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Immigration to Canada: When to Take The IELTS Exams

If you are considering undergoing an immigration procedure in Canada in 2024, remember that knowing the IELTS exams is an essential aspect of the procedures. Discover the ideal time to undergo this task and how to prepare for it.

Start Your IELTS on The Route to Immigration Procedures in Canada

Knowing this, ascertaining English language mastery with an official license is needed for several immigration routes in Canada. In this blog, we will discuss the previous Express Entry draws trends to somewhat foresee the best periods of the year for you to take the IELTS exams with the British Council, which is approved by the Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and attain your immigration objectives. Also, this article possesses some insights on impacting preparation patterns.

Immigration to Canada: Express Entry

Express Entry in Canada is a points-based immigration program formed to promote the adequate selection and entry of skilled settlers to Canada. Candidates develop an online profile, where they are nominated a Comprehensive Ranking System score according to aspects, which include education, age, work skills, language skills, and adjustability.

Accordingly, the government of Canada, Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) performs draws from the Express Entry poll, requesting applicants with the highest Comprehensive Ranking System scores to make an application for PR. If you have an interest in executing your immigration procedures to make an application for permanent residency via the Express Entry program, it would be beneficial to understand the draw trend from 2023.

How The Draws Trend in 2023

Based on the Express Entry pool, they occurred weekly; however, the time between them was usually shorter. Using an instance, let us take a view at December and the first four months of 2023:

Date and Month Invitations Issued
6th, 7th, 8th, 18th, 19th, 20th, and 23rd of December 4,750, 1,000, 5,900, 1,325, 1000, 670, and 400 invitations were allocated on each date respectively
11th and 18th of January 5,500 invitations were allocated on each date, respectively
1st, 2nd, and 15th of February 893, 3,300, and 699 invitations were allocated on each date, respectively
1st, 23rd, 25th, and 29th of march 667 invitations were allocated on the 1st date and 7,000 on the other three.
12th and 26th of April 3,500 invitations were allocated on both dates.

The table indicates that March had the highest number of invitations allocated, with more than 21,000, while there was no invitation in November. You must understand that these numbers, dates, and frequency differ based on aspects of IRCC, including market evaluation, backlog, requirements, and more.

Although there is no method of foreseeing upcoming draws, having a standard summary of the frequency and trend of requests is beneficial.

The CRS Scores

The comprehensive Ranking System score is deemed in immigration procedures in Canada to be invited to any of the draws. However, the common draw average is between 481 after bigger consecutive draws in March and 542 in December after a halt in November. Other program particular draws targetting specific careers or skills possess different Comprehensive Ranking System scores, with the least being:

  • French language skills = 435
  • Provincial Nominee Program = 691
  • Trades occupation = 388
  • Agriculture and agri-food professions = 354
  • Transport occupations = 435
  • Foreign skilled worker program nominees = 489
  • STEM professions = 481
  • Healthcare professions = 431

You must understand that Language skills also increase points to your total score, so you must prepare to take the IELTS exams.

When is The Best Time to Take The IELTS Exams

Explaining the table and observing last year’s method, it becomes clear that March allocated the most invitations. Considering this, you must only leave your IELTS preparation at the last minute.

Considering your recent English language skills and your target score, it is suggested that you prepare for the exams at least one or two months before taking them. Therefore, if you intend to make an application for any immigration program in Canada in the first four months of 2024, January and February are the best months to begin your studies.

Hence, you must check the application deadlines of the organizations or immigration administrations you are applying to. You must also understand that all IELTS exams have a 24-month expiration date from the period you take them. Ensure you have your result early; do not book at the last minute.

How to Get Ready For The IELTS Exams

Having understood the significance of practicing for the IEKTS exams, below are the materials and choices that the British Council offers.

  • IELTS Ready Member: This is a free resource that permits you to begin getting for the exams without looking for it. You can access six mock tests, rehearsal activities, hints and videos, and webinars.
  • IELTS Ready Premium: This is a free instrument, obtainable solely to all British Council IELTS exam takers after scheduling for it. It concerns feedback from test specialists, 40 mock tests, question and answer forms, masterclasses, and rehearsal activities concerning the four parts.
  • IELTS Preparatory App: Use your phone to download to assist you in rehearsing on the go; it permits you to get acquainted with the exam structure, acquire grammar hints for the exam day, and access free rehearsal exams and sample questions, together with other things.
  • WEBINARS: the free webinars occur weekly. You will investigate the exam structure, obtain recommendations to acquire a successful score, and ask the test professional any questions.
  • Practice Exams: You can take them as many times as you desire. They will assist you in developing your assurance, getting acquainted with time situations, and notifying your enhancement regions.
  • IELTS Practice Online and 1-1 Teaching: You will acquire more personalized skills, and you possess two choices, including quick revision that has to do with five sessions and improved study that has to do with 20 sessions.

Reasons You Should Take The IELTS Test With The British Council

Suppose you wonder why this is your best choice. It is worth understanding that it is among the IRCC-endorsed language exams and is identified by over 12,000 institutions in about 150 nations.

Again, it is relevant to Canadian immigration procedures, which include permanent residence applications. Remember that the IELTS General Training is the accurate exam for this intention. To unlock your Canadian ambition, now is the ideal time to start your IELTS journey on the route to PR.