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IELTS Band Requirements for Canada Student Visa: A Complete Guide

International students most frequently choose to study in Canada because of its excellent educational system. Students must, however, adhere to Canadian university criteria, which include a call for passing a language competency test. In the IELTS exam, students attain the required band score. Students must achieve at least a six-band threshold in each IELTS module in order to be mentally safe enough to enroll in a recognized university in Canada. A strong IELTS score is one of the slightly varied requirements that certain universities have, though.

Students must possess the necessary reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities in English. Students must follow the right plan and practice in order to achieve the needed band score on the IELTS test for Canada. International applicants must get the required IELTS band score to be accepted into one of Canada's elite institutions or universities. More than 140 nations accept the IELTS exam as evidence of English language competency for academic and professional purposes.

It evaluates non-native English speaker's level of proficiency in the language. The IELTS exam must be successfully completed by students for whom English is not their first language. Additionally, IELTS is necessary to guarantee that all overseas students can handle their studies in a context where English is the primary form of teaching and education.

What is IELTS?

The most widely used English language test for business, study, and immigration is called IELTS (International English Language Testing System). More than 10,000 enterprises rely on IELTS as a trustworthy measure of real-world English communication proficiency. IELTS evaluates a test-takers competency in four areas of the English language: speaking, reading, and writing. The British Council, IDP IELTS, and the University Cambridge Press all share ownership of IELTS.

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What is the Importance of IELTS?

You must be able to show that you have a strong command of the English language if you want to work, reside, or study in a nation with an English-speaking population. With 379 million people globally, English is the world's third most widely spoken language. There are several advantages to being able to speak in the national tongue of the nation that you intend to find employment or study. Additionally, it is necessary for community integration and job prospects.

For people wishing to immigrate to countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK, IELTS is the test of choice. More than 11,000 enterprises, colleges, schools, and immigration organizations throughout the world, including 3,400 establishments in the USA, acknowledge it.

How is IELTS Developed?

IELTS aims to provide a trustworthy and impartial assessment of English language proficiency. The test questions are written by language specialists from the UK, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. Four sections make up the test: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Real-life situations are covered in the IELTS exam. No of their backgrounds, every exam taker receives the same impartial treatment.

IELTS Test Format

Candidates must be familiar with the IELTS Syllabus in order to fully comprehend the IELTS Pattern. There are several areas in the IELTS syllabus, including Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing. The entire test lasts two hours and forty-five minutes.30 minutes overall and broken down into four parts,

Listening: The listening component requires applicants to respond to 40 questions of various categories.

Tips to Score Well in the Listening Section 

  1. IELTS clips feature voices with heavy, thick accents; therefore, listing different English language accents often can help you get better at English listening and will enable you to select the right response in one go.
  2. You risk losing focus while watching these films, so pay close attention to understand the challenging material and determine the right answer.
  3. Candidates should carefully study the instructions because there might be details in listening examinations that need to be marked with special attention.

Reading: There are three texts in the reading section that are of general interest and that deal with topics that are appropriate for applicants to post-graduate or undergraduate programs. This section takes up about 40 questions and has a 60-minute time limit.

Tips for Achieving a High Reading Score

  1. Since it will offer you a general overview of the passage, you ought to be ready to scan it in 2 to 3 minutes. You'll find the solution quickly with the aid of scanning.
  2. Find the solution as quickly as you can; avoid taking too long to understand the passage. Only a few of the questions, such as the ones involving making titles and matching headings, will call for in-depth comprehension.

Writing: This section, which has two writing assignments, lasts for 60 minutes. A candidate must write a summary of a graph, table, or procedure in Task 1 that is no less than 150 words long. A candidate must prepare a discursive essay in Task 2 that is at least 250 words long.

Read about IELTS Speaking Questions With Answers

How to Master the Writing Skill

  1. Make an effort to read newspapers, magazines, and articles of high quality. Highlight vocabulary words and grammar structures, then try to connect sentences and paragraphs.
  2. Take an IELTS practice test on any topic that interests you. This can help you get over any test-day jitters and boost your confidence.
  3. Look at the directive terms in a question before responding directly. Your teacher will give you detailed instructions on how to compose the answers and ensure that you understand what is expected of you.

Speaking: Candidates must conduct a face-to-face interview for a total of 11 to 14 minutes in this section. The candidates' ability to communicate clearly and organize their thoughts in English is evaluated using this component.

