Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that the TOEFL Essentials test, developed by ETS, is now officially designated as an accepted English language test provider for permanent economic immigration programs. While scores are not being accepted just yet, this is an important step that broadens the range of testing options available to applicants.
What the Designation Means
ETS has been added to IRCC’s list of recognized testing organizations. Once implementation is complete, applicants will be able to use TOEFL Essentials results to prove English proficiency for Canada’s permanent economic immigration pathways. IRCC will update its website when it is ready to begin accepting scores.
Programs That Will Be Affected
When the test becomes active, it will apply to several popular immigration categories, including:
- Express Entry streams (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class)
- The Atlantic Immigration Program
- Provincial Nominee Programs (depending on provincial requirements)
About the TOEFL Essentials Test
TOEFL Essentials is a modern English test designed to assess communication skills in realistic, everyday scenarios. The exam lasts about an hour and a half and covers listening, reading, writing, and speaking. A short unscored personal video statement is also included, giving candidates an additional opportunity to showcase their communication ability.
One of the features that makes TOEFL Essentials stand out is its efficiency: unofficial listening and reading scores are available immediately after the test, while official results are typically released within six days. Test takers can also send their scores to as many institutions or organizations as they wish without additional fees.
Why This Matters for Immigration Applicants
Until now, the main English tests accepted by IRCC have been IELTS General Training, CELPIP, and most recently the Pearson PTE Core. The addition of TOEFL Essentials offers greater flexibility and accessibility. Applicants around the world will soon have more choice in how they meet Canada’s language requirements, which are a central part of eligibility for economic immigration. Some immigration applicants may be familiar with the TOEFL methodology and may feel more comfortable taking it than other tests.
Next Steps
TOEFL Essentials has been designated, but applicants cannot yet submit their scores. IRCC and ETS are working together on the rollout, including details such as test availability and timing. In the meantime, applicants who may wish to take this test in the future can begin exploring preparation resources and becoming familiar with its format.
Final Thoughts
The approval of TOEFL Essentials reflects Canada’s ongoing efforts to expand opportunities for skilled immigrants. By introducing new language testing options, IRCC is making the process more accessible and adaptable for candidates worldwide. LPEN will continue to monitor this development and provide updates as soon as IRCC confirms when scores will be accepted.
