ETS has announced that the TOEFL Essentials test will soon be accepted as proof of English proficiency for certain permanent economic immigration applications. This includes pathways such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
The move expands options for newcomers who need to demonstrate their English language skills. While scores are not yet being accepted, IRCC will update its website once the process is live (we expect this will take a few months). In the meantime, ETS, the test provider, is finalizing details on timing and availability.
Why this matters
Canada’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan is focused on attracting skilled workers across healthcare, education, potentially trades, and those already in Canada. Expanding the list of approved English tests ensures that more candidates can demonstrate their skills in a way that fits their needs. For applicants, the addition of TOEFL Essentials offers:
A shorter test (1.5 hours) compared to other English tests.
An accessible format designed to reflect real-life communication skills.
A reliable pathway to meet English-language requirements for immigration.
Multiple-choice test questions format for some sections.
It’s more affordable than some other test providers.
Keep reading to get our full breakdown on the test format, what the instant scoring model looks like, and whether it’ll apply for all PNPs.
Test format
Like other approved tests, TOEFL Essentials measures the four key skills — listening, reading, writing, and speaking. However, it also introduces a unique feature: a Personal Video Statement. This is a five-minute unscored video where you can showcase your personality, communication style, and confidence in English.
The complete test takes just 1.5 hours to finish, striking a balance between efficiency and thorough skill measurement. This is shorter than IELTS and CELPIP, and the same timeframe as the PTE Core exam.
Features and scoring: clear and flexible
Test-takers benefit from practical features that make TOEFL Essentials stand out:
Instant scoring for Listening and Reading gives an early look at performance, with full test results within 6 days.
Foundational skill measures like vocabulary knowledge and sentence construction provide a deeper understanding of your English ability, beyond just the section scores.
What comes next
While ETS has confirmed IRCC’s acceptance of the test, applicants cannot yet submit TOEFL Essentials scores for immigration programs. We will share the official launch date once testing logistics and IRCC updates are finalized.
For now, candidates planning their Canadian immigration journey should keep this new option on their radar. With its shorter format, adaptive design, and accessible features, TOEFL Essentials is set to become an attractive alternative for newcomers eager to prove their English proficiency — and take the next step toward building a future in Canada.
Also worth noting is that, while the TOEFL will be available for PNPs, not all provinces and territories will immediately adopt it. It takes time for the new English tests to be accepted and implemented across all of Canada for the Provincial Nominee Programs. So, if you’re planning on applying to a PNP, you may wish to pursue one or more of the other English language tests initially until it’s more widely adopted. This can take some time (the better part of one year for PTE Core to be broadly accepted across the provinces, from memory).
