How to get PR in Canada without IELTS?

 Failing to meet the minimum IELTS score for Canada PR? Don’t get disheartened. We’ve got your back!

There is an abundance of lucrative job opportunities offered by the Great White North – not to mention the world-class education, free public healthcare, jaw-dropping scenic landscapes, multiculturalism, and much more. 

Getting permanent residency in Canada requires you to meet certain prerequisites, eligibility criteria, and requirements. One such is, the minimum IELTS score for Canada PR. 

What is IELTS?

Established back in 1989, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized test for English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers. 

Jointly managed by the IDP, British Council, IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English, there are two versions of the IELTS exam you can choose between – Academic or General Training. 

IELTS is one of the most commonly-used ways to demonstrate language proficiency – but it is not the only way. 

The deciding factor here will be the reason for your immigration to Canada. 

• If you plan on immigrating to Canada as a tourist, you do not need to undertake IELTS. 

• If you want to work in Canada, it is not necessary to give the IELTS. This however depends on the employer you seek to work for. 

• If you want to study in Canada as an international student, you do not require an IELTS. 

Here’s how you can get PR in Canada without IELTS.

Getting Canadian permanent residency without IELTS

1. Alternatives to IELTS

There are other English Language proficiency tests accepted beside the IELTS. One such renowned is the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP). 

CELPIP was designed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Unlike the IELTS, which is designed for international English proficiency, the CELPIP was designed for Canadian English, which contains elements of British English and American English, as well as Canadian accents. There are two CELPIP test types: the General Test and the General LS Test.

2. Sponsorship Programs

If you have a direct family member or relative living in Canada as a permanent resident or citizen, they can sponsor you under a sponsorship program to help you get PR in Canada without IELTS. 

3. Study in Canada

Getting a degree or credential from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI) in Canada might make you eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). A PGWP allows you to work in Canada, gain Canadian work experience – and eventually permanent residency in Canada. 

4. Work in Canada

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have introduced many immigration programs to get Canadian permanent residency. Even though a majority of these programs require you to achieve a minimum IELTS score for Canada PR, they also have some alternative options available such as the Canadian Level Benchmark (CLB). 

As we said above, working in Canada might not require you to take the IELTS. 

Jobs in Canada have been classified into 5 different skill types for immigration. This is known as the National Occupation Classification (NOC). 

• Skill Type ‘0′: This classification has under it all the management jobs.

• Skill Level ‘A’: This type is used to describe the jobs that need a university degree or diploma.

• Skill Level ‘B’: This type has under it the technical jobs that need a person to have a college diploma or training before they can be recruited.

• Skill Level ‘C’: These are the jobs that need a person to undergo job-specific training.

• Skill Level ‘D’:  This refers to the labor jobs in Canada that provide on-site training.

Certain Canada immigration programs allow you to apply for Canada PR without IELTS. Some of the popular ones include the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the Atlantic Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP). 

Each of these work permit options in Canada is a roadmap to Canadian permanent residency and does not require you to provide proof of IELTS score for Canada PR. Such programs have their own prerequisites, eligibility criteria, CRS score calculator, and process.