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    🍁 Canada Immigration

    PTE Core for Canada PR CLB Score Chart & IRCC Guide 2026

    PTE Core is officially approved by IRCC for Canada PR, Express Entry, and all Provincial Nominee Programs. Get your results in 24–48 hours with 100% AI scoring.
    IRCC Approved 2023 Express Entry Accepted Results in 24–48 hrs 100% AI Scoring
    PTE Core (Pearson Test of English — Core) is a computer-based English test developed by Pearson specifically for Canadian immigration. It is accepted by IRCC for Express Entry, all Provincial Nominee Programs, and Canadian work permits. CLB 7 is the minimum for Federal Skilled Worker, requires a score of 51–58 in each of the four skills individually.
    IRCC Approved
    Since 2023
    All major PR pathways
    Results Time
    24–48 hrs
    Usually same day
    Test Duration
    ~2 Hours
    Single sitting
    Score Valid
    2 Years
    From test date
    Scoring
    100% AI
    No human examiner
    Retakes
    Unlimited
    5-day gap required

    PTE Core CLB Score Chart 2026 — IRCC Requirements

    Your PTE Core scores are converted to CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) levels by IRCC. Each of the four skills must meet the CLB level individually,  Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening are assessed separately. A high score in one skill cannot compensate for a low score in another.
    🍁 This CLB mapping is based on the official IRCC conversion table. Verify requirements at the official IRCC website.
    CLB Level PTE Core Score (per skill) Express Entry? Key Programme
    CLB 4 30–35 Limited FST Speaking/Listening only
    CLB 5 36–42 Yes CEC — NOC TEER 2 or 3
    CLB 6 43–50 Yes Most PNP streams
    CLB 7 ★ 51–58 Yes FSW, FST, CEC NOC TEER 1
    CLB 8 59–64 Yes Higher CRS points
    CLB 9 65–72 Yes Competitive CRS score
    CLB 10 73–79 Yes Strong CRS score
    CLB 11 80–85 Yes Excellent CRS score
    CLB 12 86–90 Yes Maximum CLB score
    ⚠ī¸ All four skills must individually meet the CLB level. If you need CLB 7, you must score 51–58 in Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening separately.

    CLB Levels in PTE Core — What Each Score Means

    CLB 5 in PTE Core — Score: 36–42 per skill
    Minimum requirement for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) for NOC TEER 2 and 3 occupations. Also accepted for many PNP streams. Each skill must individually reach 36–42.
    CLB 6 in PTE Core — Score: 43–50 per skill
    Accepted for most Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams across Canada. Not sufficient for FSW or CEC NOC TEER 1 , CLB 7 is required for those programmes.
    CLB 7 in PTE Core — Score: 51–58 per skill ★ Most Important
    The most critical benchmark for Canada PR. Minimum requirement for Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and CEC NOC TEER 1 under Express Entry. Must be achieved in all four skills individually.
    CLB 8 in PTE Core — Score: 59–64 per skill
    Earns significantly higher CRS points than CLB 7. Target score for candidates improving their Express Entry ranking. Many competitive PNP streams prefer CLB 8 or above.
    CLB 9 in PTE Core — Score: 65–72 per skill
    Earns the highest standard CRS language points. Places you in a competitive Express Entry band. Recommended target for candidates aiming for a strong CRS total.
    CLB 10 in PTE Core — Score: 73–79 per skill
    Earns maximum CRS language points available. the highest possible language contribution to your Express Entry score.

    How CLB Levels Affect Your CRS Score

    Language score is one of the biggest contributors to your CRS total. Moving from CLB 7 to CLB 9 adds approximately 52 CRS points — that can be the difference between waiting and receiving an Invitation to Apply.
    CLB 5
    6
    pts / skill
    CLB 6
    8
    pts / skill
    CLB 7
    16
    pts / skill
    CLB 8
    22
    pts / skill
    CLB 9+
    29
    pts / skill
    💡 CLB 7 → CLB 9 in all four skills = +52 CRS points. This is the single most impactful improvement most Express Entry candidates can make.

    Is PTE Core Accepted for Canada PR?

