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CLB 7 IELTS Score: 6.0 in Every Skill
CLB 7 in IELTS General Training means at least 6.0 in each of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. It is the minimum language level for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. It gives 17 CRS points per skill for a single applicant (68 in total), or 16 per skill with a spouse.
| CLB | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| CLB 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| CLB 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| CLB 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
Each skill counts separately
An overall band of 6.5 does not guarantee CLB 7. IRCC looks at each skill. Listening 7.0, Reading 5.5, Writing 6.5 and Speaking 7.0 gives CLB 6 in Reading, so you would not meet the CLB 7 minimum for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Which programs need CLB 7?
| Program | Minimum level |
|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker Program | CLB 7 in all four skills |
| Canadian Experience Class | CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs; CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program | CLB 5 in Listening and Speaking; CLB 4 in Reading and Writing |
Is CLB 7 enough for an invitation?
CLB 7 makes you eligible. Invitations are decided by your CRS rank, and language is one of the factors you can still raise.
| Level in all four skills | Single applicant | With spouse |
|---|---|---|
| CLB 7 | 68 | 64 |
| CLB 8 | 92 | 88 |
| CLB 9 | 124 | 116 |
| CLB 10 | 136 | 128 |
Going from CLB 7 to CLB 9 in all four skills adds 56 points for a single applicant. CLB 9 also unlocks higher skill-transferability points. What CLB 9 needs in each skill.
How to move from 6.0 to the next level
- Find the one skill that is lowest. That skill decides your CLB.
- For Writing and Speaking, get feedback from a trainer on the exact sentences that cost you marks.
- For Reading and Listening, take full-length timed tests and review every wrong answer.
Official sources
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (IRCC)
- Canadian Experience Class (IRCC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (IRCC)
- Express Entry: CRS criteria (IRCC)
- Language test equivalency charts (IRCC)
Immigration rules change. Check the IRCC pages above before you apply.