Author: Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, RCIC
IRCC headquarters in Ottawa where the decision to approve TOEFL Essentials for permanent residency applications was announced on August 21, 2025
On This Page You Will Find:
• Breaking details about Canada's newest English test option for permanent residency
• Complete breakdown of which immigration programs accept TOEFL Essentials
• Timeline and next steps for when you can actually use your scores
• How this 1.5-hour test compares to IELTS and CELPIP requirements
• Strategic advantages for your 2025 immigration application
Summary:
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada just expanded language testing options by approving TOEFL Essentials for permanent residency applications. This streamlined 1.5-hour test offers instant results for reading and listening sections, with full scores available within six days. The new option applies to all major economic immigration programs including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and the Atlantic Immigration Program. While IRCC isn't accepting scores yet, this development gives applicants a third choice alongside IELTS and CELPIP, potentially making immigration more accessible for thousands of candidates worldwide.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Canada approved TOEFL Essentials as the third official English test for permanent residency (joining IELTS and CELPIP)
The 1.5-hour test covers all four language skills with instant partial results and full scores within 6 days
Applies to Express Entry programs, Provincial Nominee Programs, and Atlantic Immigration Program
IRCC will announce the official start date and testing locations soon
This expansion supports Canada's 2025-2027 immigration targets for skilled workers
Maria Santos refreshed her browser for the third time this morning, checking for updates on her Express Entry profile. Like thousands of other skilled workers eyeing Canadian permanent residency, she's been waiting for more flexible options to prove her English proficiency. Today's announcement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada might be exactly what she needed.
On August 21, 2025, IRCC made a game-changing decision: adding ETS as a designated language testing organization specifically for the TOEFL Essentials test. This means permanent residency applicants now have a third official pathway to demonstrate English proficiency, joining the established IELTS and CELPIP options.
What Makes TOEFL Essentials Different
If you've felt overwhelmed by lengthy language tests, TOEFL Essentials offers a refreshing alternative. The streamlined exam takes just 1.5 hours to complete – significantly shorter than traditional options that can stretch for nearly three hours.
The test structure mirrors what you'd expect: four core sections covering Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. What sets it apart is the addition of a short Personal Video Statement, though this section won't affect your score. Think of it as an opportunity to showcase your personality and communication style beyond standardized responses.
Here's what really matters for busy professionals: you'll see your listening and reading scores immediately after finishing those sections. No more anxious waiting periods wondering if you've met the threshold. Your complete official results typically arrive within six days, and you can send score reports to unlimited institutions without additional fees.
Which Immigration Programs Accept TOEFL Essentials
The approval covers all of Canada's major permanent economic immigration programs – essentially every pathway that skilled workers use to build their new lives in Canada.
Express Entry Programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – the main route for professionals with foreign work experience
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – designed for electricians, plumbers, welders, and other skilled trades
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – for temporary workers and international students already in Canada
Regional Programs:
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) – targeting the Maritime provinces' specific labor needs
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) – all 11 participating provinces and territories
This comprehensive coverage means regardless of which immigration stream fits your background, TOEFL Essentials could be your ticket to meeting language requirements.
The Current Reality: When Can You Actually Use It?
Here's the important caveat that every applicant needs to understand: IRCC isn't accepting TOEFL Essentials scores yet. The August announcement represents approval in principle, but the practical implementation requires additional coordination.
ETS is currently working with IRCC on operational details including testing locations, score submission processes, and integration with existing immigration systems. Both organizations have committed to sharing timing updates and location details once they're confirmed.
This means if you're planning to submit an immigration application in the next few months, you'll still need to rely on IELTS or CELPIP scores. However, for those with longer timelines or considering retaking language tests, TOEFL Essentials could become a valuable option.
How This Fits Canada's Bigger Immigration Picture
Canada's 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan isn't just about numbers – it's about strategically attracting talent in critical sectors. The government has set clear annual targets focusing on healthcare workers, engineers, technology professionals, and skilled trades.
Language proficiency requirements often become bottlenecks in this process. Some candidates excel in their professional fields but struggle with specific test formats. Others live in regions where certain tests aren't readily available. By expanding options, Canada is removing barriers that might prevent qualified individuals from contributing to the economy.
