Quick answer
For Express Entry, IRCC accepts IELTS General Training, not IELTS Academic. For admission to a Canadian university or college, follow the institution’s own English-test requirement; many academic programs use IELTS Academic, but requirements vary. For PGWP language proof, IRCC’s current conversion page uses IELTS General Training scores to CLB.
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IELTS to CLB Calculator
Convert all four General Training scores using the IRCC table.
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Express Entry: choose IELTS General Training
IRCC explicitly lists IELTS General Training as the IELTS option accepted for Express Entry. If permanent residence through an Express Entry program is the purpose of the test, do not book IELTS Academic by mistake.
IRCC also says IELTS One Skill Retake is not accepted for Express Entry.
University or college admission: follow the school
Admission-language requirements are set by the institution and program. Many academic programs use IELTS Academic, but the required overall score, section minimums and accepted alternatives vary.
A study permit is a separate immigration process. IRCC’s regular study-permit eligibility page does not publish one universal IELTS band for every applicant.
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PGWP: IRCC maps IELTS General Training to CLB
IRCC’s PGWP language-results page provides an IELTS General Training to CLB table. Most newer PGWP applicants need language proof, with CLB 7 or CLB 5 depending on the study-program category.
Use the IELTS to CLB calculator to convert General Training Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking scores separately.
Choose the test from the next official decision
If the next decision is university admission, check the institution’s English-test page. If the next decision is Express Entry, use the IRCC Express Entry language-test page. If the next decision is PGWP, use the current PGWP eligibility and language-result pages.
Do not choose Academic or General Training because one sounds harder or more prestigious. Choose the product the receiving organisation actually accepts.
Prepare for the exact IELTS product you booked
Listening and Speaking are shared across Academic and General Training, but Reading and Writing differ. Practice should match the product you will take.
Use Nektar’s IELTS practice for structured daily preparation and official IELTS or IRCC sources for the rules that determine which result you need.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need IELTS Academic or General Training for Express Entry?
IELTS General Training. IRCC lists General Training as the accepted IELTS option for Express Entry.
Do I need IELTS Academic to study in Canada?
Follow the requirement of the institution and program. Many academic programs use IELTS Academic, but requirements vary.
Which IELTS does PGWP use?
IRCC's current PGWP language conversion page provides an IELTS General Training to CLB table.
Can one IELTS test cover both university admission and Express Entry?
Do not assume it can. The receiving institution and IRCC route can require different IELTS products, so check both before booking.