Key Highlights: Does IRCC Accept One Skill Retake?
Here’s a quick look at what you need to know about the IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) for Canadian immigration:
- By 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will not let you use the one skill retake version for Express Entry applications.
- The IELTS OSR lets you do a skill retake for just one of the four language skills. You can choose Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking. You do not need to take the original test again.
- You have to take this skill retake within 60 days of your original test date.
- Even though it is not used for Express Entry, some immigration programs allow it. This includes programs such as the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP).
- When you finish the IELTS OSR, you get a new test report form that shows your updated score. Your old test results are still good.
Introduction
Moving to Canada can depend a lot on showing you have the right language skills. Many people take the International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, to do this. IELTS now has a “One Skill Retake” choice. This has made a lot of people excited, but some are also unsure about how it works. If you think you can use it to fix a low score in one part of your test, you are not alone.
This guide explains what the IRCC language test policy says, including whether does IRCC accept one skill retake, and how the one skill retake works. You will get all the details you need if you want to use this new option to help your Canadian plans.
Does IRCC Accept One Skill Retake? The 2025 Verdict
So, what’s the final word on this? Does IRCC accept the IELTS One Skill Retake in Canada? Currently, for major pathways like Express Entry, the answer is no. The Canadian government body requires a full test score for these routes. To obtain permanent residence, you cannot use a One Skill Retake score to demonstrate your language proficiency. Be aware that not all programs have the same rule regarding the IELTS One Skill Retake.
The Official IRCC Stance: Accepted for Immigration
- IRCC now allows the IELTS One Skill Retake in certain immigration programs, such as the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP).
- Approval for the one skill retake is selective and varies by program, so it’s crucial to check the specific rules for your chosen stream.
- For Express Entry, IRCC clearly states: “We don’t accept the One Skill Retake version of the IELTS General Training test.” Source: Government of Canada
- Outside immigration, many Canadian schools accept one skill retake for admissions always confirm requirements before applying.
Key Terms and Conditions for Approval
If you want to take the One Skill Retake and your chosen program accepts it, you must follow some rules. Retaking one skill does not make Canadian immigration harder, but your score will count only if you meet these conditions.
You can book a One Skill Retake only if you:
- Took a full IELTS on Computer test recently.
- Got results from a center that allows skill retake.
- Book within 60 days of your original test.
- Retake just one skill once for each full test.
- Use your original ID document.
Check the official IELTS website for updates.
What Exactly is the “One Skill Retake” Feature?
If you’re disappointed with your score in just one part of the IELTS, the One Skill Retake (OSR) feature is here to help. This option allows you to retake only one skill Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking without having to take the full test again. Offered at participating test centres, the OSR maintains the same test format as your original attempt, saving you both time and money. In this section, I’ll explain how the skill retake works and its benefits for test-takers.
How It Works: Retaking a Single Module
The one skill retake process is made to be simple and beneficial. After completing the full IELTS on a computer, you can choose to retake one module to improve your score. You’re only allowed one retake for each original test, so it’s important to use this opportunity wisely.
Here’s how it works:
- You must have taken the full IELTS as a computer test; paper test takers can’t use this feature yet.
- Book your retake online through the test taker portal.
- Complete your retake within 60 days of your first test session.
The retake mirrors the original module, making the experience familiar and helping you focus.
The Goal: Boosting Your Score Without a Full Retake
The One Skill Retake lets you improve your IELTS score in a single section without retaking the whole test. It’s designed for those who may have underperformed in one area due to nerves or a bad day, even though their overall skills are strong. After the retake, you get a new Test Report Form (TRF) showing your updated score for that section and your original scores for the other three. Both the old and new TRFs are valid, so you can choose which one to use. For immigration or study, this can be a major advantage if the institution accepts it.
The Step-by-Step Process for Your Application
eady to book your retake and use your new score? First, ask IELTS for a retake. Then, send your new Test Report Form to IRCC. You will need your ID document and must sign in to your test taker portal. It’s crucial to follow each step correctly, and remember that the retake must be completed within 60 days of your original test. If you’re looking for guidance on how to prepare effectively, consider enrolling in USCA Academy, which offers tailored courses to help you excel. Let’s review how to request your retake and submit your score.
