Canada to Accept TOEFL Essentials for Permanent Residency Applications

Foreign nationals applying for Canadian permanent residency will soon have an additional way to prove their English language skills. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that it will begin accepting the TOEFL Essentials test, developed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

As per a recent CIC News update, the test has not yet been activated for immigration use. However, IRCC stated that its official website will be updated once the rollout is finalized. ETS, which announced its new designation on August 21, is currently working closely with Canadian authorities on the next steps.

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Who Will Benefit from the Change?

The new policy will apply to candidates under Canada’s economic immigration programs, including:
  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

In addition, it will extend to the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). However, provinces may individually decide whether or not to adopt TOEFL Essentials for their immigration streams.

Key Features of the TOEFL Essentials Test

The TOEFL Essentials exam evaluates four language skills — listening, reading, writing, and speaking — through short, practical, task-based exercises designed to reflect real-world communication.
  • The test duration is approximately 1.5 hours.
  • It is conducted at secure centres in Canada and worldwide.
  • Test takers receive instant unofficial scores for the listening and reading sections.
  • Official results are typically available within six days.
  • Score reports can be shared with multiple institutions at no additional cost.

Current English Language Tests Accepted by IRCC

At present, IRCC recognizes the following three English proficiency exams for immigration:
  1. CELPIP – Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
  2. IELTS – International English Language Testing System
  3. PTE Core – Pearson Test of English

Results from these exams are measured against the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) system.

Why This Update is Significant

The addition of TOEFL Essentials is expected to provide more flexibility and wider access for immigration applicants. With this inclusion, candidates will have greater choice in fulfilling Canada’s language requirements for permanent residency.

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