2026-02-24 · NextMigrate Team
IELTS for Immigration: Scores You Need, How to Prepare, and Common Mistakes to Avoid
If you are planning to migrate to Canada, Australia, the UK, or New Zealand, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is almost certainly part of your journey. Immigration authorities use IELTS scores to confirm that you can live, work, and integrate into an English-speaking society. Getting the right score can mean the difference between an approved application and a rejection letter, so it pays to understand exactly what is expected.
Academic vs. General Training: Which One Do You Need?
IELTS comes in two versions, and picking the wrong one is a surprisingly common mistake that costs $250+ and 2-4 weeks of wasted time.
- IELTS General Training is what most immigration programs require. It tests everyday English skills: reading newspaper articles, writing letters, and having conversations about familiar topics.
- IELTS Academic is designed for university admissions. Some skilled-worker programs in Australia and the UK accept Academic scores, but you should always confirm with your specific visa subclass.
Rule of thumb: If you are applying for a skilled migration or permanent residency visa, General Training is almost always the correct choice. If you are applying for a student visa or a profession that requires academic registration (such as nursing or medicine), you may need Academic.
Key differences between the two:
| Feature | General Training | Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Reading section | Shorter texts: ads, notices, workplace documents, newspapers | Longer academic texts: journals, textbooks, research papers |
| Writing Task 1 | Letter (formal, semi-formal, or informal) — 150 words | Describe a graph, chart, diagram, or process — 150 words |
| Writing Task 2 | Same as Academic (essay, 250 words) | Same as General Training (essay, 250 words) |
| Listening | Identical | Identical |
| Speaking | Identical | Identical |
| Scoring difficulty | Reading is generally considered easier; scores may be slightly higher | Reading is harder; same raw score = lower band |
| Accepted for | Immigration (Canada, NZ), some UK visas | University admission, professional registration, Australia immigration (also accepts GT) |
For the UK specifically: You need IELTS for UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration), which is the same test content but taken at an approved SELT (Secure English Language Test) centre. Standard IELTS from a non-SELT centre is NOT accepted for UK immigration. IELTS for UKVI costs GBP 200-228 (approximately $255-$290 USD), compared to $250-$265 for standard IELTS.
CLB-to-IELTS Conversion Table (Canada)
Canada uses the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) system. Your IELTS scores are converted to CLB levels, which determine your CRS points. This table is critical for Canadian immigration planning:
| CLB Level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | CRS Points (Single, First Language) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 0 (below minimum) |
| CLB 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 0 (below FSW minimum) |
| CLB 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 0 (below FSW minimum) |
| CLB 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 68 (FSW minimum) |
| CLB 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 88 |
| CLB 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 124 |
| CLB 10 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 136 (maximum) |
The CLB 7 to CLB 9 jump is worth 56 CRS points. That is the single most impactful score improvement you can make. For context, a three-year master's degree is worth 15 CRS points over a bachelor's degree. Improving your IELTS from CLB 7 to CLB 9 is equivalent in CRS impact to nearly four additional master's degrees.
Cross-Factor CRS Bonus Points
What many applicants miss: IELTS scores interact with other CRS factors through "cross-factor" points. Having CLB 9+ in all four skills combined with a bachelor's degree or higher adds an additional 50 bonus points. Combined with 3+ years of Canadian work experience, it adds another 50 points. These multiplier effects make high IELTS scores exponentially more valuable than the base language points suggest.
| Combination | Bonus CRS Points |
|---|---|
| CLB 9+ all skills + Post-secondary education | 50 |
| CLB 9+ all skills + Foreign work experience (3+ years) | 50 |
| CLB 7+ all skills + Post-secondary education | 25 |
| CLB 7+ all skills + Foreign work experience (3+ years) | 25 |
Example: An applicant with CLB 9, a bachelor's degree, and 5 years of foreign work experience receives: 124 (language) + 50 (language × education) + 50 (language × work experience) = 224 CRS points from language-related categories alone. At CLB 7, the same profile yields: 68 + 25 + 25 = 118 points. The difference: 106 CRS points.