Tips to Ace at Speaking Section

  1. Candidates frequently experience nervousness when performing face-to-face interviews. Possessing a pleasant attitude, maintaining proper body posture, using formal language, and making eye contact will make someone appear ebullient, which is an important element of communication.
  2. Increase your practice by swiftly recording yourself. Practicing in front of a mirror will help you see your movements more clearly.
  3. In both professional and informal settings, make an effort to surround yourself with English speakers and ultimately work to overcome your fears.

Minimum IELTS Score for Canada Student Visa

In the group of nations that are most welcoming to immigration, Canada is among the top nations on the planet. It is impossible to overestimate the significance of having a strong command of the English language for international students applying to Canadian universities. It is crucial to evaluate students' skills throughout all four categories because English is the language of education and communication.

Students can submit applications for a work visa or a residence permit in Canada after completing a study or program. In this instance, the candidates must achieve the IELTS score requirements established by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The visa application procedure will take about six months. However, there is an expedited processing option available under the Student Direct Stream initiative. The minimum IELTS score needed for Canada would be CLB 7. That equates to a minimum of 6.0 in every one of the four bands for the test. The Canadian Language Standards guidelines establish the prerequisite IELTS score required for all students wishing to establish a life in Canada.

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IELTS Band Requirements for Canadian Study Programs

If you intended to study abroad in Canada as a student, the process would be made simpler if you had a minimal IELTS score. An IELTS score of at least 6.0 is required for a student visa to Canada. The specific criteria will also change depending on the degree of the study you choose. In general, regardless of your educational background or degree level, you must obtain at least 5.5 bands in each area of the IELTS exam and an overall score of 6.0 to apply to undergraduate programs. However, you will require a minimum band of 6.0 in each area and an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or higher to pursue post-graduate study.

The minimum IELTS scores you must obtain to apply to a Canadian university are listed below.

Education Level

IELTS Minimum Score

Bachelor’s/Diploma/Certificate Courses

6/6.5

Post-graduate/Master’s Course

No bands are lower than 6, totaling 6.5.

IELTS Requirements for Top Universities in Canada

Due to the importance of English language skills for studying in Canada, Canadian universities and colleges enforce high IELTS eligibility requirements. International students' admittance will be based on their IELTS score and entrance standards. Meeting the IELTS requirements is one of the key criteria for eligibility. Each university and college establishes an IELTS score based on value and recognition. Each Canadian university will have a different minimum IELTS score requirement. High IELTS scores are required for admission to universities with greater rankings and value. The IELTS score is vital for all Canadian scholarship programs.

The IELTS band specifications for the top 10 universities in Canada are shown in the table below:

University

QS World University Ranking 2023

Minimum IELTS score requirement

The University of Toronto

34

6.5 (with no band less than 6.0 in each section)

McGill University 

31

6.5 (with no band less than 6.0 in each section)

University of British Columbia

77

6.5 (with no band less than 6.0 in each section)

University of Montreal

116

Not specified 

University of Alberta

110

6.5 (with no band less than 6.0 in each section)

McMaster University 

152

6.5 (with no band less than 6.0 in each section)

University of Waterloo 

154

6.5 to 7.0 

Western University

172

6.5 (with no band less than 6.0 in each section)

University of Ottawa 

237

6.5 (with 6.5 bands in Writing)

University of Calgary 

242

8.0 (with no band less than 7.0 in each section)

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How to get a Canadian Student Visa?

You can apply for a Canadian study permit online or by mail using the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website. It's usually a good idea to verify the processing timeframes well in advance for paper applications, which typically take roughly twice as long. You'll need a credit/debit card to apply online, as well as the capacity to scan or take digital photos of your supporting documents.

Your country's visa office will provide you with detailed instructions on the documents you must submit; these instructions may change depending on where you are. You can seek assistance at the VAC that is most convenient for you if you need it.

You must carry out the procedures listed below in order to submit an application for a student visa to Canada –

  1. Choose the college to which you want to apply
  2. Identify your student visa eligibility
  3. Visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada's (CIC) website to apply for a student visa
  4. Make all the following documents available before starting the application process –
  • A request for a student visa
  • Acceptance letter from your university
  • Authentic passport
  • Evidence that you can sustain yourself financially both throughout and after your education programme.
  • Statement of purpose.
  • If you're applying to a university in Quebec, you'll also require a Quebec Acceptance Certificate.
  • A receipt shows your payment of the study permit fee.
  1. Clear English language competence examinations (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, and C1 Advanced) are recognised in Canada.
  2. Make an appointment for biometrics.

