Canada PR · Free tools
IELTS to CLB converter
Enter your IELTS General Training bands. Each skill converts to a Canadian Language Benchmark on its own, using IRCC's chart.
Your bands
What it means
Your lowest level (programs use this)
CLB 8
CRS points for language
92/ 136
Programs you meet the language minimum for
- Federal Skilled Worker: CLB 7 in all four skills
- Canadian Experience Class (TEER 0 or 1 job): CLB 7 in all four skills
- Canadian Experience Class (TEER 2 or 3 job): CLB 5 in all four skills
- Federal Skilled Trades: CLB 5 speaking and listening, CLB 4 reading and writing
Not yet CLB 9 in: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking. CLB 9 in all four skills can add up to 50 more points through skill transferability. Why CLB 9 matters
The next half band, skill by skill
- Listening 7.5 → 8.0 reaches CLB 9: +8 language points
- Reading 6.5 → 7.0 reaches CLB 9: +8 language points
- Writing 6.5 → 7.0 reaches CLB 9: +8 language points
- Speaking 6.5 → 7.0 reaches CLB 9: +8 language points
Language points only. Reaching CLB 9 in all four skills can add more through skill transferability: the CRS calculator shows your full score.
IELTS General Training to CLB chart
The lowest band for each level. From IRCC's language test equivalency chart, checked against the page dated 22 June 2026.
| CLB | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10+ | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| 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 |
| CLB 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
Questions people ask
01 What IELTS score is CLB 7?
6.0 in each of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking (IELTS General Training). CLB 7 in all four skills is the minimum for the Federal Skilled Worker program.
02 What IELTS score is CLB 9?
Listening 8.0, Reading 7.0, Writing 7.0 and Speaking 7.0. CLB 9 in all four skills doubles the skill-transferability points for education and foreign work, which is why it is the usual target for Express Entry.
03 Is 7.0 in every skill CLB 9?
No. Listening 7.0 is only CLB 7 (7.5 is CLB 8): Listening needs 8.0 for CLB 9. Reading, Writing and Speaking reach CLB 9 at 7.0.
04 Does IELTS Academic count for Express Entry?
No. IRCC accepts IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General and PTE Core for English. IELTS Academic results are not accepted, and neither is IELTS One Skill Retake.
05 How long are IELTS results valid for Express Entry?
Two years from the test date. They must be valid when you create your profile and when you submit your permanent residence application.
06 Is my overall band used?
No. Each skill converts to CLB on its own, and programs set a minimum per skill. Your overall band does not appear in the CRS.