New language test will be available for Canadian permanent residence applications
New English Language Test Option for Canadian Immigration
Foreign nationals looking to immigrate to Canada now have another option to prove their English language proficiency.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will soon accept the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Essentials test for future applicants. While the test is not currently accepted, IRCC will update its official website once it becomes available.
This change will allow foreign nationals to use the TOEFL Essentials test as a way to demonstrate their English language skills for Canada’s permanent economic immigration programs.
On August 21, the Education Testing Service (ETS), the organization behind TOEFL, announced that IRCC had designated them as a language test organization. ETS is currently working with IRCC to finalize the acceptance process and will provide details on test timing and locations soon.
Who Will Benefit from This Change?
The TOEFL Essentials test will be available to candidates applying for IRCC’s permanent economic immigration programs. This includes:
- Express Entry
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)*
*Note: PNPs are regional programs, and test requirements may vary based on provincial regulations.
About the TOEFL Essentials Test
The TOEFL Essentials test assesses practical English language skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It is designed to simulate real-world communication tasks.
The test duration is approximately 1.5 hours and can be taken at secure test centers in Canada or worldwide.
Test Format
The test consists of listening, reading, writing, and speaking sections, along with a short personal video statement. It evaluates both academic and general English language skills through quick, task-based activities.
Scoring
Test-takers receive immediate results for listening and reading sections, with official scores available online within six days. Score reports can be sent to multiple institutions at no extra cost.
Other Accepted Language Tests by IRCC
Aside from the TOEFL Essentials test, IRCC currently accepts the following English language tests for economic immigration purposes:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
IRCC uses the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) to assess English language proficiency requirements for immigration purposes.
