Canada to accept new language test for Permanent Residence applications

Foreign nationals applying for Canadian permanent residency will soon have another option to prove their English language proficiency. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will begin accepting the TOEFL Essentials test, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

According to a CIC News report, the test is not yet in use for immigration purposes, but IRCC said its official webpages will be updated once the rollout begins. ETS announced on 21 August that it had been designated as an approved testing organization and is now working with Canadian authorities on the next steps.

The change will apply to applicants under IRCC’s permanent economic immigration programs, including Express Entry streams such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class. It will also cover the Atlantic Immigration Program and Provincial Nominee Programs, though provinces may decide individually whether to adopt the new test.


About the test
The TOEFL Essentials measures listening, reading, writing, and speaking through short, task-based exercises designed to reflect real-life communication. The test takes about 1.5 hours and is delivered at secure centres in Canada and worldwide.

Candidates receive instant unofficial scores for listening and reading sections, while official results are typically released within six days. Score reports can be shared with multiple institutions at no extra cost.

Currently accepted tests by IRCC
At present, IRCC accepts three English tests for immigration, the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and Pearson Test of English (PTE Core). Language proficiency is measured against Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB).

The addition of TOEFL Essentials is expected to provide applicants more flexibility in meeting Canada’s immigration language requirements.