(CANADA) Canada 🇨🇦 has added a new English test option for immigration. As of August 22, 2025, IRCC says the TOEFL Essentials test will join the list of approved tests for people seeking permanent residence through economic programs. IRCC has designated ETS, the test’s organizer, as an official language testing body and will accept scores once final steps finish. The agency will update its website with timing and test locations when ready. Until then, applicants should continue using currently accepted tests and watch for IRCC’s confirmation on when TOEFL Essentials scores start counting.
Programs and applicants affected
The change affects applicants using Express Entry-managed programs—the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class—as well as the Atlantic Immigration Program and Provincial Nominee Programs.
- Provinces control parts of their PNP rules, so acceptance of TOEFL Essentials may arrive at different speeds across the country.
- IRCC notes this is part of a broader effort to give people more choice in how they prove English skills.
IRCC’s language rules require proof of English or French for most economic streams. Before this update, the main approved English options were IELTS General Training and CELPIP General. Adding TOEFL Essentials expands access, especially in places where TOEFL centers are more common or easier to reach.
For official details on language testing and program rules, check: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/eligibility/language-requirements.html
Policy changes — at a glance
- Test added: TOEFL Essentials, run by ETS. IRCC has confirmed ETS as an official language testing organization.
- Status: Not yet accepted for scoring at the time of announcement; IRCC will accept results once final steps finish and will post timing and site details online.
- Programs impacted: Express Entry-managed streams (FSWP, FSTP, CEC), the Atlantic Immigration Program, and Provincial Nominee Programs. PNP timing may vary by province.
- Existing tests remain: IELTS General Training and CELPIP General remain accepted.
- Reason for change: IRCC aims to widen access to testing and give people more choice when proving English ability for permanent residence.
How this fits into broader immigration policy
IRCC’s move sits within a wider 2025 policy setting. Canada’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan aims for 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025, a lower target than recent years, with a focus on workers and students already inside the country.
Key concurrent policy points:
– Use of category-based selections in Express Entry to favour jobs in education, healthcare, and skilled trades.
– Provinces have seen their PNP allocations cut by 50% in 2025, forcing adjustments to criteria and intake.
– IRCC plans to open new paths to permanent residence and will make the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot a permanent program by the end of 2025.
These steps aim to balance labour demand with system capacity and support for people settling in Canada.
Impact on applicants and provinces
For many applicants, TOEFL Essentials may offer:
- Faster testing and lower costs — the exam is designed to be shorter and more affordable than traditional TOEFL tests.
- More options when local IELTS or CELPIP seats are scarce.
- Greater flexibility to meet deadlines for draws, invitations, or provincial intakes.
Real-world examples:
– A nurse in a city where CELPIP seats are hard to find might choose TOEFL Essentials if a local TOEFL center has frequent openings.
– A recent graduate preparing for the Canadian Experience Class might take the nearest available test to avoid missing a PNP intake window.
Caveats and provincial variation:
– IRCC has not yet started accepting scores; applicants must wait for the official green light.
– Provinces may accept TOEFL Essentials at different times — some could update lists immediately, others later.
– Applicants should not assume automatic acceptance by every province on day one.
Expert analysis (VisaVerge.com):
– Opening TOEFL Essentials may reduce wait times for test seats and give applicants more flexibility when planning immigration timelines.
– More test choice can ease pressure on popular centres and help workers and students proceed with applications when dates or locations are limited.
Practical guidance — what applicants should do now
- Watch IRCC’s site for the post confirming when TOEFL Essentials scores are accepted.
- Check your province’s PNP page for test acceptance updates if you plan to apply through a PNP.
- If timing is tight, book IELTS General Training or CELPIP General now so you don’t miss a draw or intake while waiting for TOEFL Essentials acceptance.
- Keep proof of your test booking and results handy in case a PNP opens a brief intake and you need to move fast.
- Maintain a plan for retesting if needed — faster test options can help you improve your score sooner.
Rollout and logistics
- ETS will publish centers and dates for TOEFL Essentials.
- IRCC will post when it begins to accept scores.
- Applicants should watch both ETS and IRCC announcements to choose the best test for their situation.
People who studied in English but still require proof for immigration may benefit from this extra option if it fits their schedule and budget.
Settlement agencies and immigration lawyers say the change supports fairness by giving people in different regions a similar chance to book a test — but they warn applicants to confirm acceptance with their province and keep records of communications if unsure.
Bottom line
IRCC’s addition of TOEFL Essentials gives applicants a real choice in how they show English ability for permanent residence. It complements ongoing changes to selection and targets and may make the path smoother for many who have been stuck in long test queues. Once IRCC completes the final steps and publishes the start date, applicants can match the test option that best fits their location, budget, and timeline.
