According to Maple News, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is set to expand its list of approved English language proficiency tests for permanent residency applicants. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Essentials will soon be accepted as a valid English test option for economic immigration pathways.
While IRCC has not yet begun accepting TOEFL Essentials results, the department has confirmed it will update its official guidelines as soon as implementation is finalized. Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization behind TOEFL, announced on August 21 that it has been designated as a recognized language testing provider by the IRCC. ETS is currently coordinating with Canadian immigration authorities to finalize logistics around acceptance timelines and global test center availability.
This upcoming change will benefit individuals applying through IRCC’s economic immigration programs, including all pathways managed under Express Entry: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). It will also apply to other federal and provincial streams such as the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
However, applicants should note that language test requirements within Provincial Nominee Programs may vary by region, as provinces have some autonomy in determining eligibility criteria. As a result, adoption of the TOEFL Essentials test could differ across province-specific streams.
The TOEFL Essentials exam is designed to evaluate core English skills—listening, reading, writing, and speaking—through practical, task-based assessments aligned with real-world communication scenarios. The entire test takes approximately 90 minutes and will be offered at certified testing centers in Canada and internationally.
The addition of TOEFL Essentials gives future immigrants more flexibility and choice when demonstrating their English proficiency. It may also reduce barriers for candidates already familiar with the TOEFL format, further streamlining the pathway to Canadian permanent residency.
Maple News will continue to follow this development and report updates on the test’s official launch and availability for IRCC applications.