Score Requirements by Country and Visa Category
Canada (Express Entry)
| Program | Minimum CLB | IELTS Equivalent (L/R/W/S) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) | CLB 7 | 6.0/6.0/6.0/6.0 | Minimum to be eligible |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) — NOC TEER 0/1 | CLB 7 | 6.0/6.0/6.0/6.0 | For professional occupations |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) — NOC TEER 2/3 | CLB 5 | 5.0/4.0/5.0/5.0 | For technical/trade occupations |
| Federal Skilled Trades (FST) | CLB 5 (R/W), CLB 4 (L/S) | Varies | Lower requirement for trades |
| Provincial Nominee Programs (most) | CLB 5-7 | Varies by province | Alberta and BC often accept CLB 5 |
| Category-based draws (STEM, healthcare) | CLB 7 | 6.0/6.0/6.0/6.0 | Same as FSW |
| Competitive CRS score target | CLB 9+ | 8.0/7.0/7.0/7.0 | Aim here for best chances |
Australia (Skilled Migration)
| English Level | IELTS Score (Each Band) | Points Added | Visa Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Functional | 4.5 overall | 0 | Family visa only |
| Competent | 6.0 each | 0 (baseline for skilled visas) | 189, 190, 491 |
| Proficient | 7.0 each | +10 | 189, 190, 491 |
| Superior | 8.0 each | +20 | 189, 190, 491 |
Note: Australia also accepts PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT. PTE is often preferred by applicants because: (1) results come in 1-2 business days (vs. 13 days for IELTS), (2) the computer-based format eliminates examiner subjectivity in speaking, and (3) many test-takers report finding it easier to score equivalent to IELTS 7-8 on PTE.
| IELTS Score | PTE Academic Equivalent | TOEFL iBT Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 | 50 | 60 |
| 6.5 | 58 | 70 |
| 7.0 | 65 | 79 |
| 7.5 | 73 | 94 |
| 8.0 | 79 | 101 |
| 8.5 | 86 | 110 |
United Kingdom
| Visa Type | CEFR Level | IELTS Score (Each Band) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visa | B1 | 4.0 each | Lowest threshold among major destinations |
| Health and Care Worker Visa | B1 | 4.0 each | Same as Skilled Worker |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | B1 | 4.0 each | Plus Life in the UK test |
| British Citizenship | B1 | 4.0 each | Plus Life in the UK test |
| Nursing (NMC registration) | 7.0 overall | 7.0 each (or 6.5 with no band below 6.5 on two sittings) | Higher than visa requirement |
| Medical (GMC registration) | 7.5 overall | 7.0 each | Higher than visa requirement |
Important: The UK requires IELTS for UKVI (taken at approved centres only). If you are from a "majority English-speaking country" (list includes Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, but NOT India, Pakistan, or Philippines), you may be exempt from the IELTS requirement for Skilled Worker visas — but NOT for ILR or citizenship.
New Zealand
| Visa Type | Minimum Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Migrant Category | 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 | Compulsory |
| Work to Residence | 5.0 overall | Lower threshold |
| Some shortage list occupations | 7.0 overall | Higher for regulated professions |
Germany
Germany does not require IELTS for the EU Blue Card. English-taught jobs do not require German proficiency proof. However, if you want to apply for permanent residency after 21 months, you need B1 German (tested via Goethe-Zertifikat B1 or telc Deutsch B1, not IELTS). For permanent residency without the accelerated Blue Card path, you need B1 German after 33 months.
8-Week IELTS Preparation Plan (Targeting CLB 9: L8.0, R7.0, W7.0, S7.0)
This plan assumes you are starting from approximately CLB 7-8 (band 6.0-6.5 in most components). If you are starting lower, add 4-6 weeks to the plan.
Week 1-2: Diagnostic and Foundation
| Day | Activity | Time | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Full diagnostic test (all 4 sections, timed) | 3 hours | Identify baseline scores in each component |
| Day 2 | Analyse results: identify weakest and strongest components | 1 hour | Prioritise study allocation |
| Day 3-5 | Listening: Cambridge IELTS Book 18-19, Tests 1-2 (Listening sections only) | 1.5 hours/day | Familiarise with question types: fill-in, multiple choice, map labelling |
| Day 6-7 | Reading: Cambridge IELTS Book 18-19, Tests 1-2 (Reading sections only) | 1.5 hours/day | Practice True/False/Not Given, matching headings, summary completion |
| Day 8-10 | Writing: Write 3 Task 1 letters (formal, semi-formal, informal) and 2 Task 2 essays | 2 hours/day | Focus on structure, not perfection |
| Day 11-14 | Speaking: Record yourself answering 10 Part 2 cue cards (2 minutes each). Listen back. | 1 hour/day | Identify filler words, grammar errors, and fluency gaps |
Week 3-4: Targeted Weakness Work
Allocate 60% of your study time to your weakest component, 25% to your second weakest, and 15% to maintaining your strengths.
