start-Up Visa Program was paused on June 30, 2026." It continues to process applications accepted before that date, and eligible applicants can still apply for an open work permit while their application is processed (IRCC).
Rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current requirement on the IRCC Start-up Visa 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 Start-up Visa open in 2026?+
No. IRCC paused it on 30 June 2026 and is not accepting new applications; it is processing those accepted before that date.
Can I use IELTS Academic for the Start-up Visa?+
No. IRCC lists IELTS General Training, not Academic, along with CELPIP-General and PTE Core.
What CLB level does the Start-up Visa require?+
CLB 5 in each of listening, reading, writing and speaking.
How old can my test result be?+
Less than 2 years old when you apply.
Keep reading
Related
- CLB 5 in IELTS, CELPIP and PTE Core
- IELTS to CLB calculator
- IELTS for Canada Express Entry
- IELTS General vs PTE Core for Canada
- 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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