Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Which level you need
For PGWP applications from 1 November 2024, IRCC sets CLB 7 for bachelor's, master's, doctoral and other university programmes, and CLB 5 for college, polytechnic and other non-university programmes, in all four abilities. Applications submitted before 1 November 2024 and PGWP-eligible flight school graduates are exempt (IRCC).
PTE Core scores for CLB 5 and CLB 7
From IRCC's PGWP language table (IRCC), page dated 27 May 2026:
| CLB | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 78–87 | 88–89 | 82–88 | 84–88 |
| 8 | 69–77 | 79–87 | 71–81 | 76–83 |
| 7 | 60–68 | 69–78 | 60–70 | 68–75 |
| 6 | 51–59 | 60–68 | 50–59 | 59–67 |
| 5 | 42–50 | 51–59 | 39–49 | 51–58 |
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.
Try PTE Core free →Practise before you book: free PTE mock test, PTE predictions, PTE Core practice test and PTE to IELTS converter.
Test rules for the PGWP
Results must be less than 2 years old when you submit, and tests should be taken in person. The English tests IRCC lists are CELPIP-General, IELTS and PTE Core (IRCC). The checklist shows language results as optional, but you must include them if your programme requires them.
PTE Academic, which many students take for admission, is not on that list, so plan a PTE Core test near graduation. For the IELTS route, see IELTS for a PGWP.
Frequently asked questions
What PTE Core score is CLB 7?+
Reading 60–68, writing 69–78, listening 60–70 and speaking 68–75 on IRCC's table.
Can I use PTE Academic for a PGWP?+
IRCC's PGWP document page lists PTE Core, not PTE Academic.
How old can my PTE Core result be for a PGWP?+
Less than 2 years old when you submit your application.
Do college graduates need CLB 7?+
No. College and other non-university programmes need CLB 5 in all four skills.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for a Canada PGWP
- PTE Core to CLB calculator
- PTE or IELTS for a Canadian study permit
- PTE Core for Canadian citizenship
- 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.
© 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