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Visa English requirements are often set as levels rather than IELTS bands: the UK uses CEFR levels such as B2, Canada uses Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), and Australia uses Competent, Proficient and Superior English. This guide summarises official requirements checked in September 2026 and links to each government page, which is always the final word.
The facts on this page were last checked against official sources in September 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the official source before you book or apply.
If you prove your English with a test for a UK visa, it must be an approved Secure English Language Test, such as IELTS for UKVI.
| Visa | English requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker — new applicants | CEFR B2 from 8 January 2026 | Raised from B1; people who held the visa before 8 January 2026 and are extending or updating it still need B1 |
| Student — degree level | CEFR B2 | A Higher Education Provider can assess your English itself |
| Student — below degree level | CEFR B1 |
Canada sets requirements as Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels, and IRCC converts test scores to CLB levels with its official equivalency chart. IELTS One Skill Retake results are not accepted for Express Entry.
| Programme | Language requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker | At least CLB 7 in all four abilities | Below CLB 7 you are not eligible for this programme |
| Post-Graduation Work Permit — university graduates | CLB 7 in all four abilities | For applications from 1 November 2024 |
| Post-Graduation Work Permit — college graduates | CLB 5 in all four abilities | For applications from 1 November 2024 |
Minimum IELTS General Training score in each ability, from IRCC's language test equivalency chart for Express Entry.
| CLB level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| CLB 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| CLB 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
These levels apply to tests taken on or after 7 August 2025. Results from those tests can generally be used for up to 3 years, depending on the visa subclass, and tests taken online at home are not accepted — sit IELTS at a test centre.
Minimum scores for the Student (subclass 500) and Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visas are set on each visa's page, so check the page for your subclass.
| English level | IELTS score |
|---|---|
| Competent English | 6 in each of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking |
| Proficient English | 7 in each section |
| Superior English | 8 in each section |
The test result generally has to be no more than 2 years old when you apply; check Immigration New Zealand's page for the exceptions.
| Visa | English requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Migrant Category resident visa — principal applicant | IELTS 6.5 overall | Test taken in person; remote tests are not accepted |
| Skilled Migrant Category — partners and dependent children aged 16 or over | IELTS 5.0 overall |
Universities and professional bodies set their own IELTS minimums, often including a minimum in each section, and immigration rules change often. Check the official page for your visa or course before booking, and make sure you are on the real government domain — for New Zealand that is immigration.govt.nz, and look-alike sites exist.
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New Skilled Worker applicants need CEFR level B2 from 8 January 2026, up from B1. People who held the visa before that date and are extending or updating it still need B1. If you prove your English with a test, it must be an approved Secure English Language Test such as IELTS for UKVI.
CEFR B2 for degree-level study and B1 below degree level. A Higher Education Provider can assess your English itself, so a Secure English Language Test is not always required.
CLB 7 in each of speaking, listening, reading and writing. For IELTS General Training that means at least 6.0 in each section, according to IRCC's language test equivalency chart.
IELTS 6 in each of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Proficient English is 7 in each and Superior English is 8 in each, for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025.
IELTS 6.5 overall for the principal applicant, and 5.0 overall for partners and dependent children aged 16 or over, according to Immigration New Zealand. The test must be taken in person.