Students from nations that need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) and/or a temporary residency visa will be issued these if necessary. If and when your Canadian student visa application is approved, you'll receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction. Your passport will be connected to the eTA. It is critical that you travel using the same passport that you used to apply for a learning permit. Your passport's expiration date or five years, whichever comes first, will determine the eTA's validity.

Present these to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in Canada along with your passport, documentation of your financial stability, your letter of acceptance, and any other documents you have been advised to bring. The CBSA will then award you a Canadian study permit and grant you entry into Canada.

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How to Crack IELTS to Study in Canada?

You now know how many bands are necessary for a Canadian student visa after graduating from high school and after obtaining your diploma, so let's look at some strategies for obtaining a higher band score on the IELTS. To begin their study process early, either by taking coaching programmes or reading the best resources for IELTS preparation. Candidates concentrate on finishing and thoroughly reviewing the IELTS syllabus. You will need it to get a study permit and a chance at your desired university. In order to help you obtain your ideal IELTS score for Canada, AbraodVice.com offers exclusive online classes, premium study materials created by top-tier specialists, as well as doubt-clearing sessions and flexible scheduling.

Booster Program with Abroadvice.com

AbroadVice.com has introduced a 12-week booster programme to help students get ready for their study abroad experience. This programme helps students with IELTS preparation, writing assignments, portfolio building, university application, education loan, and immigration processes. The programme also includes an International Faculty Masterclass, in which renowned subject matter experts and corporate executives share their expertise with the students.

Bottom Line,

Since English is the primary language of instruction and communication in Canada, foreign students applying for admission to Canadian universities must demonstrate their fluency in the language. Universities and institutions in Canada check IELTS scores to understand whether the student is eligible to get a seat. The four IELTS test components—writing, speaking, reading, and listening—are used to judge proficiency.

According to the Canadian Language Baseline standards, the IELTS band criteria have been established. International students must meet the basic admissions requirements of an IELTS score in order to gain admission, a work visa, and legal residency in Canada.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is IELTS required to Study in Canada?

Canada is mostly an English-speaking country. So, when you want to take admitted to Canadian universities, you have to prove your English proficiency. The IELTS exam makes sure whether a candidate has proper communication skills in the English language. That's why you need to pass the IELTS exam. AbroadVice.com’s experts can assist you with this.

How to Obtain Canada Student Visa?

You must possess an acceptance letter from a Canadian institution, university, or college before you can submit an application for a study permit. This implies that you must locate a college, university, or other educational institution in Canada, apply to your desired program(s), and then wait to hear from them about their decision.

What minimum IELTS score is required for a Canadian student visa?

A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall and 5.5 in each component is required to apply for a study visa to study in Canada for an undergraduate program. You must have a total IELTS score of 6.5 and six in each component to be eligible to apply for a student visa to study in Canada for the graduate program.

Is 6.5 a good score in IELTS for Canada?

According to data and the norms of the institution, the score range of 6.5 is regarded as competent and is on the verge of a B2/C1 grade. An acceptable or suggested band score for the IELTS is 7.5.

Can I get a student visa for Canada with 5.5 bands?

You must achieve a minimum of 5.5 in all of the four IELTS skill categories and a total of at least 6.0 in order to enroll in undergraduate and graduate programs in Canada.

Who recognizes IELTS score to attain a student visa or work visa?

The institution's required English language proficiency level must be met by individuals seeking an educational visa to pursue a bachelor's or master's program at a recognized institution of higher learning. IELTS scores are accepted by all British colleges and institutions.

How long does it take to get a Canada student visa?

Your study permission can take months to arrive. The Canadian government estimates that it could take up to 13 weeks to process your study visa application. So, factor in the waiting period and begin your application procedure at least three months prior to your scheduled departure!

What is a Canadian study permit?

A Canadian study permit is an application issued by the Canadian government to foreign nationals that authorizes them to study at specified educational organizations in Canada. If you are an international student, you need to get a study permit to continue your study in Canada. Before applying, verify that you've got all the necessary paperwork.

Can I get a refund if my student visa got rejected?

There are a few situations when you can ask for a refund of your application cost if your Visa application is rejected, even though this is not always possible. But if you trust AbroadVice.com with your visa application, you will not get rejected for sure.

How much will it cost to get a Canada study visa?

According to CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada), the cost of a Canadian study visa is 150 CAD, which is the cost of the visa alone, not including any additional services that may be requested by the applicant. According to the Canadian Embassy, this charge is currently INR 9,080 in India.

  • Deepanshu Shakya
  • June 30,2023
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