What IELTS score do I need to migrate?
It depends on the country and the visa. Canada's Express Entry needs at least IELTS 6.0 in every band, and 7.0 to 8.0 is where the points are. Australia needs 6.0 in each band to lodge, and 7.0 or 8.0 in each band to score. The UK needs B1, roughly IELTS 4.0 in each skill. Germany does not require English at all for the Blue Card.
By destination
Canada, Express Entry. The Federal Skilled Worker minimum is Canadian Language Benchmark 7, which is IELTS General Training 6.0 in listening, reading, writing and speaking. Points climb steeply with each benchmark: CLB 9, which is IELTS 8.0 listening and 7.0 in the other three, is where an applicant collects the bulk of the language and transferability points. An overall band does not matter; the lowest individual band sets your benchmark.
Australia, points-tested visas. Competent English is the floor: IELTS 6.0 in each component, or an equivalent PTE or OET result. It scores zero. Proficient English, 7.0 in each, scores 10 points; Superior, 8.0 in each, scores 20. Some skills-assessment bodies set their own higher floor, and nursing registration requires 7.0 in each component from a single sitting or an approved combination.
United Kingdom, Skilled Worker. B1 on the European framework, which for IELTS for UKVI is 4.0 in each skill. Health and care roles have their own professional English requirements on top.
Germany. The EU Blue Card has no language requirement. The Opportunity Card accepts English at B2 as an alternative to German at A1.
New Zealand, Skilled Migrant Category. IELTS 6.5 overall, or equivalent, for the principal applicant.
What "each band" means for planning
Almost every system takes your weakest skill. Writing is the band Indian applicants most often fall short on, and it is the one where coaching helps least and practice helps most. Plan for two sittings, three months apart, and treat the second as the one that counts.
Results are valid for two years for Canada and three for Australia's visa stage; check the assessing body's own rule, which can be shorter.
Sources
Checked against these on by Zehla AZ, Head of Sales. Immigration rules change without notice — if you are reading this much later, check them again.