IELTS score for immigration - requirements by country
The IELTS band you need to immigrate to Canada, Australia, the UK and New Zealand, compared in one table. Every threshold is taken from the country's official immigration pages and dated - then check your own band free before you book the test.
What IELTS score do I need for immigration?
The IELTS band you need depends on the country and the visa route. Canada scores IELTS against the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB), Australia runs a points test, the UK maps to CEFR levels, and New Zealand sets an overall band. The table below is the quick comparison; each country page has the full conversion table and the official source.
IELTS immigration requirements by country
| Country | System | Key requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) | CLB 7 (6.0 in each of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking) is the Express Entry minimum. CLB 9 (Listening 8.0, Reading 7.0, Writing 7.0, Speaking 7.0) is the competitive target most successful profiles reach. | View |
| Australia | Points-tested skilled migration (Department of Home Affairs) | Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each section) is the floor for skilled migration and earns 0 points. Proficient English (7.0 each) earns 10 points; Superior English (8.0 each) earns 20 points. | View |
| United Kingdom | CEFR levels (UK Visas & Immigration) | Skilled Worker and Health & Care Worker visas require CEFR B1 — IELTS for UKVI 4.0 in each section. Professional registration sits higher: the NMC (nursing) requires 7.0 and the GMC (doctors) 7.5. | View |
| New Zealand | Immigration New Zealand (INZ) English requirement | The Skilled Migrant Category resident visa requires an overall IELTS 6.5 (Academic or General Training) for the principal applicant. Partners and dependents aged 16+ need an overall 5.0. | View |
Each figure is a published official threshold, verified 2026-07-16 and linked to its source on the country page. Immigration rules change - always confirm on the official page before booking your test.
IELTS requirements by destination
IELTS for immigration - common questions
What IELTS score do I need for immigration?
It depends on the country and route. Canada's Express Entry needs at least CLB 7 (IELTS General Training 6.0 in each section), with CLB 9 (Listening 8.0, Reading 7.0, Writing 7.0, Speaking 7.0) as the competitive target. Australia's points test starts at Competent English (6.0 each) and rewards Proficient (7.0 each) and Superior (8.0 each). The UK Skilled Worker visa needs only CEFR B1 (IELTS for UKVI 4.0 each), and New Zealand residence needs an overall 6.5.
Should I take IELTS Academic or General Training for immigration?
For Canadian Express Entry you must take IELTS General Training. Australia and New Zealand accept either module for migration. The UK uses IELTS for UKVI, a version of the test taken at an approved SELT centre. IELTS Academic is generally for university admission — check your specific route before booking.
Which country has the lowest IELTS requirement for immigration?
Among the main English-speaking destinations, the UK Skilled Worker visa has the lowest bar at CEFR B1 (IELTS for UKVI 4.0 in each section). Canada's Express Entry minimum is CLB 7 (6.0 each), New Zealand residence needs an overall 6.5, and Australia's floor is Competent English (6.0 each). Higher scores still help everywhere except the UK visa itself, where professional registration (nursing, medicine) sets its own much higher bars.
How do I check whether my IELTS band is high enough to immigrate?
Take a free, full-length IELTS practice test on this site to get AI-graded per-section bands, then use the IELTS score calculator to convert your raw scores into overall and section bands. Compare those against the country table on each destination page to see which pathway you already qualify for.