Free tool
IELTS to CLB calculator: your bands, in IRCC’s terms.
Enter your four IELTS General Training bands to see the CLB level IRCC gives each one, and the lowest of the four, which is the level programmes actually use.
IELTS General Training · Listening · Reading · Writing · Speaking · CLB 4 to 10
Convert your IELTS bands to CLB
Pick your test, type in your four scores, and see the benchmark level for each ability plus the programmes you would meet.
Conversion tables checked against IRCC on 11 November 2026. General information only, not legal advice — confirm the requirement for your own programme on canada.ca. IRCC makes all final decisions.
Quick answers
The IELTS scores people ask about most.
Each ability converts on its own, and your lowest ability decides your overall level.
- 6.0 in every bandCLB 7
The minimum for Federal Skilled Worker and for CEC jobs in TEER 0 or 1.
- 7.0 in every bandCLB 7
Reading, writing and speaking reach CLB 9, but listening at 7.0 is only CLB 7.
- L 8.0 · R 7.0 · W 7.0 · S 7.0CLB 9
The usual target for a competitive Express Entry score.
- L 8.5 · R 8.0 · W 7.5 · S 7.5CLB 10
The top of the scale. Higher bands add no further CLB level.
Reference
The IRCC chart, in full.
Minimum score for each CLB level, shown as reading, writing, listening and speaking.
IELTS (General Training)
Your test ·English · Minimum band score needed for each level.| CLB level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
Source: IRCC, Express Entry: Language test results. Checked against IRCC on 11 November 2026.
What it opens
Where your CLB level decides the outcome.
The minimum language level for the programmes our clients ask about most.
- CLB 7+in all four abilitiesFederal Skilled Worker; Canadian Experience Class for TEER 0 or 1 jobs; PGWP after a university degree.
- CLB 5+in all four abilitiesCanadian Experience Class for TEER 2 or 3 jobs; PGWP after a college programme.
- CLB 5 / 4speaking and listening / reading and writingFederal Skilled Trades Program.
Before you book
Three things that catch people out.
Only General Training counts.
For Express Entry and other economic programmes, IRCC accepts IELTS General Training. An Academic result will not be accepted.
Listening is the strict ability.
From CLB 8 upwards, each level needs a higher listening band than reading, writing or speaking. Plan your target around it.
Results have a shelf life.
For Express Entry, your results must be less than two years old on the day you submit your application.
Questions
Common questions about IELTS to CLB.
What IELTS score do I need for CLB 9?
Listening 8.0, reading 7.0, writing 7.0 and speaking 7.0. Each ability has to reach its own minimum; a high score in one does not make up for another.
What CLB is IELTS 6.5 in every band?
CLB 7 overall. Reading, writing and speaking at 6.5 are CLB 8, but listening at 6.5 is CLB 7, and the lowest ability sets your level.
What CLB is IELTS 5.0 or 5.5 in every band?
5.0 in every band is CLB 5 (reading alone reaches CLB 6). 5.5 in every band is CLB 6. Both meet the CLB 5 level for CEC jobs in TEER 2 or 3 and for a PGWP after a college programme.
Does my overall IELTS band score matter?
No. IRCC converts listening, reading, writing and speaking separately. The overall band on your report is not used to set your CLB level.
Keep going
More language and score tools.
eligibility review
Find out where you actually stand.
Send a few details. A licensed RCIC reads your profile personally, then replies with the routes that genuinely fit, the ones that do not, and the consultation fee and next available times.
- 01Read personally by a CICC-licensed consultant
- 02A written shortlist of the programs you qualify for
- 03Fee-based; the fee and times come by reply
CHK Immigration Services, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (CICC). Offices in Brampton and London, Ontario. Submitting this form does not create a client–consultant relationship; IRCC makes all final decisions. Prefer to talk first? Call 647-948-7200, message us on WhatsApp or book a paid consultation.