There has been a new English test option for Canadian PR applicants, i.e., foreign nationals planning to immigrate to Canada will soon have another choice to prove their English language ability.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that it will begin accepting the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Essentials as proof of English proficiency for permanent residence (PR) applications. While IRCC is not yet accepting this test, it will update its official webpages once the change takes effect.
This update means candidates applying through Canada’s permanent economic immigration programs will have one more flexible option for meeting the language requirement.
TOEFL Now Recognized By IRCC
On 21 August, the Education Testing Service (ETS), which administers the TOEFL, confirmed that it has been officially recognized as a designated language testing organization by IRCC.
According to ETS, the organization is currently working closely with IRCC to finalize the acceptance process. Updates regarding when the test will be accepted and where it will be available will be shared once confirmed.
Who Will Benefit From This Change?
The TOEFL Essentials test will be available to candidates applying under IRCC’s economic immigration programs, which include:
- Express Entry–managed programs
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
(Note: Since PNPs are managed by individual provinces and territories, acceptance of TOEFL Essentials may vary by region.)
What Is The TOEFL Essentials Test?
As there has been a new English test option for Canadian PR applicants, let us discuss what the TOEFL Essentials Test is.
The TOEFL Essentials test is designed to evaluate the four key English skills, i.e., listening, reading, writing, and speaking through task-based, practical exercises that reflect real-life communication.
- Duration: About 1.5 hours
- Availability: Offered at secure test centres both in Canada and internationally
Test Format
The TOEFL Essentials includes:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
- Plus an unscored Personal Video Statement
This format tests both academic and general English skills using short, fast-paced tasks.
Scoring
- Instant results for listening and reading, shown right after the test
- Official scores available online within six days or sooner
- Score reports can be sent to unlimited institutions at no extra charge
Other Accepted Language Tests
Currently, IRCC accepts three other English-language tests for immigration applicants:
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE Core)
All results are measured against the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), which set the minimum English language standards required for immigration.
With TOEFL Essentials soon joining the list, applicants will have more flexibility in proving their language ability, making the pathway to Canadian permanent residence slightly more accessible for candidates worldwide.
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].
