Is IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) Accepted for Canada Express Entry?

Many candidates preparing for Canadian immigration wonder if the IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) option can be used for Express Entry applications. Let’s clear up the confusion.

What is IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR)?

The IELTS One Skill Retake allows test takers to re-sit only one section of the IELTS test — Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking — instead of taking the entire test again. This feature is useful if you want to improve your band score in just one area without redoing the full exam.

Is OSR Accepted for Express Entry?

At present, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) does not accept the IELTS One Skill Retake for immigration purposes, including Express Entry.

For Express Entry and other Canadian immigration programs, applicants must submit results from the full IELTS General Training test. IRCC requires consistency and comparability across all four sections, which is why only complete test results are accepted.

What IELTS Scores Are Needed for Express Entry?

• A minimum CLB 7 (equivalent to IELTS 6.0 in each section) is generally required to qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

• Higher scores improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, increasing your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Why Isn’t OSR Accepted Yet?

IRCC has not updated its policies to include the One Skill Retake. The main reason is that Express Entry relies on a balanced language proficiency profile across all skills. Since OSR allows improvement in just one section, IRCC still requires full test results to ensure fairness and consistency.

Key Takeaway

• IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) is NOT accepted for Express Entry in Canada.

• Applicants must take the full IELTS General Training test.

• If your scores are below the required CLB level, you will need to retake the complete test to improve your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) and Canada Express Entry

1. Can I use IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) for Canada Express Entry?
No. IRCC does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake results for Express Entry or any Canadian immigration program. You must submit results from the full IELTS General Training test.

2. Why isn’t OSR accepted for Express Entry?
Express Entry requires a complete assessment of all four language skills — Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Since OSR only allows retaking one section, IRCC does not consider it valid for immigration purposes.

3. Which IELTS test should I take for Express Entry?
You must take the IELTS General Training test. IELTS Academic and IELTS One Skill Retake are not accepted for immigration to Canada.

4. What IELTS score is required for Express Entry?
You generally need at least CLB 7, which equals an IELTS score of 6.0 in each section. Higher scores give you more CRS points, improving your chances of being invited to apply.

5. Is OSR accepted for Canadian universities or student visas?
Some universities and institutions may accept IELTS One Skill Retake for academic purposes. However, for study permits and immigration through Express Entry, IRCC still requires the full test.

6. Will IRCC accept OSR in the future?
At this time, IRCC has not announced plans to accept IELTS One Skill Retake. Applicants should continue preparing for the full IELTS General Training exam until an official update is released.