If you are planning to immigrate to Canada, there is good news. Soon, you will have another option to prove your English skills. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will start accepting the TOEFL Essentials test for permanent residence applications under certain programs.
At the moment, IRCC is not yet accepting this test, but it will announce the official start date on its website once everything is finalized.
This move will give foreign nationals more flexibility when applying for Canadian permanent residence through different economic immigration programs.
Who Can Use the TOEFL Essentials Test?
According to the Education Testing Service (ETS), which runs the TOEFL tests, this new option will be available for applicants in IRCC’s economic immigration programs. These include:
- Express Entry programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Keep in mind that PNPs are managed by individual provinces and territories, so not every province may accept TOEFL Essentials right away.
About the TOEFL Essentials Test
The TOEFL Essentials test is designed to measure the four main English skills that you will need in real life:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
The test is about 1.5 hours long and is taken at a secure test centre, either in Canada or abroad. It also includes a short personal video statement (not scored) to show your communication style.
How the Test Works
The test includes fast-paced, short tasks that check both academic and general English skills.
- Listening and Reading scores appear immediately after the test, so you get an instant idea of your performance.
- Official results are usually ready within six days or less.
- You can send your results to as many institutions as you like, without paying extra fees.
What Other English Tests Does Canada Accept?
Currently, IRCC accepts these English tests for immigration:
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE Core)
All of these, including TOEFL Essentials (once approved), are measured against the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), which is the official way Canada checks English levels for immigration.
1. When can I take the TOEFL Essentials for Canadian immigration?
Not yet. IRCC has announced that it will accept it in the future, but the exact date will be shared soon. Keep an eye on official updates.
2. Where can I take the test?
You can take TOEFL Essentials at a secure test centre in Canada or in many locations around the world.
3. How is TOEFL Essentials different from other tests like IELTS or CELPIP?
TOEFL Essentials is shorter (1.5 hours) and focuses on both academic and real-life English skills with quick, task-based questions. Other tests are usually longer.
4. Will every province accept this test for PNP applications?
Not necessarily. Since provinces set their own rules for PNPs, some may accept TOEFL Essentials while others may take longer to update their requirements.
5. Do I need to wait until TOEFL Essentials is accepted?
No. If you want to apply now, you can still take CELPIP, IELTS, or PTE Core, as these are already accepted by IRCC.
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