New English Test Option for Canada PR: TOEFL Essentials Coming Soon

Foreign nationals hoping to settle in Canada will soon have a new way to prove their English language skills. Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that it will start accepting the TOEFL Essentials test as proof of English proficiency for Permanent Residency (PR) programs.

For now, IRCC does not accept any TOEFL tests. But once they finalise the details, the government will update its official website with the exact start date and testing locations.

What’s Changing?

The Educational Testing Service (ETS), which runs the TOEFL tests, announced that the Canadian government has officially recognised it as a designated language testing body.

ETS is currently working with IRCC to iron out the final steps before TOEFL Essentials becomes an approved option.

Once live, this will give applicants more flexibility when proving English skills, especially those applying through Canada’s economic immigration programs, like:

• Express Entry
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

So, What is TOEFL Essentials?

TOEFL Essentials is a shorter and more practical version of the traditional TOEFL test. It checks your skills in the four key areas:

• Listening
• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking

The test focuses on everyday English, not just academic language. It’s designed to reflect how people actually use English in real life.

Test length: About 1.5 hours

You’ll also record a short video at the end where you introduce yourself, but this part isn’t scored. It just gives schools or institutions a better sense of who you are.

How Does Scoring Work?

• You’ll see instant scores for the listening and reading sections.
• Official results are released online in about six days or less.
• You can send your score reports to as many institutions as you like, for free.

What English Tests Are Currently Accepted for Canadian PR?

As of now, Canada only accepts three English tests for permanent residency:

1. IELTS General Training

Used mostly for immigration, IELTS checks your English in everyday situations like work, travel, and social settings. It’s not the same as the academic version.

2. CELPIP General

A Canadian-made test that focuses on real-life English, like conversations, emails, and workplace tasks. It’s fully computer-based and popular among PR applicants.

3. PTE Core

A newer option that tests your everyday English skills using short tasks. It’s done on a computer and gives quick results, often within 2 days.

Once TOEFL Essentials is approved, it will join this list.

Why This Matters

Adding TOEFL Essentials gives applicants another way to show their English skills, especially useful for people already familiar with the TOEFL format or those looking for a faster test option. It’s also a step toward making the immigration process more flexible and accessible.

Final Thoughts

By including TOEFL Essentials, Canada is giving future immigrants another globally trusted option to showcase their English skills. This may also make the application process easier for those already familiar with the TOEFL system.

Keep an eye on Canada’s official immigration site or join us for the official launch date and testing locations.