New Language Test for Canadian Permanent Residence Applications

Foreign nationals applying for Canadian permanent residence will soon have another option to prove their English proficiency.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially designated the TOEFL Essentials test, administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS), as an approved English language test for economic immigration programs. While IRCC is not accepting TOEFL Essentials just yet, it will update its website with the official start date and testing locations once confirmed.

✅ Who will benefit from this change?

The TOEFL Essentials test will be accepted for applicants in the following IRCC programs:

• 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)*

* PNPs are regionally managed, so acceptance may vary by province or territory.

📘 About the TOEFL Essentials Test

• Measures the four core English skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
• Task-based format reflecting real-life communication
• Duration: ~1.5 hours at secure test centres in Canada or worldwide
• Includes a short Personal Video Statement (unscored)
• Instant results for Listening & Reading; official scores available within 6 days
• Unlimited score report submissions at no extra cost

🌐 Current Accepted English Tests by IRCC

At present, IRCC accepts:

• CELPIP
• IELTS
• PTE Core

All test results are assessed against the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) to determine eligibility.

📌 StepUp Immigration will continue to monitor this update and share details as soon as IRCC announces the official implementation date for TOEFL Essentials.

‍