In 2025, the Canadian Immigration Authority, IRCC (Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada), released multiple updates in the Canadian immigration system. On August 21, 2025, the Canadian High Commission revealed another update, through which foreign candidates planning to get a Canada PR Visa will now have another language option to prove their English Language Proficiency.
The IRCC will soon accept the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as one of the essential tests. However, the IRCC is currently not accepting this English language test. Meanwhile, the authority will update its official website once it begins accepting this test.
In this article, we are going to unveil every crucial detail about this new update and who will be impacted by this change.
TOEFL Essentials Test: An Overview
The TOEFL Essentials test assesses candidates’ English language proficiency. It evaluates four core skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The test uses practical, task-based activities that reflect real-life communication.
The duration of this english language test is 1.5 hours, and it will be available at a secure test centre in Canada or any other country.
Format of the TOEFL Test
The test section of TOEFL includes four major sections, including Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. This test also features a short, yet unscored personal video section.
This English Essential Test assesses skills in both general and academic contexts, using short, fast-paced tasks to answer questions.
Score
TOEFL Essentials test aspirants receive instant test results for Reading and Listening. The system displays the unofficial score immediately after candidates complete the test.
However, the official test results usually appear on the official website within six days or less, and the test results are shared with several institutions at no additional cost.
Details about the recent Language Test Update
On 21 August 2025, Education Testing Services (ETS), the organisation that administers the TOEFL test, made a crucial announcement, saying.
“They have been appointed as the designated language testing organisation by IRCC”
The release states that ETS is now working with the IRCC on the processes that will result in these measures being accepted. In addition, the authorities will soon disclose the test location and timing.
Who is impacted by these changes?
As per the announcement released by ETS, the TOEFL Essential test will be available to candidates present in IRCC’s economic immigration. It includes:
- Express Entry Program
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trade Program
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Program
- The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- Provincial Nominee Program
Important to Note: The Provincial Nominee Program is a regional initiative, where provinces and territories share jurisdiction over programme requirements. Therefore, it might result in selective uptake of TOEFL Essential Tests.
Which other English tests are acceptable by IRCC for the Canada PR Visa?
The Canadian Immigration Authority currently accepts the following primary English language tests to assess the language proficiency of candidates for economic immigration.
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) core
The Canadian Immigration Authority, IRCC uses a CLB(Canadian Language Benchmark) to measure the english language requirement of candidates.
What’s Next?
The introduction of the TOEFL Essentials test for Canadian PR applications is welcome news, providing an additional pathway to show English proficiency. As it’s not yet accepted, the joint effort between ETS and IRCC indicates it will be added to economic immigration programs such as Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program soon. For the time being, candidates have to use CELPIP, IELTS, or PTE, but this development follows Canada’s continuous attempt at enhancing accessibility to the immigration process. Wait for IRCC to provide official updates.
To know more such details about Canada Immigration or Canada PR Visa, reach out to the Best Immigration Consultants in Delhi, Keymart Visa via +91 9911338722 or info@keymartvisa.com
