Publish Date: 08/02/2024
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have broadened the range of accepted
language proficiency tests for prospective immigrants. The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core
joins the list of approved tests for all immigration programs, excluding the Student Direct
Stream (SDM).
In addition to English proficiency, IRCC acknowledges the importance of French proficiency for
certain immigration streams, offering candidates the option of TEF Canada or TCF Canada tests to
obtain their CLB scores in French.
PTE Core's technologically-driven assessment, marked entirely by scoring technology, provides
scores ranging from 0 to 90, with equivalencies to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores.
The addition of PTE Core offers candidates a third option alongside the Canadian English Language
Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) and the International English Language Testing System
(IELTS).
Comparatively, the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) offers
numerically aligned scores with CLB benchmark levels, while IELTS provides band scores across
four language proficiency abilities. Each test varies in duration and cost, with PTE Core
requiring approximately two hours and costing around CAD 340.
Canada's Express Entry system includes three economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled
Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience
Class (CEC). In 2024, Canada aims to admit 110,770 Express Entry candidates, increasing to
117,500 in 2025 and 2026. Candidates in all programs must meet minimum Canadian Language
Benchmark (CLB) scores, with FSWP applicants requiring a minimum CLB of 7 in each of the four
categories.