What IELTS score do you need for the Ontario PNP (OINP)?

Ontario accepts IELTS General Training only (not IELTS Academic or One Skill Retake), CELPIP General (select "IRCC purposes" and IRCC as the receiving institution so the OINP can confirm your results) and PTE Core (not PTE Academic). In French it accepts TEF Canada and TCF Canada. The test date must be within 2 years before the date you submit your application.

The Ontario credentials that replace a test are a postsecondary degree or diploma of at least 2 years' full-time study, an Ontario College Graduate Certificate, a master's or a PhD from an eligible Ontario institution, completed within the last 3 years.

Language also scores points in your expression of interest, based on your lowest ability: CLB 9 or higher earns 15 points, CLB 8 earns 12, CLB 7 earns 8, CLB 6 earns 4 and CLB 5 or lower earns 0. Two official languages at CLB 6 or higher add 10 points (one language: 5). So the minimum gets you eligible, but CLB 7 to 9 is what moves your ranking. 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.

If you apply with a TEER 0 to 3 job offer, or as a self-employed physician, you can ask to be nominated through Express Entry. Ontario says you must then meet a federal Express Entry programme's minimum, keep a valid profile throughout, and accept the nomination within 30 calendar days (OINP). 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.

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 Ontario Workforce Priority stream page before you book a test or submit an expression of interest. This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice.