PR Applications- Is “IELTS 8777” still the name of the game?
IELTS 8777 refers to a specific score bands in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), where the scores are Listening: 8.0, Reading: 7.0, Writing: 7.0 and Speaking: 7.0
This score is famous because it often meets or exceeds the language proficiency requirements of CLB 9 (Canadian Language Benchmark) for immigration purposes, especially for FSWP (Federal Skilled Worker Program) and CEC (Canadian Experience Class) for Canadian Immigration. These scores align with the 8777 IELTS bands, making them highly sought after by many applicants aiming to maximize their immigration points. Achieving an IELTS score of 8777 can significantly enhance a candidate's Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) overall score for Canada's Express Entry system, particularly under the Language Skills and Transferability Skills factors, thereby improving their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
Many PR applicants, including some I've met, are very familiar with this coveted score. They often struggle to achieve the required bands, with even a 0.5 band deficiency in a single section potentially derailing their efforts and necessitating a retake of the IELTS exam to secure the needed scores.
There is hope for candidates who fall just 0.5 band short in one or more sections. Starting in January 2025, BC PNP will introduce three additional streams requiring a CLB 8 for eligibility. This is equivalent to Listening: 7.5, Reading: 6.5, Writing: 6.5, and Speaking: 6.5. While this doesn't guarantee automatic qualification for the BC PNP Graduate stream, it certainly increases the likelihood of eligibility, thereby enhancing their chances of qualifying for the PNP program.
As per the announcement from the BC Immigration Department in January 2025, the International Graduate and International Post-Graduate (IPG) streams will be replaced by Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate streams that will have new eligibility criteria.
Graduate streams
The current International Graduate and International Post-Graduate streams will be replaced with three new streams:
The Bachelor’s stream will be for recent graduates with bachelor’s degrees from eligible post-secondary institutions. Graduates with an indeterminate full-time job offer can register for this stream
The Master’s stream will be for recent graduates with master’s degrees from eligible post-secondary institutions, in any field of study. Graduates with a minimum one-year full-time job offer in a skilled occupation can register for this stream
The Doctorate stream will be for graduates and candidates of doctoral level programs from eligible post-secondary institutions. Graduates and PhD candidates can apply directly to this stream.
Please note if a student completes a diploma or certificate, they can still qualify for other BC PNP streams, since they will not be eligible for these new graduate streams.
For Language Requirements, CLB 8 is currently planned for the new graduate streams.
These changes may pose challenges for some prospective PR applicants but also present an opportunity for many. Here’s what PR aspirants should consider:
Stay informed about the latest announcements and guidelines from BC PNP.
Ensure they are prepared to submit their complete application accurately.
Seek professional advice with immigration professionals or legal experts who can provide them the guidance on latest program updates.
The upcoming changes in the BC PNP aim to better align the program with British Columbia's economic requirements and make it more accessible to skilled immigrants. By staying informed about these changes and preparing in advance, you can improve your chances of success.
If you are thinking about applying to the BC PNP, it's a good idea to start your preparations now. Stay updated, seek professional guidance, and ensure your application is ready in all aspects, including credential assessment, valid language result etc.
Best of luck!