With the rise of economic inflation in developing countries and lack of quality employment opportunities, it is no surprise that people are moving to developed countries such as Canada for a better lifestyle. If you want to pursue your higher studies in Canada or any other English speaking country such as Australia, the USA, UK etc., you may have the question: Is IELTS compulsory for Canada student visa in the year 2023?
The answer is yes. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a compulsory requirement for all international students wishing to study in a Canadian university. The test measures a student’s ability to communicate in English in terms of four areas: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The purpose of the test is to ensure that students will be able to easily communicate in the country as well as the Canadian educational institution that they are applying to.
Read below to know more about IELTS and how you can score well in this test to maximize your educational and professional opportunities in Canada in 2023.
The Importance Of IELTS
Scoring well in IELTS opens the door to a wide range of educational and professional opportunities in Canada. Not only can you study at a good Canadian university, you can also apply for other visa programs besides student visa for Canada such as business start-up visa, work visa, permanent residency and so on. It also makes you eligible to apply for higher studies in other English speaking countries such as Australia, the USA, UK etc.
How Much Do You Need To Score In IELTS?
In order to be eligible for a Canada student visa, you need to score at least a minimum of 6 in IELTS for all the 4 bands of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Scoring above the bare minimum of 6 is excellent since it increases your chances of getting a Canadian student visa. Additionally, universities may have their own requirements with regards to the minimum language proficiency test score. Make sure to check out the requirements on the official websites of these universities and prepare well for IELTS through mock tests.
Canada Prime Immigration, an ICCRC-certified immigration embassy helps students get student visas for some of the best universities for Canada. They also provide training for IELTS in case you are unsure about your preparation. Whether you wish to get a Canadian visa or just some consultation, don’t hesitate to reach out to their expert consultants.
Can IELTS be waived?
IELTS may or may not be waived depending on your visa profile. For example, if you have completed your secondary or post-secondary education in English, you may not be required to take the IELTS. Or, if you are a student from an English speaking country and are trying for a visa in Canada, you may not be required to give IELTS since it is a given that your communication in English will already be fluent.
Additionally, some Canadian universities and colleges may have their own language proficiency requirements that may be different from the government’s requirements. It is always a good idea to check with the institution you plan to attend to see what their specific language proficiency requirements are.
What Does The IELTS Test Consist Of?
The IELTS test consists of the following four parts:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
There are plenty of online resources to help you prepare for the IELTS exam. You can go through YouTube videos or download sample tests in order to have an idea regarding what sort of questions come in the test.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are planning to apply for a Canadian student visa in 2023, it is likely that you will need to take the IELTS to meet the English language proficiency requirements for a student visa.