Ircc Expands Language Test Options For Pr Immigration

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.