Immigrate to Canada from India without IELTS

Manmeet Kaur
[Published 09 May, 2024 | 02:46 PM]
About Author - 8 min read
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As English is not the native language of India, you need to prove your English reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills to be eligible for Canada PR from India. While you can get Canada PR without IELTS, it is crucial to demonstrate your language skills as a part of the PR process.

While IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the most preferred language test to prove English language skills, here are other language tests accepted by the Canadian government:

• CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
• PTE Core (Pearson Test of English Core)

Further, alternative pathways exist for skilled workers to get Canada PR from India without IELTS.

Let’s find out.

Check Your Eligibility for Canada PR

Alternative English Language Tests for Canada PR

If the prospect of taking the IELTS exam seems overwhelming, here are alternative language tests to prove your English language skills:

Apply for Canada PR with CELPIP

If you find IELTS challenging, go for the CELPIP exam to demonstrate your English proficiency. It is considered an easier test than IELTS, focusing on Canadian English and including familiar accents and vocabulary. The exam takes about 3 hours to complete and results are usually out in 3 to 4 business days after the exam date.

The minimum CELPIP score required for Canada PR is 5 or higher in each module. Speaking of modules, here is the time taken in each one of them with a brief description:

• Reading (60 minutes): Includes four parts and has 38 questions in total.
• Writing (60 minutes): The writing section includes two tasks, where you are asked to write an email and a response to survey questions.
• Listening (60 minutes): You listen to six recordings, each with 38 questions related to problem-solving, day-to-day conversations, discussions, etc.
• Speaking (15 minutes): Lastly, there is the speaking section with eight parts, and has topics on which you have to express yourself like giving advice, stating opinions, and personal experiences, and describing a scene.

Apply for Canada PR with PTE Core

Another English test to prove your eligibility for Canada PR is PTE Core. It was recently added to the list of accepted English Tests for Canada PR, on January 30, 2024. You can take the PTE score for all the immigration programs, except for the Student Direct Stream (SDS). The exam takes about 2 hours to complete and results are out about 2 days after the exam date.

In PTE Core, you are given scores on a scale of 0 to 90, and to qualify, you need to score at least 60 or CLB 7 in each module. Here is the time taken in each one of them with a brief description:

• Reading (30 minutes): Includes five types of questions like multiple choice, and long-form text.
• Speaking and Writing (50 minutes): In this part, seven types of questions are given and this is the longest section of the test.
• Listening (30 minutes): Includes seven questions, based on audio or video clips, on which you are asked to take notes.

Other Pathways to Get Canada PR without IELTS

• Apply as a French Speaker
  

Canada is a bilingual nation. So, if English is not your strong suit, you can apply for Canada PR as a French speaker from India. This is an ideal way to move to Canada for those who are proficient in French and do not wish to take the IELTS exam.

When applying for Express Entry Canada, 160 points are awarded for English skills and up to an extra 50 points for those who show French skills.

To prove your proficiency in French, you must take TEF (Test d'évaluation de français). It evaluates your Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking abilities and scores you based on different levels - ranging from A1 (beginner level) to C2 (proficient level). To be eligible, you need a French level that is at least an NCLC 7 - equivalent to a B2 level on the TEF test.

French language proficiency is one of the six categories selected by IRCC - targeting candidates with in-demand skills and work experience for occupations under the NOC. Under the Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026, IRCC is planning to target 26,100 French-speaking permanent residents in 2024. This number will increase to 31,500 newcomers in 2025 and 36,000 in 2026.

• Apply for an LMIA-based visa in Canada
  

Canada’s LMIA-based visa is a work permit that allows employers in the country to hire foreign skilled workers. But to do that, employers have to prove that no citizen or permanent resident in Canada was eligible to fill specific job vacancies. Therefore, they have to go through the completion and approval of an LMIA (Labor Market Impact Assessment) by the Canadian government.

Under an LMIA-based visa, you are not required to take the IELTS exam for language proficiency. However, the Canadian employer is responsible for verifying the foreign worker's language skills and relevance to the job. Specific provinces in Canada may have language requirements for certain occupations or industries, even within the LMIA program.

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Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) with Low IELTS requirement

This is for those who take the IELTS exam for Canada PR but have low IELTS scores. Many Canadian provinces offer Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that require lower IELTS scores, ideal for skilled workers in India who wish to settle in Canada.

• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nomination Program (SINP)
  

One of the best PNPs with lower IELTS score requirements is SINP, specifically the International Skilled Worker-In-Demand Occupation category. To be eligible for this program, you need to have at least a CLB level of 4 or 5. This says you have basic English language proficiency and can qualify for nomination by Saskatchewan province as PR.

• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
  

Check out Manitoba’s Skilled Worker Overseas Stream, which requires a low IELTS score. This stream under MPNP aims to invite skilled immigrants who can contribute to the province’s economy. To be invited for PR under this stream you need to obtain at least 4 bands in each of the modules in the IELTS exam.

But a crucial requirement for Skilled Worker Overseas Stream is that you must have a family member living in Manitoba, willing to sponsor you for permanent residence. If you have work experience in one of the occupations listed in Manitoba's in-demand occupation list, you’ll be prioritized.

• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
  

Last but not least, we have the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), facilitating the immigration of skilled foreign workers and international graduates to one of the Atlantic provinces – with a low IELTS score. You need at least CLB 4 or higher to qualify.

Atlantic employers who are unable to fill job vacancies with locals can hire eligible candidates to work in one of the four Atlantic provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island. To qualify, you must secure a job offer from an employer in one of the four provinces before applying.

Successfully Cleared IELTS & Received ITA

Planning your Canada PR from India journey without IELTS can seem daunting, but it is possible. Seek professional guidance from one of the best immigration consultants in Delhi, and get the best solutions to make a well-informed decision.

Get a free consultation session and determine the best option to apply for your situation.

Call us@ +91 92 92 92 92 81 or email us at info@nationwidevisas.com

Start your process today!

Read More: IELTS vs. CELPIP vs. PTE Core: Which is best for Canada PR?