PGWP IELTS Requirement: What IELTS Score Do You Need for a Post-Graduation Work Permit?

If you apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit on or after November 1, 2024, you generally need to prove your English or French ability. The only exception IRCC lists is for graduates of PGWP-eligible flight schools.

The level you need depends on your program: for many university graduates the minimum is CLB 7 in all four abilities, while certain college and non-university graduates need CLB 5. This article explains what that means in IELTS scores.

Which IELTS Test Does IRCC Accept for a PGWP?

IRCC's PGWP conversion table uses IELTS General Training. This is the IELTS version to book if you plan to use IELTS for your PGWP.

IELTS Academic, which many students take for university admission, is not the version listed in IRCC's PGWP conversion table. Don't assume an Academic result from your study permit application can be reused.

What IELTS Score Do You Need for a PGWP?

IRCC converts your IELTS General Training results into Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels. These are the minimum scores for CLB 7 and CLB 5, taken from IRCC's PGWP language results page:

An overall band of 6.0 is not the same as CLB 7. For example, an IELTS result of 7.0 listening, 6.5 speaking, 6.0 writing and 5.5 reading could average about 6.0 overall — but the 5.5 reading score is below CLB 7, so it would not meet a CLB 7 requirement. Note also that for CLB 5, the reading minimum (4.0) is lower than the other three skills (5.0).

CLB 5 vs CLB 7: Which Level Applies to You?

The level you need depends on the program you completed, not on the test you take:

• CLB 7 in all four abilities — generally applies to graduates of bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs, and certain other university programs.
• CLB 5 in all four abilities — generally applies to graduates of college, polytechnic and other non-university programs.

Not every PGWP applicant needs CLB 7, and not every applicant can rely on CLB 5. If you completed more than one program, IRCC notes that you may need to meet the higher requirement. The exact assessment depends on your program and circumstances, so check IRCC's eligibility page for your situation.

Do You Need the Required Score in Every Section?

Yes. IRCC assesses reading, writing, listening and speaking separately. Each of your four IELTS band scores must reach the minimum for the CLB level that applies to you. A strong overall band cannot offset one section that falls short.

How Old Can Your IELTS Results Be?

Your language test results must be less than 2 years old when you submit your PGWP application. Results that are older than 2 years at the time you apply are not accepted, even if the scores were high enough.

IRCC also expects you to include proof of your results with your application. See IRCC's PGWP document requirements for how to submit them.

What If You Don't Meet the Required IELTS Score?

If your results fall below the level that applies to your program, don't assume you are eligible. Depending on your circumstances, you may consider:

• retaking IELTS General Training;
• taking another English test that IRCC accepts for PGWP purposes;
• confirming which language threshold applies to your specific program; and
• reviewing the full PGWP eligibility requirements before you apply.

A new test result does not, on its own, make you eligible. All other requirements must still be met.

IRCC also accepts other English tests for PGWP purposes, including CELPIP-General (see our PGWP CELPIP Requirement guide) and PTE Core (see our PGWP PTE Requirement guide). See the full list on IRCC's language results page.

Language Ability Is Only One Part of PGWP Eligibility

Meeting the language requirement does not mean you qualify for a PGWP. You may also need to meet requirements related to:

• an eligible designated learning institution and program;
• graduating from your program;
• your study permit and status;
• full-time study, where applicable;
• field of study, where applicable;
• when you apply; and
• any other current IRCC requirements.

For a broader overview of eligibility and how we can help, see our Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) page.