Key Highlights
As of August 2025, the TOEFL Essentials will be another supporting test that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will allow to ensure permanent residence applications. The move provides flexibility to applicants, and this is a key departure in the language proficiency requirements of economic immigration in Canada.
Why the Change Matters
The TOEFL Essentials test, which is created by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), is a test that tests real-life communication skills. Its acceptance provides additional internationally known possibilities to become permanent residents. Until recently, CELPIP, IELTS and PTE were the only accepted tests. IRCC has increased accessibility by offering TOEFL Essentials.
Key Dates
-
August 21, 2025: IRCC gives ETS status as an approved testing provider.
-
August 22, 2025: Declaration of new acceptance of the PR applications.
Also Read: New Rules for Canada Immigration: Experts Latest Update
How TOEFL Essentials Works?
TOEFL Essentials is a reduced-factors test, with a commensurately reduced time limit of 1.5 hours, only administered in secure test centres across the world. Its modules are in line with IRCC language proficiency levels, and include Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The test features a personal video statement in which a candidate records a brief ungraded statement in his or her own words and style of communication.
Breakdown of the TOEFL Essentials Test
Candidates get instant unofficial scores for Listening and Reading, with official results in six days.
|
Section |
Details |
Duration (Minutes) |
|
Listening |
Real-world English conversations |
~30 |
|
Reading |
Comprehension of varied texts |
~25 |
|
Writing |
Expressing ideas clearly in writing |
~20 |
|
Speaking |
Practical, task-based prompts |
~15 |
|
Personal Video Statement |
Unscored personal introduction |
<5 |
Approved English Language Tests for Canada PR (2025)
Here are the approved English language tests for Canada PR:
|
Test Name |
Administering Organization |
Status |
Used for PR Applications |
|
IELTS General |
British Council/IDP/Cambridge |
Approved |
Yes |
|
CELPIP General |
Paragon Testing Enterprises |
Approved |
Yes |
|
PTE Core |
Pearson |
Approved |
Yes |
|
TOEFL Essentials |
ETS |
Newly Approved |
Yes (rollout pending) |
Who Will Benefit from This Test?
The main beneficiaries of the announcement are the applicants to permanent economic programs of immigration into Canada, i.e. Express Entry, Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Atlantic immigration program (AIP), as well as some provincial nominee programs (PNP). The provinces have the discretion in accepting tests.
Quick List of Programs Impacted
Here is a quick list of programs for Canada:
-
Express Entry (FSWP, FSTP, CEC)
-
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
-
Provincial Nominee Programs (case-by-case adoption)
Also Read: Apply Canada Work Visa: Types, Fees, Eligibility & More
Why TOEFL Essentials Stands Out
Here is why TOEFL essential for to study or stay in Canada:
-
Speed: Unofficial Listening/Reading scores are ready immediately; the official document requires 6 days.
-
Flexibility: Flexible and can be accessed at global centres.
-
Price: Different score reports to institutions have no added cost.
-
Real-World Focus: Facilitates the simulation of real-world fluency, which is better suited to life and employment in Canada.
Canada PR Draws and Language Requirements in 2025
Canada's permanent residence application process saw notable updates to language requirements in 2025.
|
Date |
PR Stream |
Number of Invitations |
CRS Cut-Off |
|
August 19 |
Healthcare & Social |
2,500 |
470 |
|
August 18 |
Provincial Nominee |
192 |
800 |
|
August 8 |
French proficiency |
2,500 |
481 |
|
July 22 |
Healthcare & Social |
4,000 |
475 |
|
July 21 |
Provincial Nominee |
202 |
788 |
Impacted Applicants: Practical Tips
Navigating Canada’s PR process means staying current with language test rules. Always submit valid scores from approved tests, as most are valid for two years.
-
PR applications must include valid language scores according to approved tests; the scores may last for two years after the test.
-
Ensure that you check in advance to see its implementation on the IRCC site and the test centres.
-
Individuals whose scores have lapsed should rewrite approved exams before submitting an application.
Also Read: Reasons for Canada Visitor Visa Rejection & How to Avoid it
How to Choose the Best Test?
Selecting the right test is key. Review each option based on format, global availability, and how quickly scores are released.
|
Test |
Focus |
Pros |
Cons |
|
TOEFL Essentials |
General English |
Modern format, quick scoring |
Rollout not confirmed |
|
IELTS |
Academic/General |
Widely accepted, strong prep resources |
Cost, longer format |
|
CELPIP |
Canadian English |
Familiar accents, quick reporting |
Limited global centres |
|
PTE Core |
Academic/General |
Fast results, computer-based |
New, less familiar |
Conclusion
A new language test to Permanent Residence applications Immigration in 2025 will give immigrants more choices and flexibility. Acceptance of TOEFL Essentials by IRCC allows foreign nationals another avenue to demonstrate their English proficiency with the streamlined process to help them access permanent residence programs in Canada more easily, regardless of their backgrounds. For official guidelines and updates, visit the Government of Canada’s immigration website. To know more about Canada's latest news and policy changes, visit TerraTern now!
