Canada Immigration Updates – New Language Test Approved for PR
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially announced that the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Essentials is now an approved language proficiency test for candidates applying through Canada’s permanent economic immigration programs. This update provides more flexibility for skilled workers and international applicants planning to immigrate to Canada.
What Is TOEFL Essentials?
The TOEFL Essentials test, administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS), is a modern, streamlined version of the widely recognized TOEFL iBT exam. It measures all four key language skills—reading, writing, listening, and speaking—within a shorter testing time (1.5-hour exam) and at a more affordable cost. TOEFL Essentials is designed to reflect real-life communication skills while maintaining academic rigor.
Why This Matters for Canadian Immigration Applicants
Until now, approved English language tests for Express Entry and other economic immigration pathways included the IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, and TOEFL iBT Test. With the addition of TOEFL Essentials, applicants now have an additional option to prove their English proficiency.
This policy change is especially beneficial for candidates who:
- Prefer a flexible, online test format.
- Seek a more cost-effective English test option.
- Want to demonstrate practical and academic English proficiency in one exam.
Programs Accepting TOEFL Essentials
The TOEFL Essentials test will be accepted for:
- Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades)
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) aligned with Express Entry
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): A pathway for skilled workers and graduates in Canada’s Atlantic provinces.
Minimum Scores and CLB Equivalency
As with other approved English tests, TOEFL Essentials results will be converted into Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). Applicants must meet the specific CLB levels required by their immigration program. IRCC will publish detailed score conversion charts to help applicants understand their eligibility.
What This Means for Future PR Candidates
This update reflects IRCC’s commitment to making the immigration process more accessible, fair, and inclusive for skilled workers worldwide. By adding TOEFL Essentials, Canada provides newcomers with more testing choices, reduced barriers, and a smoother pathway toward permanent residency.