TOEFL Essentials Test to Be Accepted for Canada PR Applications
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Foreign national applicants wanting to apply for permanent residency in Canada are going to have an additional option to prove their English proficiency. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that it will start accepting the TOEFL Essential test, regulated by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
However, the test is not yet officially in use. IRCC has already assigned ETS as an approved language testing organisation. The government is going to update it on its official platform once the TOEFL essential test proves to be valid for immigration purposes. Up until then, ETS is constantly working with IRCC to finalize timelines and test centre availability.
Who Can Use the TOEFL Essentials Test?
The introduction of a new test applies to candidates applying through IRCC’s permanent immigration program, which includes:
Express Entry Programs
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs); although acceptance may vary by province since local jurisdictions manage requirements.
Also Read: Canada Introduces Express Entry Draw Category Changes for 2026
What is TOEFL Essentials Test?
The TOEFL Essentials exam assesses the four core skills, including listening, reading, writing, and speaking, through practical, task-based exercises that mimic real-life communication.
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Feature |
Details |
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Duration |
Approximately 1.5 hours |
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Availability |
Conducted at secure test centres in Canada and worldwide |
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Sections |
- Listening - Reading - Writing - Speaking + Unscored Personal Video Statement |
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Format |
Mix of academic and general English tasks, delivered through short, fast-paced questions |
Scoring:
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Scoring Feature |
Details |
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Unofficial Results |
Instant scores for Listening and Reading, shown at the test centre |
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Official Results |
Available online within six days |
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Score Reporting |
Can send results to an unlimited number of institutions at no extra cost |
Also Read: Canada Proposes 3 New Occupational Categories Under Express Entry in 2026
Currently Accepted Tests for Canada PR
Currently, IRCC accepts the following English-language tests for immigration purposes:
- CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- PTE Core (Pearson Test of English)
TOEFL Essentials is soon going to be a part of this list, with applicants' results measured against the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) system.
Once the IRCC finalises the timelines, candidates applying to Canadian permanent residence will have an additional, shorter option, the TOEFL Essential test, to prove their English skills for economic immigration programs.
Apply for Canadian PR with TOEFL Essentials Test — Connect With GetGIS Experts Today!
With IRCC set to introduce the TOEFL Essentials as a valid option for proving English proficiency, you now have a faster and more flexible pathway to strengthen your PR profile. This test, designed for practical and real-world communication, will soon join IELTS, CELPIP, and PTE Core as an accepted standard for Canada’s permanent economic immigration programs.
Whether you’re applying under Express Entry, PNPs, AIP, or other federal streams, the right language test can significantly increase your CRS score and overall eligibility.
At GetGIS, our immigration experts provide personalized guidance on choosing the right language test for your profile, strategic planning to align test results with Express Entry or provincial nominee requirements, and application support to ensure your paperwork, scores, and CRS profile are optimized for maximum success.
So, don’t wait until the new rules are in effect—start preparing now to stay ahead of the competition.