If Writing is your weakness (most common):
- Study the band 7 vs band 6 scoring criteria (publicly available on ielts.org)
- Band 7 Writing requires: clear position throughout, logically organised paragraphs, sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common items, variety of complex sentence structures with frequent accuracy
- Write one Task 2 essay daily. Time yourself: 35 minutes for writing, 5 minutes for proofreading
- Get feedback from: a tutor (ideal), an IELTS preparation subreddit (r/IELTS), or IELTS writing correction services ($5-$15 per essay on sites like Writing9 or IELTS Advantage)
If Listening is your weakness:
- Listen to BBC 6 Minute English daily (free podcast, 6 minutes per episode)
- Do one full Listening practice test every 2 days
- Focus specifically on Section 3 (academic discussion) and Section 4 (lecture) — these are where most marks are lost
- Practice note-taking while listening — write keywords, not full sentences
If Speaking is your weakness:
- Book 3-4 mock speaking sessions with an IELTS tutor on iTalki ($10-$20 per session) or Cambly ($10-$15 per 30 minutes)
- Practice Part 2 (cue card) daily — you need to speak for 1.5-2 minutes without stopping
- Learn 15-20 "topic vocabulary clusters" — education, technology, environment, health, urbanisation, government, crime, media, travel, food, culture
- Record yourself and transcribe. Count grammar errors. Target fewer than 3 errors per minute.
Week 5-6: Full Practice Tests and Refinement
| Activity | Frequency | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Full practice test (all 4 sections) | 2 per week | Use Cambridge IELTS Books 16-19. Time strictly. |
| Writing Task 2 essay | Daily | Alternate between opinion, discussion, problem-solution, and two-part question types |
| Writing Task 1 letter | Every other day | Cover all three letter types. Ensure correct tone (formal vs informal) |
| Listening practice | Daily, 30 minutes | Focus on sections you score lowest on |
| Speaking mock interview | 2 per week | With a tutor or study partner. Record and review. |
| Vocabulary review | Daily, 15 minutes | Review and use 5 new collocations per day (not isolated words) |
Week 7: Simulation and Fine-Tuning
- Take 2 full practice tests under exact exam conditions (no breaks, no phone, timed)
- Score yourself honestly using the official band descriptors
- Identify any remaining weak spots and do targeted drills
- For Listening: do "speed drills" — listen to sections at 1.25x speed, then the real test feels slow
- For Writing: practice handwriting speed if taking paper-based test (you need to write 400+ words in 60 minutes — about 7 words per minute)
Week 8: Pre-Test Rest and Strategy
- Take one final practice test on Monday or Tuesday
- Review common mistakes from all practice tests
- Wednesday-Friday: light review only — vocabulary, sample answers, band descriptors
- Saturday (if test is Sunday): rest. No studying. Sleep 8 hours.
- Night before test: prepare documents (passport, test confirmation), set two alarms, lay out clothes
Free vs. Paid Resources: What's Worth the Money
| Resource | Cost | Best For | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge IELTS Books 14-19 | $20-$30 each (PDF widely available) | Authentic practice tests | Essential. The closest thing to the real test. |
| IELTS Liz (ielts-liz.com) | Free | Writing and Speaking strategies, vocabulary | Best free resource. Use her Task 2 essay structure religiously. |
| Road to IELTS (British Council) | Free (through library membership) | All four skills, interactive exercises | Good for beginners. 30+ hours of free content. |
| BBC Learning English | Free | Listening practice, vocabulary | Use daily. 6 Minute English podcast is excellent. |
| E2 Language (YouTube) | Free (YouTube), $39-$79/month (premium) | All skills, especially Writing and Speaking | Free videos are sufficient. Premium adds mock tests. |
| IELTS Advantage | $40-$200 (courses) | Writing correction, advanced strategies | Worth it only if Writing is your main weakness and you need personalised feedback. |
| Magoosh IELTS | $89 (6 months access) | All skills, video lessons | Good for self-study. Less authentic than Cambridge books. |
| iTalki tutors | $10-$25/hour | Speaking practice with real tutors | Best value for Speaking improvement. Book 3-5 sessions. |
| Writing9 app | Free (basic), $5/correction | AI-powered writing feedback | Useful for quick feedback but not as reliable as human scoring. |
| Official IELTS practice tests on ielts.org | Free (2 tests) | Authentic practice | Do these first to calibrate. |
Recommended minimum spend: Cambridge IELTS Book 18 or 19 ($25), 4 iTalki speaking sessions ($60), IELTS test fee ($250). Total: $335. This is sufficient for most applicants who are starting at CLB 7+ and targeting CLB 9.
