Is it possible to get a Canadian visa with an IELTS listening score of 5.5?
08 Jul 2026 · Answered by Hardika Gautam · 1 min read
Yes, you can apply for a Canadian study permit with an IELTS listening score of 5.5, but you may face challenges.
- Student Direct Stream (SDS) requires at least 6.0 in each IELTS band, so you are not eligible for this faster visa route.
- Regular study permit stream does not have a fixed IELTS minimum, but most Canadian universities and colleges expect at least 6.0 in each band. Your current listening score of 5.5 may not meet their admission requirements.
To improve your chances of both admission and visa approval, consider retaking IELTS to raise your listening score. If you need help planning your next steps, connect with your LeapScholar counsellor.
Do you even need IELTS for Canada?
Which test, what band, or whether you can skip it. Sorted in one free session.
4.7/5 Google
🎓 25K+ admits
Get My Test PlanMore IELTS questions
- Will I be able to pass the English proficiency exam given my concerns about language skills?
- Can I study in the UK without IELTS, and which universities accept other English tests?
- Do I need an IELTS scorecard for the APS certificate required for Germany university applications?
- What are the English language test options required for MBA applications?
- Has the student given the IELTS exam or is willing to take it for a Master's?
- If my daughter does not need IELTS for admission, should she still take coaching or can she skip it in Canada?
- Which English proficiency test is preferable for admission to US universities: IELTS or TOEFL?
- Are there free IELTS band prediction tests available to assess current English proficiency?
More Canada questions
- Other than Canada and Netherlands, are there better countries to study science and technology in Germany/Singapore?
- What are the options for pursuing a master's in psychology or clinical psychology given my bachelor's background in biology in Australia/Canada?
- Will there be any problems if I do my studies offline abroad given the education structure is different from India in Ireland/Canada?
- What should I do to improve my chances of going to Canada as a teacher?
- What is the minimum budget required for studying abroad in Canada or Ireland for two years?
- What are the differences in career opportunities and PR options between Germany and Canada?
- Is it better to apply for UK or consider other countries for my master's in business analytics in Australia/Canada?
- What is the approximate scholarship amount I can get with around 90% or 9.2 CGPA in UK/Canada for a Postgraduate?
🎓 Do you need IELTS for Canada? Get My Test Plan