WHATSAPP
Immigration. Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will begin to accept English proficiency scores from the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Essential for Canadian immigration applications, starting in “late 2023”.
PTE Essential joins IELTS General Training and CELPIP General as one of three designated language tests for economic class candidates.
Canada is reliant on foreign skilled workers or economic class immigrants in recent years to not only sustain its economic growth, especially post-pandemic but also to overcome demographic transitions like aging demography and a low birth rate among natives. Additionally, the huge skill demand gap in the workforce pushes more foreign immigrants to Canada.
Any applicant for economic class immigration to Canada can submit English proficiency test scores assessed by any one of the following designated language-testing organizations
- The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) which is administered by Cambridge Assessment English, International Development Program (IDP) Australia, and British Council.
- The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) which is administered by Paragon Testing Enterprises Inc.
- The Pearson Test of English (PTE) by Pearson Canada Inc.
Additionally, IRCC also accepts immigration aspirants with proficiency in French through tests like TEF Canada (Test d’Evaluation de Français) and TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada).
Canada focuses on making immigration easier and providing multiple options for immigrant aspirants to choose from as per convenience.
Take this free assessment online to explore a suitable immigration pathway to Canada.
Canada Immigration: How Language Proficiency is Assessed
Language proficiency in English or French is one of the major criteria in securing economic-class immigration to Canadian.
Economic-class programs across the spectrum from Express Entry programs, Provincial Nominee Programs, and pilots like Atlantic Immigration Programs and Quebec skilled worker programs to Study visa and temporary work permit programs require a varying degree of proficiency in language assessments.
Upon completion of any one of the IRCC-designated language tests, candidates must compare the obtained test scores on Canadian standards like
- Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs) for English, and
- Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for French.
IRCC assesses language components in four broad areas: Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Listening. For example, candidates must obtain a CLB of at least 7 in all four abilities (writing, reading, listening, and speaking) to qualify under the popular Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Candidates with higher CLB score gets more points, thereby making it easier to qualify under pathways managed via Express Entry and expression of interest systems operated by the provinces and territories.
Book your free appointment with CanApprove and learn more about your requirements and eligibility to qualify for Canadian immigration.
