Taking the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the most important steps for individuals looking to immigrate to Canada. Whether you’re applying through Express Entry, a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or another immigration stream, your IELTS score plays a key role in your application. But what comes next?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process after taking the IELTS—from receiving your results to creating your immigration profile, calculating your points, and planning your next move. If you’re serious about settling in Canada, read on to learn how to make the most of your IELTS score.
Step 1: Waiting for Your IELTS Results
After you’ve taken the IELTS test (General Training version, required for immigration), the first step is to wait for your results.
How Long Do Results Take?
- Computer-delivered IELTS: Results are typically available 3 to 5 days after the test.
- Paper-based IELTS: Results take around 13 calendar days to be released.
You’ll receive your score in four sections:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
Each section is scored out of 9.0, and you’ll also receive an overall band score.
Test Report Form (TRF) IELTS for Canada Immigration
Your official scores are printed on a document called the Test Report Form (TRF). You will need this document when submitting your Express Entry or PNP application.
Important: Make sure your name on the IELTS test matches your passport exactly. Any mismatch can cause issues in your immigration application.
Step 2: Understanding Your IELTS Scores (CLB Levels)
Canada uses the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) system to evaluate your language proficiency. Your IELTS scores are converted to CLB levels, which are used in the immigration system.
IELTS to CLB Conversion Example
| IELTS Band | CLB Level |
|---|---|
| Listening: 8.0 | CLB 9 |
| Reading: 7.0 | CLB 9 |
| Writing: 7.0 | CLB 9 |
| Speaking: 7.0 | CLB 9 |
CLB level 9 is particularly valuable in the Express Entry system because it gives you bonus points under the Skill Transferability section of the CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System).
Step 3: Creating Your Express Entry Profile
Once you have your IELTS results, you can now create your profile on the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website. This is the official portal for Canada’s immigration programs.
What You’ll Need:
- IELTS TRF Number
- IELTS scores for each section
- Test date
- ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) report number
- Personal information (passport, education, work history, etc.)
Note: Your IELTS test must be valid (i.e., taken within the last 2 years) when you apply.
Once your profile is complete, you’ll be placed into the Express Entry pool, where your profile will be ranked based on your CRS score.
Step 4: Calculating Your CRS Score
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) assigns points to candidates based on several criteria:
- Age
- Education
- Work Experience
- Language Skills (including IELTS)
- Job Offers or Provincial Nominations
- Spouse or Partner’s Credentials (if applicable)
Your IELTS results can earn you up to 136 points if you’re single, or 128 points if you have a spouse. If you score CLB 9 or higher, you can earn additional points through the Skill Transferability Factors, potentially increasing your total score significantly.
Step 5: Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Every few weeks, IRCC conducts Express Entry draws and issues Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates with the highest CRS scores in the pool.
If your CRS score meets or exceeds the cut-off score for a given draw, you’ll receive an ITA. You’ll then have 60 days to submit a complete application for Permanent Residency (PR).
What Happens If You Don’t Get an ITA?
- Improve your CRS score by re-taking IELTS and aiming for a higher CLB level.
- Complete another credential evaluation (ECA).
- Gain additional work experience.
- Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to gain 600 extra CRS points.
Step 6: Using Your IELTS Score for PNPs
Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs allow provinces and territories to nominate individuals for PR. Some PNP streams operate outside of Express Entry, and many have specific IELTS requirements.
After you receive your IELTS scores, you can:
- Check eligibility for specific provincial streams (e.g., Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan)
- Apply directly to the province if you’re eligible
- Use your IELTS and nomination to boost your Express Entry CRS score (if applicable)
Step 7: Document Preparation and Application Submission
Once you receive an ITA, the clock starts ticking. You’ll have just 60 days to submit your PR application.
Documents you’ll need include:
- IELTS TRF
- Passport
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical examination results
- Employment letters
- Proof of funds
- ECA report
Your IELTS for Canada Immigration score will remain a central part of your file, so make sure to keep your TRF in a safe place and scan a copy for digital submissions.
What If My IELTS Score Is Too Low?
Don’t worry—many applicants don’t achieve their desired scores the first time. Here’s what you can do:
- Retake the IELTS: Focus on improving weak sections with the help of prep courses or tutors.
- Explore Other Immigration Streams: Some PNPs accept lower CLB levels.
- Take CELPIP: Another English test approved by IRCC, sometimes preferred by applicants who find IELTS more challenging.