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Can You Get Canada PR Without IELTS?

Yes. IELTS is not the only test IRCC accepts. For Express Entry you can take CELPIP-General or PTE Core instead of IELTS General Training, or prove your language in French with TEF Canada or TCF Canada. What you cannot skip is an approved test: Express Entry needs results less than 2 years old for all four skills. TOEFL and the Duolingo English Test are not accepted.

Last updated: 2 November 2026 · Written by the PrepEve team

English tests

IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, PTE Core

French tests

TEF Canada, TCF Canada

Not accepted

IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Duolingo

Validity

Results less than 2 years old

FSW minimum

CLB 7 in all four skills

Tests IRCC accepts instead of IELTS

All five count the same way: IRCC converts your score in each skill to a CLB level for English or an NCLC level for French. The test you choose does not change your CRS points; your level in each skill does.

Scores you need, test by test

The Federal Skilled Worker Program needs CLB 7 in all four skills, and CLB 9 gives a much stronger CRS score. These are the minimum scores for each level:

Each skill is converted on its own. One low skill sets your level for that skill, however high the others are.

Can you skip English completely?

Yes, if your French is strong enough. French can be your first official language in Express Entry, and the program minimums then apply in French: NCLC 7 in every skill for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

French also earns a bonus. NCLC 7 or higher in all four skills adds 50 points if your English is CLB 5 or higher in all four skills, or 25 points if you have no English result. Many applicants take both an English and a French test to get the full bonus.

Which test should you choose?

• CELPIP-General: fully on computer, in Canadian English, and its levels match CLB one to one. Some people find speaking to a screen easier than to an examiner; others find it harder.
• PTE Core: fully on computer and scored by computer, with results usually within 48 hours, which helps close to a deadline.
• IELTS General Training: on paper or computer, with Speaking as a conversation with an examiner.
• TEF Canada or TCF Canada: worth it if you already know some French or can study for several months, because NCLC 7 adds the French bonus.

No test is easier for everyone. Take a timed practice test in the two you are considering and compare your weakest skill in each.

Other PR routes

Provincial Nominee Programs set their own language minimums for each stream, and many ask for the same approved tests. Other PR routes have their own rules, so check the IRCC page for the program you are applying under.

Mistakes that cost applicants time

• Booking IELTS Academic instead of General Training. Express Entry does not accept Academic.
• Booking PTE Academic instead of PTE Core. Only PTE Core counts for Express Entry.
• Using TOEFL or Duolingo results. Neither is accepted for Canada PR.
• Letting results expire. They must be less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you apply.

This page is general information, not immigration advice. IRCC decides every application, and its rules can change.

Official sources

• Express Entry: language test results (IRCC)
• Language test equivalency charts (IRCC)
• Comprehensive Ranking System criteria (IRCC)
• Provincial Nominee Program (IRCC)

Rules and fees change. Check the official pages above before you book a test or apply.

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