    Immigration Programme Accepted? Minimum CLB
    Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Yes CLB 7 all four skills
    Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Yes CLB 5 (TEER 2/3) or CLB 7 (TEER 1)
    Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Yes CLB 4 Speaking/Listening
    Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) Yes Varies by stream
    Canadian work permit applications Yes Stream dependent
    Atlantic Immigration Program Yes CLB 4–5
    University admissions / study visa No — use PTE Academic —
    UK student or work visa No — use PTE Academic UKVI —

    PTE Core Test Format 2026 — All Three Modules

    PTE Core has three sections, tests all four language skills, and is completed in a single ~2 hour sitting. No separate speaking day. No human examiner. 100% AI scoring.
    Speaking & Writing
    54–67 minutes
    • Personal Introduction (unscored)
    • Read Aloud — highest impact task
    • Repeat Sentence
    • Describe Image (40 seconds)
    • Respond to a Situation
    • Answer Short Questions
    • Write an Email (80–120 words)
    • Summarize Written Text
    Reading
    28–30 minutes
    • Fill in the Blanks (word bank)
    • Re-order Paragraphs
    • Fill in the Blanks (drag-drop)
    • Multiple Choice — Single Answer
    • Multiple Choice — Multiple Answer negative marking applies
    Listening
    30–43 minutes
    • Summarize Spoken Text
    • Fill in the Blanks
    • Select Missing Word
    • Highlight Correct Summary
    • Highlight Incorrect Words penalty for wrong clicks
    • Write From Dictation — spelling critical

    PTE Core vs IELTS General Training — Canada PR

    Feature PTE Core IELTS General Training
    Test format Fully computer-based Paper + computer options
    Speaking AI-scored — no examiner Face-to-face with examiner
    Results time 1–5 business days 5–7 days
    Score consistency Fully automated Examiner-dependent
    IRCC accepted Yes (since 2023) Yes
    Duration ~2 hours ~2 hours 45 minutes
    CLB 7 score needed 51–58 per skill 6.0 per skill
    CLB 9 score needed 65–72 per skill 7.0–7.5 per skill

    PTE Core vs CELPIP — Which Is Better for Pakistan Candidates?

    Feature PTE Core CELPIP
    Scoring 100% AI — fully consistent Human raters + AI
    Results time 1–5 business days 4–5 business days
    Available in Pakistan Yes — Karachi & Islamabad Very limited
    IRCC accepted Yes Yes
    For candidates in Pakistan, PTE Core is the practical choice, test centres in Karachi and Islamabad, consistent AI scoring, and faster results than CELPIP.

    PTE Core vs PTE Academic — Critical Difference

    ⚠ī¸ Most common and costly mistake: Booking PTE Academic for a Canada PR application. Your score cannot be used and Pearson does not offer refunds.
    Feature PTE Core PTE Academic
    Purpose Canada immigration & work University admissions & study visa
    Canada PR (Express Entry) Yes — IRCC approved No
    University admissions No Yes — worldwide
    Australia migration Not accepted Yes — DOHA accepted
    UK visa Not accepted Use PTE Academic UKVI

    Express Entry — How PTE Core Works Step by Step

    1. Take PTE Core and receive your official score report from Pearson (usually within 24–48 hours).
    2. Log in to your IRCC My Account and create or update your Express Entry profile.
    3. Enter your PTE Core scores in the language section of your Express Entry profile.
    4. IRCC automatically converts your scores to CLB levels using the official conversion table.
    5. CLB levels are converted to CRS points based on your profile (age, education, work experience, with or without spouse).
    6. Higher CLB levels earn more CRS points — increasing your total and your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
    Express Entry Programme Min CLB PTE Core Score (per skill)
    Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) CLB 7 51–58 all four skills
    CEC — NOC TEER 1 CLB 7 51–58 all four skills
    CEC — NOC TEER 2 or 3 CLB 5 36–42 all four skills
    FST — Speaking/Listening CLB 4 30–35
    FST — Reading/Writing CLB 3 24–29

    PTE Core Results — Timeline and IRCC Submission

    Detail Information
    Results available 1–5 business days (usually 24–48 hours)
    Score validity 2 years from test date
    IRCC submission Fully digital — via Pearson account using your Applicant ID
    Paper documents Not required — 100% digital process
    Retakes Unlimited — 5-day minimum gap between sittings

