New Language Test Option for Canadian Permanent Residence Applications
Foreign nationals planning to immigrate to Canada will soon have another option to prove their English language ability. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that it will begin accepting the TOEFL Essentials test for permanent economic immigration programs.
At present, IRCC does not yet accept the test, but official updates will be published once the process is finalized.
Why This Matters
This change expands the list of recognized English tests for Canadian immigration, giving applicants more flexibility and accessibility. With the TOEFL Essentials test, individuals applying under Canada’s major economic immigration programs will be able to demonstrate their English skills in a new, practical format.
Announcement by ETS
On August 21, 2025, the Educational Testing Service (ETS)—the global organization that administers the TOEFL—confirmed that it has been added as a designated language testing provider by IRCC.
According to ETS, they are currently working with Canadian immigration authorities on the steps required for full implementation, including timelines and availability of test centres. More details on when and where candidates can take the TOEFL Essentials will be shared once confirmed.
Who Can Use the TOEFL Essentials Test?
The new test will apply to applicants under Canada’s permanent economic immigration programs, which include:
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)
(Note: Because PNPs are run jointly by federal and provincial governments, each province or territory may decide whether to accept TOEFL Essentials as part of their requirements.)
About the TOEFL Essentials Test
The TOEFL Essentials is designed to evaluate the four key English language skills—listening, reading, writing, and speaking—through task-based, real-life communication activities.
Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours
Availability: Secure test centres in Canada and worldwide
Unique Feature: Includes a short, unscored Personal Video Statement
Test Format
The exam has four sections:
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
Unlike traditional academic-focused exams, TOEFL Essentials blends academic and general English contexts, using short, fast-paced tasks to assess ability.
Scoring
Instant results are provided for Listening and Reading sections.
Official scores are available online within six days or less.
Unlimited score reports can be sent to institutions free of charge.
Current Accepted Language Tests by IRCC
Until TOEFL Essentials is fully rolled out, IRCC currently accepts the following English proficiency tests for economic immigration programs:
CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
PTE Core (Pearson Test of English)
Canada measures results against the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), which standardize language ability across all programs.