Sitting the IELTS exam is necessary for most if those who wish to study and/or work in Canada; it is the only English language examination that Citizenship and Immigration Canada accepts.

For those wishing to work and live in Canada as a permanent resident, the IELTS Band needed corresponds directly to the NOC (National Occupational Classification) code. Depending on the desired occupation, the minimum Band needed ranges from 4 to 7.5, depending on the tested skill (reading, writing, listening or speaking) Please visit the CIC website for more information on IELTS as a requirement for immigration. 

For those wishing to gain a Canadian Student Visa, it is important to note the required IELTS overall Band Score from the institution in which one wishes to study. If one is studying in Canada at an institution of higher learning, the minimum Band score most often required at most universities and colleges is 5.5, but, again, one should contact the desired school first to verify.