Rules, comparisons and data

What IELTS score do you need for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot?

It depends on the TEER category of your job offer: CLB 6 for TEER 0 or 1, CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3, and CLB 4 for TEER 4 or 5. On IELTS General Training, CLB 6 is reading 5.0 and 5.5 in writing, listening and speaking. Results must be under 2 years old and meet the level in all four abilities.
  • Guide updated · 30 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026

Minimum CLB by job offer

The RCIP language test page sets the minimum by the NOC TEER category of your job offer. The IELTS General Training scores are from IRCC's equivalency table on the same page.

Job offer TEERMinimum CLBIELTS General Training (R / W / L / S)
TEER 0 or 1CLB 65.0 / 5.5 / 5.5 / 5.5
TEER 2 or 3CLB 54.0 / 5.0 / 5.0 / 5.0
TEER 4 or 5CLB 43.5 / 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. You must meet the minimum in all 4 abilities, and results must be less than 2 years old when you apply (IRCC).

Convert your own scores with the IELTS to CLB calculator or the PTE Core CLB calculator.

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The other eligibility rules

The RCIP eligibility page says you need a valid job offer from a designated employer in the community, at least 1 year (1,560 hours) of related work experience in the past 3 years, a Canadian educational credential or foreign equivalent, enough money to support yourself and your family, and the language result above.

IRCC's RCIP page shows the pilot as open and says it chose 14 communities; the Rural and Francophone pilots page lists the participating communities. Rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current requirement on the IRCC RCIP page before you book a test or apply. This guide restates the official page; it is not legal or immigration advice.

Frequently asked questions

What CLB do I need for an RCIP job in TEER 3?+

CLB 5. IRCC sets CLB 5 for job offers in TEER 2 or 3.

Can I use IELTS Academic for the RCIP?+

No. IRCC lists IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General and PTE Core for English.

Is the Rural Community Immigration Pilot open?+

IRCC's RCIP page showed the status as open when we checked on 30 October 2026.

Do I need a job offer first?+

Yes. You need a valid job offer from an employer designated by one of the participating communities.

Keep reading

Related

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.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

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