Canada to Accept TOEFL Essentials Test for Permanent Residency Applicants

Toronto, August 2025 – In a move to broaden language testing options, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that it will soon accept the TOEFL Essentials test, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), as an official proof of English proficiency for permanent residency (PR) applications 

New Accessible Pathway for Applicants

The inclusion of TOEFL Essentials aims to increase flexibility and accessibility in Canada’s immigration process. The test is shorter and more affordably designed, with real-world, task-based formats that assess listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills in just about 1.5 hours. 

Current Status & Next Steps

Although ETS has been officially added to IRCC’s roster of designated language testing organizations, the TOEFL Essentials scores are not yet being accepted. IRCC will announce on its website when the test becomes an official option, and ETS is collaborating with authorities to finalize timelines and testing logistics. 

Who Will Benefit? 

Once approved, the TOEFL Essentials test will be eligible for applicants across Canada’s major economic immigration programs, including: 

• 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), subject to individual provincial rules. 

This aligns with Canada’s objective under its 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan to attract skilled professionals in sectors such as healthcare, engineering, technology, and skilled trades. 

Fast Results & Cost-Effective Features

TOEFL Essentials offers instant unofficial scores for listening and reading sections, while official results are usually released within six days. Score reports can then be sent to unlimited institutions at no extra cost, providing applicants with a budget-friendly advantage. 

Existing Language Test Options 

IRCC currently accepts three English-language proficiency tests in the permanent economic immigration stream: 

• IELTS (General Training) 

• CELPIP (General) 

• Pearson Test of English (PTE Core) 

TOEFL Essentials will join this list soon, providing an additional globally recognized option. 

 Bottom Line 

Canada is set to expand its language test options for PR hopefuls by eventually accepting the TOEFL Essentials exam. While the test is not yet officially accepted, IRCC and ETS are actively working to launch this convenient and modern assessment—potentially offering applicants a faster, cost-effective, and reliable way to meet language requirements.