    How to Book PTE Core in Pakistan 2026

    1. Go to pearsonpte.com and create a free account. Use your name exactly as on your passport.
    2. Select “PTE Core” as your test type. Do not select PTE Academic — it is not accepted for Canada PR.
    3. Choose your city — Karachi or Islamabad.
    4. Select your test date. Book at least 2–4 weeks in advance — slots fill quickly.
    5. Pay the exam fee online using debit or credit card. Fees are charged in USD.
    6. Receive your booking confirmation by email with test centre address and reporting time.
    📍 Karachi
    JNS Education
    2nd Floor, Building 44-C, Khayaban-e-Bukhari, Phase 6, DHA, Karachi
    📍 Islamabad
    JNS Education
    Rizwan Center, 4th Floor, Block F, Jinnah Avenue, Blue Area, Islamabad
    ℹī¸ Always confirm current fees on the official Pearson PTE fees page before booking. Fees are in USD and subject to change.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which PTE exam is required for Canada PR?
    You must take PTE Core — not PTE Academic. PTE Core is specifically approved by IRCC for all Canadian immigration pathways including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and work permit applications. PTE Academic is for university admissions and study visas only and is not accepted for Canada PR.
    What is CLB 7 in PTE Core?
    CLB 7 in PTE Core requires a score of 51–58 in each of the four skills individually — Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening must all reach this range separately. CLB 7 is the minimum requirement for Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) NOC TEER 1 occupations under Express Entry.
    What is CLB 5 in PTE Core?
    CLB 5 in PTE Core requires a score of 36–42 in each of the four skills individually. CLB 5 meets the minimum language requirement for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) for NOC TEER 2 and 3 occupations.
    What is CLB 6 in PTE Core?
    CLB 6 in PTE Core requires a score of 43–50 in each of the four skills individually. CLB 6 is accepted for most Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams across Canada.
    Is PTE Core accepted for Canada PR?
    Yes. PTE Core is officially approved by IRCC and has been accepted for Canada PR since 2023. It is accepted for Express Entry (all three programmes), all Provincial Nominee Programs, Canadian work permit applications, and the Atlantic Immigration Program.
    How long is the PTE Core test?
    The PTE Core test takes approximately 2 hours and is completed in a single uninterrupted sitting. There is no separate speaking day. The three sections are: Speaking and Writing (54–67 minutes), Reading (28–30 minutes), and Listening (30–43 minutes).
    Can I retake the PTE Core test?
    Yes. There is no limit on the number of attempts. You must wait a minimum of 5 calendar days between sittings. Your score is valid for 2 years from the test date. Use the gap between attempts to review your score report and focus on the specific skills that need improvement.
    What CLB score do I need for Canada PR?
    The minimum CLB score depends on your Express Entry programme. For Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), you need CLB 7 in all four skills (PTE Core 51–58 per skill). For Canadian Experience Class (CEC) with NOC TEER 2 or 3, you need CLB 5 (PTE Core 36–42 per skill). For NOC TEER 1 under CEC, CLB 7 is required. Higher CLB scores earn more CRS points.
    How long do PTE Core results take for Canada immigration?
    PTE Core results are typically available within 1 to 5 business days. In most cases results arrive within 24 to 48 hours. Once received, you share your score directly with IRCC through your Pearson account using your Applicant ID — no paper documents required.
    What is the difference between PTE Core and PTE Academic?
    PTE Core is for Canadian immigration and work permits — it tests general and workplace English and is accepted by IRCC for Canada PR. PTE Academic is for university admissions and study visas — it tests academic English and is NOT accepted for Canada PR. Booking the wrong test means your score cannot be used and Pearson does not offer refunds.
    Is PTE Core or CELPIP better for Canada PR?
    Both are accepted by IRCC. For candidates in Pakistan, PTE Core is the practical choice — test centres are available in Karachi and Islamabad, whereas CELPIP availability is very limited outside Canada. PTE Core also offers fully AI-based scoring, which is consistent and predictable once you understand the system.

    Achieve Your Target CLB Score GEO PTE Academy

    Karachi’s top-rated PTE Core coaching institute. We help Canada PR applicants reach CLB 7, CLB 9, and beyond with structured preparation, CLB-mapped mock tests, and expert feedback.
    • Certified trainers — exact CLB requirement knowledge
    • CLB-mapped mock tests — weekly progress tracking
    • Personalised study plan for your current level
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