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IELTS for Medical Professionals

There are incredible job opportunities throughout Canada for those wishing to work in the healthcare field, such as doctors, nurses, or carers.

If you want to work in a healthcare-related role in Canada, part of the application process will require you to demonstrate your English-language skills. To help start your Canadian journey, we have put together a range of tips, information, and helpful resources.

Which healthcare workers can apply for permanent residence?

Job roles

If you provide direct care to a patient as part of your job role, you may be able to apply for permanent residency in Canada. The types of jobs that can apply for a permanent residence in Canada can include:

  • Nursing co-ordinators
  • Psychiatric nurses
  • Home support workers, and
  • Primary healthcare practitioners.

Eligibility

You must meet the eligibility criteria including:

  • You and your family members must not be inadmissible to Canada
  • You must have work experience in specific jobs in Canada’s healthcare sector
  • You must have been issued a work permit after you made your refugee claim
  • If you wish to live in Quebec, you must meet their additional immigration and experience requirements.

What is IELTS?

IELTS is an English language proficiency test, and it is used by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and Immigration Quebec as proof that you will be able to communicate, live, and work in Canada.
The test examines your English ability in four key areas: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

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What IELTS score do I need?

IELTS tests for your English Language skills in four key areas: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. You will be marked in these sections on a scale from 1-9.
For many healthcare roles, you will need a score of 7. This will vary depending on the study or immigration requirements set by the institution you’re applying with.

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Medical Professionals in training

If you are training to become a medical professional, or would like to teach a medical subject, you need to take the IELTS Academic test.

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Take your IELTS test with British Council

British Council is an official IELTS test provider, who have been helping healthcare professionals gain the skills, confidence, and connections to gain residence in Canada since 1938.

Built to succeed – Free pre-test support including an online course, tutorial videos, 75 interactive activities, the IELTS test app, and 8 online practice tests.

Flexibility – With 80+ British Council locations across Canada, you can find a test centre near you and take your test either on paper or a computer.

Your future in Canada – Upon completion, British Council will quickly send you your Test Report Form, allowing you to pursue your career or education goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

IELTS for doctors: which IELTS test do I take?

IELTS for nurses: which IELTS test do I take?

What is the nursing IELTS requirement?

What is the required IELTS score for doctors?