Canada: List of Approved English Tests for Immigration Applicants Expanded
February 1, 2024

Effective immediately, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is accepting language test results from the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core test for use by foreign nationals applying to most immigration pathways to Canada that require English-language proficiency. These include Provincial Nominee Programs, Express Entry and citizenship pathways, among others (but does not include the Student Direct Stream, which has its own approved language tests). With the addition of the Pearson test (which has over 400 locations globally), English-language test options for these candidates now include the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP β General), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS General Training), and the PTE Core. Immigration applicants are advised to consult their immigration professional to make sure they complete the correct test for their immigration program.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
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