How to Request a Retake with IELTS
Booking your IELTS OSR is done through the official IELTS portal, usually via the British Council or your original test center. To be eligible, you must have completed a full IELTS test on a computer. The most convenient way is to register online using your personal account. While the process is mostly the same across Canadian centers Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal some may require direct contact, so check with your specific center.
Here’s a concise guide to booking your retake:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Log into your IELTS Test Taker Portal. |
| 2 | Access your recent test results. |
| 3 | Click the ‘Retake’ button for the skill you want to retake. |
| 4 | Choose an available date and session. |
| 5 | Confirm details, complete payment, and book. |
After booking, you’ll get a confirmation email with all necessary details for your retake.
Submitting Your New Score to IRCC Correctly
When you receive your new test results, you’ll get an electronic Test Report Form (TRF) showing your IELTS One Skill Retake result, including your updated score and the original scores for the other three sections.
To submit your new score to IRCC:
- Update Your Profile: Log in to your online application (like Express Entry) and update your language test information with the details from your new TRF.
- Verify Acceptance: Before submitting, check the IRCC website or the IELTS recognising organisations list to confirm your program accepts one skill retake.
- Provide the Correct TRF: Submit the new TRF, not the old one, to reflect your improved score.
Using the wrong document could result in your application being delayed or rejected. Double-check your TRF details before submission.
Important Limitations to Consider
Before choosing a one skill retake, it’s important to understand the rules, restrictions, and whether it’s truly the right option for your situation.
Key Restrictions of the One Skill Retake
While the one skill retake option sounds helpful, it comes with rules. You can only retake one section (listening, reading, writing, or speaking), not multiple. The retake must be booked within a set time after your original test, and not all test centers may offer it yet. Also, IRCC will only accept official results, so you need to make sure your retake is done at an approved center.
Is a One Skill Retake Your Best Strategy?
A one skill retake can be a smart choice if you only struggled in one area while scoring well in the others. For example, if your writing score was lower but everything else was strong, retaking just that part can save you time and money. But if your overall scores are weak, it’s often better to retake the full test to improve across all sections.
Conclusion
In the end, knowing about IRCC’s one skill retake for IELTS or CELPIP can help you a lot in your path to immigration. The new rules in 2025 let you redo just one part of the test with the skill retake option. You do not have to take the whole test again. This makes things easier and helps you meet your language goal faster.
If you feel unsure about how to prepare for your test, or if you need help with the skill retake steps, you can contact USCA Academy for help. Getting help now can make sure you do well and reach your immigration dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use an IELTS One Skill Retake score for Express Entry or Canada PR?
No, IRCC does not accept the one skill retake for Express Entry or most other ways to get permanent residence. For these, you have to give test results from one full IELTS General Training test or another language test set by IRCC. All your skills must be from that one general training test or from other IRCC accepted language tests.
2. Does IRCC accept One Skill Retake for study permits or PGWP applications?
For study permits, you need to know if the Designated Learning Institution, or DLI, will accept the result. Many universities in Canada now recognize the OSR. Still, the IRCC has not made a clear rule yet about accepting the one skill retake for PGWP applications. It is important to check the official IRCC rules for your application to see if a skill retake will be accepted.
3. How can I verify if my test result is officially recognized by IRCC?
The best way to find out is to visit the official website of the Canadian government body (IRCC). You can look at the requirements there for your immigration program. IELTS has a list of each recognizing organization that accepts the IELTS OSR test. Additionally, resources like USCA Academy can provide guidance on test preparation and recognition. However, the IRCC website is the last authority for these matters in immigration. You should always check there for ielts osr, osr test, ielts osr test, government body, and recognizing organization rules.
4. How long does it take to get the results from a retake?
Since the one skill retake is on a computer, test results are usually ready fast. Most of the time, you get these in 3 to 5 days. You will have a new test report form online in your test taker portal. This new test report form will show your new score for the skill retake. It will also show your original score for the other three parts.