The timing aligns with increased competition for global talent. As other countries tighten their immigration policies, Canada continues expanding pathways and improving accessibility for skilled workers.
Strategic Considerations for Your Application
If you're currently preparing for language testing, this development opens up strategic possibilities. Different tests suit different learning styles and strengths. IELTS focuses heavily on British English conventions, while CELPIP uses Canadian contexts and accents. TOEFL Essentials might appeal to those comfortable with American English or preferring shorter, more focused testing sessions.
The instant feedback feature could be particularly valuable for candidates who need to meet specific score thresholds. Instead of waiting weeks to discover if you've achieved the required points, you'll know immediately whether your listening and reading performance meets your targets.
For immigration consultants and lawyers, this expansion provides additional flexibility when advising clients. Some applicants might perform better on shorter tests, while others might benefit from the Personal Video Statement component to demonstrate communication skills beyond standardized formats.
What Happens Next
Keep monitoring IRCC's official website and communications for implementation updates. The government has committed to announcing when TOEFL Essentials scores will be accepted, along with details about testing locations and procedures.
If you're currently studying for IELTS or CELPIP, there's no need to pause your preparation. Continue with your planned approach while staying informed about this new option. For future test-takers, consider researching TOEFL Essentials format and practice materials to determine if it aligns with your strengths.
The expansion of language testing options represents Canada's commitment to attracting diverse global talent while maintaining rigorous standards. Whether you choose IELTS, CELPIP, or eventually TOEFL Essentials, the key remains demonstrating that you can contribute effectively to Canadian communities and workplaces.
This development signals that Canada continues evolving its immigration system to meet both national economic needs and applicant realities. For thousands of skilled workers worldwide, that evolution just created another pathway toward their Canadian dreams.
Q&A
soryr if this is obvious but jsut saw teh news about TOEFL essentials being approved for PR applications... when can we actually start using it tho?? like can i take it next month adn submit scores or do i need to wait for something else first? on mobile sorry for formatting
<span style="font-size: 0.8em; color: #6c757d;">
<i class="fas fa-thumbs-up"></i> 12
</span>
</div>
<p>Great question! While IRCC officially approved TOEFL Essentials on August 21, 2025, they're not accepting scores yet. Think of this announcement as getting the green light in principle, but the practical details still need to be worked out. ETS (the company that runs TOEFL) and IRCC are currently coordinating on the operational side - things like where you can take the test, how scores get submitted to immigration applications, and integrating everything with their existing systems. Both organizations have promised to announce the official start date and available testing locations once this coordination is complete. If you're planning to submit your immigration application in the next few months, you'll still need to stick with IELTS or CELPIP scores. However, if you have a longer timeline or you're considering retaking language tests anyway (maybe to improve your scores), TOEFL Essentials could become a really valuable option once it's fully implemented. The best approach right now is to keep monitoring IRCC's official website for updates. Don't pause any current test preparation while waiting - continue with your planned approach, but stay informed about when this new option becomes available.</p>
</div>
<p>I should also mention that this timing actually works in favor of applicants with longer-term immigration plans. The 1.5-hour TOEFL Essentials format offers some unique advantages that might make it worth waiting for, depending on your situation. The instant feedback feature for Reading and Listening sections is particularly valuable - instead of waiting weeks wondering if you've hit your target scores, you'll know immediately whether you've met the thresholds you need for your Comprehensive Ranking System points. This could save significant time in your overall immigration timeline. Additionally, if you're in a region where IELTS or CELPIP testing is limited or inconvenient, TOEFL Essentials may offer more accessible locations once it's fully rolled out. The test's shorter duration and American English focus might also better suit your strengths compared to the longer British English (IELTS) or Canadian context (CELPIP) alternatives. Keep your current preparation going, but this new option could be a game-changer for 2026 applications.</p>
</div>
FAQ
Q: When can I actually start using TOEFL Essentials scores for my Canadian PR application?
While IRCC approved TOEFL Essentials on August 21, 2025, they're not accepting scores yet. The approval represents authorization in principle, but ETS and IRCC are still working on operational details like testing locations, score submission processes, and system integration. Both organizations have committed to announcing the official start date and available testing centers once coordination is complete. If you're planning to submit your immigration application within the next few months, you'll still need IELTS or CELPIP scores. However, for those with longer timelines or considering retaking language tests in 2026, TOEFL Essentials could become a valuable alternative. Keep monitoring IRCC's official website for implementation updates and don't pause current test preparation while waiting.
