Dear future neighbour,
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that the TOEFL Essentials test will now be accepted as proof of English proficiency for permanent residency applicants.
The test, developed by ETS (Educational Testing Service), is designed to measure everyday English skills in a flexible and adaptive format. This update expands the list of recognized tests and provides applicants with another option beyond IELTS, CELPIP, and PTE Core.
This change is important because it gives newcomers more flexibility when choosing how to demonstrate their language ability. While traditional exams like IELTS General Training or CELPIP General have long been the main options, TOEFL Essentials offers a shorter testing experience that many applicants may find more accessible. The test is fully digital, adaptive, and typically provides faster results, making it a convenient choice for candidates preparing for the immigration process.
IRCC has been working to modernize and expand the list of accepted English tests. In August 2023, it allowed four new exams—CELPIP General, CAEL, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT—for students applying through the Student Direct Stream (SDS). This made it easier for international students to study in Canada. Now, by adding TOEFL Essentials for permanent residency, IRCC is offering the same kind of flexibility to immigration applicants.
IRCC has strict requirements for approving new tests. A recognized exam must evaluate all four language skills—reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It also needs to be reliable, secure, and widely accessible. TOEFL Essentials meets these criteria by focusing on communication in real-life situations while still maintaining testing integrity. Its shorter, adaptive design makes it different from other exams but still suitable for accurately measuring English ability.
For applicants, this update means more choice and easier access. You can now decide between several tests depending on your strengths, preparation style, and availability in your region. However, it’s important to remember that all language test results are valid for only two years from the date of testing. This rule applies to TOEFL Essentials as well as the other accepted exams.
At this stage, applicants should watch for further updates from IRCC, especially about:
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Minimum score requirements for TOEFL Essentials
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Accepted testing formats (in-centre only or also online)
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How to submit results correctly with immigration applications
Until then, applicants can still choose between IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core, and TOEFL Essentials, depending on which option works best for them.
Overall, the addition of TOEFL Essentials highlights Canada’s commitment to making immigration more accessible by recognizing a wider range of testing options. This change makes the process easier for applicants around the world and allows them to prove their English skills using the test format that best suits them.
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