TOEFL for Canada Immigration: IRCC Approves TOEFL Essentials as a New Language Test
Great news for aspiring immigrants! The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially approved TOEFL for Canada immigration, making TOEFL Essentials one of the accepted English language tests for permanent residence programs.
This major update gives candidates more flexibility, faster results, and a modern test format. With this approval, applicants now have four recognized English tests: IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core, and TOEFL Essentials.
If you’re planning to apply for Express Entry, a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or other immigration pathways, here’s everything you need to know about TOEFL for Canada immigration.
Why TOEFL Essentials Was Approved for Canada Immigration
The TOEFL Essentials Test is designed to measure real-world English skills that matter for work, study, and daily life in Canada. Here’s why it stands out:
- Fast and Convenient: The test takes only 1.5 hours and results are delivered in about 6 days.
- Global Access: TOEFL test centers are available worldwide, making it accessible to applicants in regions where IELTS or CELPIP may not be easily available.
- Modern Format: Assesses Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking through realistic scenarios.
- Extra Feature: Includes an unscored personal video statement that can highlight communication style and personality.
With these advantages, IRCC’s decision to accept TOEFL for Canada immigration gives candidates an additional option to prove their English proficiency.
Find out if you are eligible to get in Canada →
What are the English Tests for Canada Immigration?
As of 2025, IRCC recognizes four English language tests for permanent residence:
- IELTS General Training
- CELPIP General
- PTE Core
- TOEFL Essentials (newly approved)
All four tests evaluate Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking skills. IRCC converts your test results into Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) to determine eligibility. By adding TOEFL for Canada immigration, IRCC has expanded choices for applicants globally.
What Immigration Programs Accept TOEFL for Canada Immigration?
If you’re applying for Canadian permanent residence, TOEFL Essentials can now be used for:
- Express Entry Programs (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades).
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
- Other economic immigration streams that require proof of English proficiency.
This makes TOEFL for Canada immigration a game-changer, especially for applicants who already have experience with TOEFL from academic or professional purposes.
Who Should Consider TOEFL for Canada Immigration?
The TOEFL Essentials test may be especially beneficial for:
- Applicants outside Canada: where IELTS or CELPIP centers are limited.
- Students familiar with TOEFL: who have already taken TOEFL for academic purposes.
- Busy professionals: who prefer a shorter test (1.5 hours) with faster results.
- Express Entry candidates: looking for another reliable testing option.
With IRCC approving TOEFL for Canada immigration, applicants now have more flexibility than ever. Whether you take IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core, or TOEFL Essentials, the key is to aim for the highest CLB score possible to strengthen your immigration application.
Find out if you are eligible to get in Canada →
This change is a big step forward, especially for those who already prefer TOEFL’s modern testing approach. If Canada is your goal, TOEFL Essentials could be your ticket to making it happen.
