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IELTS Score for a Canada Student Visa (2026)

Since the Student Direct Stream closed on 8 November 2024, all students apply through the regular study permit process, so the IELTS score you need is mainly the one your college or university sets for admission, usually in IELTS Academic. Plan for the next step too: to get a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), you need CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates) in all four skills, proven with IELTS General Training or another approved test. IELTS Academic is not accepted for the PGWP.

Last updated: 22 October 2026 · Written by the PrepEve team

Student Direct Stream

Closed on 8 November 2024

Study permit score

Set mainly by your college or university

PGWP (university)

CLB 7: IELTS General Training 6.0 in each skill

PGWP (college)

CLB 5: Listening, Writing, Speaking 5.0; Reading 4.0

PGWP test

IELTS General Training, not Academic

What changed when SDS ended?

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was a faster study permit route for students from India and some other countries. It had its own language rule: for applications from 10 August 2023, an IELTS Academic overall score of 6.0 or an equivalent test.

IRCC closed SDS on 8 November 2024. Since then, every student applies through the regular study permit process and must meet its requirements. The SDS IELTS rule no longer applies.

So what IELTS score do you need now?

The score that matters is the one your designated learning institution (DLI), the college or university, sets for your programme. You need its letter of acceptance to apply for a study permit, and the school checks your English when it admits you.

• Requirements differ between schools and between programmes at the same school.
• Many schools ask for a minimum in each skill as well as an overall band.
• Most ask for IELTS Academic. Check whether your school also accepts other tests, or offers a waiver if you studied in English.

Your visa officer can still consider whether you can complete your studies, so a score that comfortably meets the school’s requirement is safer than one that just scrapes it.

Plan ahead: the language rule for the PGWP

For PGWP applications submitted on or after 1 November 2024, IRCC requires a minimum language level in all four skills: CLB 7 if you graduated from a university programme, and CLB 5 if you graduated from a college programme.

• Accepted English tests for the PGWP: IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General and PTE Core. IELTS Academic is not on the list.
• Results must be less than 2 years old when you submit the PGWP application, and the test must be taken in person.

This catches many students out. The IELTS Academic result you used for admission does not count for the PGWP, and by graduation it may be more than 2 years old anyway. Plan to take IELTS General Training before you apply for your work permit.

Study, work permit and PR: three different checkpoints

If permanent residence is your long-term goal, aim higher than the minimum at every stage. A strong General Training score helps with the PGWP and later adds CRS points in Express Entry.

How to plan your IELTS for Canada

1. Before admission: check your shortlisted schools’ IELTS Academic requirements, including per-skill minimums, and aim for the highest one.
2. Before graduation: take IELTS General Training in time to have the result before your PGWP application.
3. For PR: use your General Training result for Express Entry while it is less than 2 years old, and retake to raise your CLB if it adds CRS points.

Official sources

• End of the Student Direct Stream and Nigeria Student Express (IRCC)
• Post-graduation work permit: who can apply (IRCC)
• PGWP: how to find your language level based on your test results (IRCC)
• PGWP: get the right documents (IRCC)

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

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