# IELTS band requirements by country

The IELTS scores Canada, Australia, the UK and New Zealand ask for, by visa and for nursing, each from the government or regulator's own page.

Checked against the official sources on 2026-10-08.

## Requirements at a glance

| Country | Key requirements | Details |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Canada | Express Entry takes IELTS General Training only, and IRCC tells PGWP applicants to take it too. CLB 7 is Listening 6.0, Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0, Speaking 6.0. | [IELTS for Canada](/ielts/band-requirements/canada) |
| Australia | Competent English is 6 in each skill, Proficient 7, Superior 8. The 485 needs 6.5 overall. | [IELTS for Australia](/ielts/band-requirements/australia) |
| UK | UK visas that need a SELT take IELTS for UKVI: B1 is 4.0 in each skill, B2 5.5, C1 7.0. NMC nurses need 7 (6.5 in Writing). | [IELTS for UK](/ielts/band-requirements/uk) |
| New Zealand | Skilled residence: 6.5 overall for the principal applicant (5 for a partner). Study visas: set by the school. | [IELTS for New Zealand](/ielts/band-requirements/new-zealand) |

*Sources: IRCC, Home Affairs, Ahpra, GOV.UK, NMC, Immigration New Zealand*

Work out your bands on the [IELTS band score chart](/ielts/band-score-chart) or with the [IELTS band score calculator](/ielts/band-score-calculator). What the test costs where you'll take it is on [IELTS fees by country](/ielts/fees).

## Questions

### Which IELTS test do I need for immigration?

It depends on the country and visa. Canada's Express Entry takes IELTS General Training only, and IRCC tells PGWP applicants to take it too. UK visas that need a SELT take IELTS for UKVI. Australia and New Zealand accept Academic or General Training for most visas. Each country page links the official rule.

### Are IELTS requirements the same for every visa?

No. Each visa sets its own minimum, often per skill, and some set an overall score too. Always check the official page for the visa you apply for.