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Canadian PR applications to accept a new language test
Individuals planning to immigrate to Canada will soon have a new option to prove their English proficiency. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that it will begin accepting the TOEFL Essentials test for permanent residence applications under its economic immigration programs.
At present, the test is not being accepted, but IRCC has confirmed that its official pages will be updated once the implementation begins. This decision is expected to provide more flexibility to applicants and ease the process for those applying to settle in Canada.
ETS Receives IRCC Approval
On August 21, Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization behind the TOEFL exams, announced that it had been added to IRCC’s list of designated language testing providers. According to ETS, it is currently coordinating with IRCC to finalize the timeline and testing centres for TOEFL Essentials.
Programs That Will Accept TOEFL Essentials
The new option will be valid for candidates applying through several immigration streams, including:
- 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) (with possible variations by province)
Key Details About TOEFL Essentials
The TOEFL Essentials test is designed to measure English skills through real-world communication tasks, covering listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
- Duration: About 1.5 hours
- Format: Four main sections plus an unscored Personal Video Statement
- Delivery: Available at secure test centres in Canada and internationally
- Scoring:
- Instant unofficial scores for listening and reading
- Official results within six days
- Unlimited score reports at no extra cost
Current Language Test Options for Canada PR
Currently, IRCC accepts three English proficiency tests:
- 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) system to determine eligibility. The addition of TOEFL Essentials is expected to give applicants more choice and accessibility when applying for permanent residence in Canada.