People who are planning to apply for Canadian PR will soon have another way to show their English skills. In the near future, IRCC will
People who are planning to apply for Canadian PR will soon have another way to show their English skills. In the near future, IRCC will start accepting the TOEFL Essentials exam. For now, it is not yet accepted, but IRCC will update its official website once it becomes available.
Applicants under permanent economic immigration streams will now have the option to prove their English ability through this test.
On August 21, the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which runs the TOEFL exam, announced that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially recognized it as a designated body for a language test for Permanent Residence. ETS says it is working with IRCC to get the TOEFL Essentials test approved and will announce the dates and test centers once everything is confirmed.
Understanding the TOEFL Essentials Test
The TOEFL Essentials test checks all 4 main English skills: listening, writing, reading, and speaking. It uses practical tasks that reflect everyday communication. The test takes about an hour and a half to complete and can be taken at approved test centers in Canada and around the world.
Which Immigration Programs Will Accept TOEFL Essentials?
ETS confirmed that the TOEFL Essentials exam will be accepted for individuals applying under IRCC’s permanent economic immigration programs. This includes:
- Express Entry-managed programs
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): This program is designed for skilled workers with experience in trade occupations.
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): This program is for skilled workers with experience as well as education.
- The Canadian Experience Class (CEC): This program is for applicants who have gained work experience in Canada recently.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): This program is for candidates nominated by provinces or territories.
- The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): This program is designed for skilled workers and graduates seeking to build their future in Atlantic Canada.
Remember that PNPs are run by the provinces and territories themselves, so their specific rules vary from one region to another. As a result, not all provinces may choose to accept the TOEFL Essentials test.
How the Test is Structured
The TOEFL Essentials test has four main parts: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. It also asks you to record a short Personal Video Statement, which is not scored. The test checks English skills in both everyday and academic situations, using quick, task-based questions.
Scoring
After finishing the test, you will see your Listening and Reading results right away. The official scores are usually posted online within six days. You can also send your score report to as many institutions as you want, free of charge.
Which Other Language Tests are Accepted by IRCC?
For economic immigration, IRCC recognizes a few English exams as valid proof of language ability. They are:
- IELTS
- CELPIP
- PTE Core
To assess results, IRCC uses the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), which act as the official standard for measuring English proficiency in applications.