Canada has introduced stricter measures to verify immigration language test results and detect possible fraud during the application review process.
New instructions issued to immigration officers and published online on June 23, 2026, require additional checks when reviewing language test results submitted by immigration applicants.
New Verification Measures Introduced
Under the updated guidelines, officers must now compare applicant photographs with language test records to help confirm that the person who took the test is the same individual applying for immigration benefits.
Officers are also required to conduct a more detailed review of case notes and Info-Alerts issued by testing organizations. These alerts may contain information that points to possible concerns about a test result or testing activity.
If officers identify signs that may suggest fraud, they must record their concerns and refer the case to the Tips and Reports Management Unit (TMRU), a specialized team responsible for reviewing possible fraud cases.
The updated instructions state that officers must carry out these checks at every stage of application assessment and before making a final decision on an application.
These verification steps were not specifically included in the previous version of the instructions.
Another notable change is the removal of any reference to allowing applicants to take a second language test under the supervision of a visa office.
The new instructions also explain that if officers determine that fraud has occurred, the application may be refused for misrepresentation, provided procedural fairness requirements are followed.
About Immigration Language Tests
Language ability remains an important part of Canada’s economic immigration system.
Most economic immigration programs require applicants to prove their English or French skills through an approved third-party language test.
Test results are converted into a standard scale known as the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) for English and the Niveau de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) for French.
In most cases, immigration programs require a minimum language score of:
- 7 for occupations in management positions or jobs that typically require a university degree; or
- 5 for occupations in skilled trades or jobs that generally require college education.
Proposed changes to Express Entry, Canada’s main system for selecting permanent residents, would establish a minimum language score of 6 for candidates across all occupations.
Higher language scores often lead to more points under immigration programs, improving a candidate’s chances of receiving an invitation.
Official language test results remain valid for two years from the date the test is taken. In most cases, the results must still be valid when Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) receives the application.
There are currently five approved language tests:
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE Core)
- Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF)
- Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF)
TOEFL Still Not Accepted
In August 2025, plans were announced to eventually add the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) to the list of accepted immigration language tests.
However, the latest IRCC instructions confirm that TOEFL is still not accepted for immigration applications at this time.
Language Requirements For PGWP Applicants
Canada expanded language test requirements for post-graduation work permit (PGWP) applicants in late 2024.
Under these rules, language requirements vary based on the graduate’s level of study.
A PGWP is an open work permit that can be issued for up to three years. It allows eligible international graduates to gain Canadian work experience after completing their studies.
Although language test results are now required for many PGWP applicants, the online application system still does not have a dedicated field for submitting those results because of ongoing system limitations.
In May 2025, the government said it was working on adding a separate upload field, but no launch date has been announced.
For now, applicants must upload their language test documents through the “Client Information” section of their online account.
Canada continues to focus on protecting the integrity of its immigration system through updated instructions. Language test results will now be reviewed carefully at every stage of the application process.
Explore your pathway to move to Canada with Immigtoronto. Our team of skilled RCICs offers customized immigration solutions, ensuring a trustworthy and professional process. Contact us at [email protected].
