IELTS scores for visas
IELTS band requirements 2026
The IELTS score you need for the UK, Canada and Australia – which test, the minimum in each skill, and what earns extra points. Taken from the official government pages on 19 October 2026. Visa rules change, so check the linked page for your route before you apply.
At a glance
- UK Skilled Worker
- 5.5 each
- Canada CLB 7
- 6.0 each
- Australia skilled
- 6 each
- UK Student (below degree)
- 4.0 each
United Kingdom
Skilled Worker (new applicants from 8 January 2026)
- Level
- B2
- IELTS
- IELTS for UKVI – 5.5 in each skill
Skilled Worker (held the visa before 8 January 2026, extending)
- Level
- B1
- IELTS
- No new test needed
Student – degree level or above
- Level
- B2 equivalent
- IELTS
- Your university decides – often standard IELTS Academic
Student – below degree level
- Level
- B1
- IELTS
- IELTS for UKVI – 4.0 in each skill
| Visa | Level | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (new applicants from 8 January 2026) | B2 | IELTS for UKVI – 5.5 in each skill |
| Skilled Worker (held the visa before 8 January 2026, extending) | B1 | No new test needed |
| Student – degree level or above | B2 equivalent | Your university decides – often standard IELTS Academic |
| Student – below degree level | B1 | IELTS for UKVI – 4.0 in each skill |
Sources: GOV.UK – Skilled Worker visa: knowledge of English, GOV.UK – Student visa: knowledge of English and British Council – IELTS for UKVI scores. Checked on 19 October 2026.
B1 = 4.0, B2 = 5.5 and C1 = 7.0 in every skill of IELTS for UKVI. In Pakistan, see IELTS for UKVI in Pakistan for the fee and test centres.
Canada (Express Entry)
CLB 10+
- Listening
- 8.5–9.0
- Reading
- 8.0–9.0
- Writing
- 7.5–9.0
- Speaking
- 7.5–9.0
CLB 9
- Listening
- 8.0
- Reading
- 7.0
- Writing
- 7.0
- Speaking
- 7.0
CLB 8
- Listening
- 7.5
- Reading
- 6.5
- Writing
- 6.5
- Speaking
- 6.5
CLB 7
- Listening
- 6.0
- Reading
- 6.0
- Writing
- 6.0
- Speaking
- 6.0
CLB 6
- Listening
- 5.5
- Reading
- 5.0
- Writing
- 5.5
- Speaking
- 5.5
CLB 5
- Listening
- 5.0
- Reading
- 4.0
- Writing
- 5.0
- Speaking
- 5.0
| CLB | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10+ | 8.5–9.0 | 8.0–9.0 | 7.5–9.0 | 7.5–9.0 |
| 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 |
| CLB 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Source: Canada.ca – Express Entry language test results. Checked on 19 October 2026.
- Federal Skilled Worker: at least 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.
- Results must be less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you apply for permanent residence.
- CLB 9 and above earns many more points in the Comprehensive Ranking System, so it’s worth aiming for if you can.
Australia
Competent English
- IELTS
- 6 in each skill
- What it means
- Minimum for most skilled visas – no points
Proficient English
- IELTS
- 7 in each skill
- What it means
- 10 points in the skilled points test
Superior English
- IELTS
- 8 in each skill
- What it means
- 20 points in the skilled points test
| Level | IELTS | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Competent English | 6 in each skill | Minimum for most skilled visas – no points |
| Proficient English | 7 in each skill | 10 points in the skilled points test |
| Superior English | 8 in each skill | 20 points in the skilled points test |
Sources: Australian Home Affairs – Competent English, Australian Home Affairs – Proficient English and Australian Home Affairs – Superior English. Checked on 19 October 2026.
Results are accepted from up to 3 years before you apply, depending on the visa. Student visas have their own English rules – check the Home Affairs page for your visa – and your university sets its own requirement too.
Universities
Universities set their own IELTS requirement for each course – usually IELTS Academic, often with a minimum in every skill. As a rough guide, many ask for 6.0–6.5 overall for bachelor’s degrees and 6.5–7.0 for master’s, with higher scores for subjects like law, medicine and nursing. The course page is the only reliable source.
Reaching the score you need
- Find your weakest skillRequirements are per skill. Take a full practice test to see which skill would fail the requirement – for many candidates it’s Writing.
- Aim half a band aboveYour score on test day can vary. Aim at least half a band above the minimum in every skill.
- Take the right testGeneral Training for Canada PR, UKVI for UK visas, Academic for universities – check before you book.
- Time it with the validityResults are valid for 2–3 years for visas. Plan the test date around when you will apply.
Band.pk gives you a band for each skill in minutes – take a full mock test, or check a score with the band score calculator. Not sure which test you need? Read Academic vs General Training.
IELTS band requirements – FAQ
What IELTS score do I need for Canada PR?
For Express Entry you need IELTS General Training. The Federal Skilled Worker Program needs at least CLB 7 – 6.0 in each skill. Higher scores earn more points: CLB 9 is 8.0 in Listening and 7.0 in Reading, Writing and Speaking. Canada doesn’t accept One Skill Retake for Express Entry.
What IELTS score do I need for a UK Skilled Worker visa?
From 8 January 2026, new applicants need CEFR B2 – at least 5.5 in each skill in IELTS for UKVI.
What IELTS score do I need for Australia PR?
Most skilled visas need at least Competent English – 6 in each skill in IELTS Academic or General Training. Proficient English (7 in each) earns 10 points and Superior English (8 in each) earns 20 points.
What IELTS score do universities ask for?
Each university and course sets its own requirement, often with a minimum in every skill. Many ask for around 6.0–6.5 overall for bachelor’s degrees and 6.5–7.0 for master’s, but check the exact course page.
Does my overall band matter, or each skill?
For most visas it’s each skill. The UK, Canada and Australia all set a minimum in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking separately, so one low skill can fail the requirement even with a high overall band.
How long are IELTS results valid for visas?
The UK accepts tests awarded in the 2 years before your application. Canada needs results less than 2 years old when you create your Express Entry profile and when you apply for PR. Australia accepts results from up to 3 years before you apply, depending on the visa.
Is One Skill Retake accepted?
Australia accepts IELTS results that include One Skill Retake for eligible visas. Canada does not accept One Skill Retake for Express Entry. For other cases, check with the organisation before you book.
Know your band in every skill
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