Recommended spend if Writing is weak: Add IELTS Advantage writing course ($100-$200) or 8-10 essay corrections ($80-$150). Total: $500-$700.
IELTS Test Costs, Retake Policies, and Scheduling
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Test fee (standard IELTS) | $250-$265 USD depending on country. India: INR 16,250 ($195). Nigeria: NGN 85,000 ($55 — subsidised). UK: GBP 195 ($248). |
| Test fee (IELTS for UKVI) | GBP 200-228 ($255-$290 USD). Required only for UK immigration. |
| Test fee (IELTS One Skill Retake) | $90-$130 USD. Available in most countries since 2023. |
| Retake waiting period | None. You can book your next test immediately. |
| How many times can you take it? | Unlimited. No lifetime cap. |
| Results timeline | Paper-based: 13 calendar days. Computer-based: 3-5 business days. |
| Score validity | 2 years from test date for all immigration purposes. |
| Score review (EOR) | $100-$130 USD. Request within 6 weeks of results. Turnaround: 2-4 weeks. Fee refunded if score increases. |
| Booking lead time | Book 4-8 weeks in advance. Major cities (Lagos, New Delhi, Karachi, Manila) fill up quickly. Computer-based tests have more frequent dates. |
| Available test dates | Paper-based: 4 times per month. Computer-based: nearly every day in major cities. |
IELTS One Skill Retake: The Game-Changer
Introduced in 2023 and now available in 50+ countries, IELTS One Skill Retake lets you retake a single component (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) without retaking the entire test.
Rules:
- Must be taken within 60 days of the original test
- Available for both General Training and Academic
- Available at computer-based test centres only
- Your final score combines the new single-skill result with your original scores for the other three components
- You can only do One Skill Retake once per original test (you cannot retake two skills separately)
- Cost: approximately half the full test fee
When to use it: If you scored CLB 9 in three skills but CLB 8 in one (e.g., Writing 6.5 instead of 7.0), the One Skill Retake saves you from retaking the entire test. At $90-$130, it is significantly cheaper and less stressful than a full $250 test.
When NOT to use it: If you missed your target in two or more components, retake the full test.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Registration and Planning Mistakes
- Taking the wrong test version. Double-check whether your visa requires General Training or Academic before you register. Canada and New Zealand require General Training. Australia accepts both. The UK requires IELTS for UKVI specifically.
- Waiting too long to book. In cities like Lagos, Karachi, and New Delhi, test centres fill up weeks in advance. Book your test date at least 6 to 8 weeks before your intended application deadline.
- Not checking centre type for UK applicants. IELTS for UKVI must be taken at an approved SELT centre. Taking standard IELTS at a non-SELT centre means your score is invalid for UK immigration, even if the score is high enough.
Test Strategy Mistakes
- Ignoring one component. A 5.5 in Writing when you need 6.0 means retaking the entire test (or using One Skill Retake if available). Immigration programs require minimums in EACH component.
- Memorising essay templates. Examiners are trained to spot memorised responses. They lower your score for coherence if the template does not fit the question. Learn structures, not scripts.
- Skipping the reading passage. Some candidates try to answer Reading questions without fully reading the text. This backfires because IELTS Reading is designed to test comprehension, not speed-scanning.
- Not managing time in Listening. You hear each recording only once. If you miss an answer, move on immediately. Dwelling on a missed question causes you to miss the next two.