Q: Which specific Canadian immigration programs accept TOEFL Essentials test scores?
TOEFL Essentials is approved for all major permanent economic immigration programs in Canada. This includes all three Express Entry streams: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) for professionals with foreign experience, Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) for electricians, plumbers, welders and similar trades, and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) for temporary workers and international students already in Canada. Regional programs are also covered, including the Atlantic Immigration Program targeting Maritime provinces and all Provincial Nominee Programs across 11 participating provinces and territories. Notably, this comprehensive coverage means regardless of whether you're applying through federal streams or province-specific pathways, TOEFL Essentials will be accepted once implementation begins. The approval doesn't extend to other immigration categories like family reunification or refugee programs, which have different language requirements.
Q: How does the 1.5-hour TOEFL Essentials compare to IELTS and CELPIP in terms of format and scoring?
TOEFL Essentials is significantly shorter at 1.5 hours compared to IELTS Academic (2 hours 45 minutes) and CELPIP (3 hours). All three tests cover Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, but TOEFL Essentials adds a short Personal Video Statement that doesn't affect scoring. The major advantage is instant results for Reading and Listening sections, while complete official scores arrive within 6 days versus 13 days for IELTS and 4-5 days for CELPIP. IELTS focuses on British English conventions, CELPIP uses Canadian contexts and accents, while TOEFL Essentials employs American English. Score reports can be sent to unlimited institutions without additional fees, which differs from IELTS's fee-per-report system. The shorter format might benefit test-takers who struggle with lengthy exams or prefer immediate feedback on their performance.
Q: What are the strategic advantages of choosing TOEFL Essentials for my 2025-2026 immigration application?
TOEFL Essentials offers several strategic benefits for immigration applicants. The immediate feedback on Listening and Reading sections eliminates weeks of uncertainty about whether you've met required thresholds, allowing faster decision-making about retaking tests or proceeding with applications. The 1.5-hour format reduces test fatigue, potentially leading to better performance for candidates who struggle with lengthy exams. The Personal Video Statement, while unscored, provides an opportunity to showcase communication personality beyond standardized responses, which could be valuable for Provincial Nominee Programs where personal presentation matters. For applicants in regions where IELTS or CELPIP testing is limited, TOEFL Essentials may offer more convenient locations once implemented. Additionally, having three test options allows candidates to choose formats that align with their English variety preferences (British, Canadian, or American) and testing strengths, potentially improving scores and Comprehensive Ranking System points.
Q: Will my existing IELTS or CELPIP scores still be valid if I want to switch to TOEFL Essentials?
Yes, your existing IELTS or CELPIP scores remain valid for their full two-year validity period regardless of TOEFL Essentials availability. IRCC accepts language test results that are less than two years old at the time of application submission, and this policy applies to all three approved tests. You're not required to switch to TOEFL Essentials – it simply provides an additional option. If your current scores meet your immigration program requirements and support your Comprehensive Ranking System targets, there's no need to retake any test. However, if you're considering retaking language tests to improve your scores or if your current results are approaching the two-year expiry, TOEFL Essentials could be worth considering once implementation begins. The key is choosing the test format that best showcases your English proficiency and maximizes your immigration prospects.
Q: How does TOEFL Essentials support Canada's 2025-2027 immigration targets for skilled workers?
Canada's 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan prioritizes skilled workers in healthcare, engineering, technology, and skilled trades to address critical labor shortages. Language proficiency requirements often create bottlenecks, preventing qualified professionals from contributing to Canada's economy. By adding TOEFL Essentials as a third testing option, IRCC removes barriers for candidates who might excel professionally but struggle with specific test formats or lack access to certain tests in their regions. This expansion aligns with Canada's competitive strategy for global talent acquisition while other countries tighten immigration policies. The shorter test duration and immediate partial results accommodate busy professionals' schedules, while multiple testing options ensure candidates can demonstrate proficiency through their preferred format. This accessibility improvement supports Canada's annual immigration targets by expanding the pool of eligible candidates who can successfully complete language requirements and contribute their skills to Canadian communities and workplaces.