- Writing under word count. Task 1 requires at least 150 words. Task 2 requires at least 250 words. Writing fewer words than required results in an automatic penalty, regardless of quality. Aim for 170-180 words on Task 1 and 270-290 words on Task 2.
- Spending too long on Task 1. Task 1 is worth one-third of your Writing score. Task 2 is worth two-thirds. Spend 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2, not the reverse.
Speaking Mistakes
- One-word answers. In Part 1, examiners expect 2-3 sentence answers, not single words. "Do you like reading?" "Yes" = band 4. "Yes, I enjoy reading — I usually read fiction before bed, especially literary novels and science fiction" = band 7+.
- Not using the preparation time in Part 2. You get 1 minute to prepare your cue card response. Use all 60 seconds. Write bullet points, not sentences. Plan your opening sentence and 3-4 main points.
- Stopping early in Part 2. You must speak for 1.5-2 minutes. If you stop at 45 seconds, your fluency score drops. Practice speaking for a full 2 minutes on any topic.
Test Day Checklist
- Passport — the same ID you registered with. No photocopies.
- Test confirmation — printed or on your phone (check centre requirements).
- Water bottle — clear/transparent, label removed (most centres allow this).
- Arrive 30-45 minutes early — check-in includes ID verification, photography, and fingerprinting at some centres.
- No electronic devices in the test room — phone, watch, fitness tracker must be stored.
- Eat before the test — Listening, Reading, and Writing run back-to-back for nearly 3 hours with no break.
- Pencil and eraser for paper-based test (provided at some centres, bring your own as backup).
- Speaking test may be on a different day. Check your schedule.
What If You Do Not Get the Score You Need?
You can retake IELTS as many times as necessary, and there is no waiting period between attempts. However, each sitting costs $250-$265, so preparation is far cheaper than repeated retakes.
Score improvement expectations by preparation method:
| Starting Score | Method | Expected Improvement | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5-6.0 | Self-study only (Cambridge books + free resources) | +0.5 to +1.0 band | 6-10 weeks |
| 5.5-6.0 | Tutor + self-study (10+ hours with tutor) | +1.0 to +1.5 bands | 6-8 weeks |
| 6.0-6.5 | Self-study with targeted practice | +0.5 band | 4-6 weeks |
| 6.0-6.5 | Intensive course (40+ hours) + self-study | +0.5 to +1.0 band | 4-6 weeks |
| 7.0+ | Self-study refinement | +0.5 band | 4-8 weeks (diminishing returns) |
Above band 7.0, each half-band improvement takes disproportionately more effort. Going from 6.0 to 7.0 is achievable in 6-8 weeks with dedicated study. Going from 7.0 to 8.0 may take 3-6 months of consistent practice, especially in Writing and Speaking.
Alternative Tests Accepted by Country
Some countries also accept alternative tests. If you are struggling with IELTS specifically, consider:
| Test | Accepted By | Cost | Results Time | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CELPIP | Canada only | CAD 280-$375 | 4-5 business days | Computer-based, Canadian-accented, can feel more natural for people used to North American English |
| PTE Academic | Australia, NZ, UK, Canada (select programs) | $220-$300 | 1-2 business days | Computer-scored speaking (no examiner bias), fast results |
| TOEFL iBT | Australia, NZ (not Canada for immigration, not UK for visas) | $200-$245 | 4-8 days | Good for American English speakers |
| TEF/TCF (French) | Canada (for French ability points) | $200-$350 | 2-6 weeks | CLB 5+ in French adds 16-32 CRS bonus points |
| OET (Occupational English Test) | UK, Australia, NZ (healthcare professionals only) | $540-$590 | 16 business days | Designed for nurses, doctors, pharmacists — uses healthcare scenarios |
Pro tip for Canada applicants: If you can achieve CLB 5 in French (which requires approximately A2-B1 French, achievable in 4-6 months of study), the CRS bonus is 16-32 points. Many applicants find it more time-efficient to learn basic French for bonus points than to push an already-high IELTS score up by half a band.
Plan Your Next Steps with NextMigrate
Understanding IELTS requirements is just one piece of the immigration puzzle. NextMigrate helps applicants from developing countries navigate the entire process, from choosing the right visa pathway to submitting a complete, competitive application. If you are unsure how your IELTS score fits into your overall immigration strategy, our team can assess your profile and recommend the best path forward.
