BIG NEWS for those dreaming of making Canada their permanent home!
In a major development announced today, August 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially added the TOEFL Essentials test to its list of designated language testing organizations. This means a new, modern English test will soon be available for those applying for permanent residence through Canada’s economic immigration streams.
However, it is very important to note that IRCC is not yet accepting TOEFL Essentials scores. The government will update its website once it officially begins accepting results.
What This Means For You
This is fantastic news for future Canadian immigrants! The approval of TOEFL Essentials means you will soon have more choice and flexibility when it comes to proving your English language proficiency.
For years, applicants have had limited options. The addition of this new test provides a pathway designed specifically for the practical, real-world communication skills needed to live and work in Canada.
About the TOEFL Essentials Test
Developed by ETS, the global leader behind the trusted TOEFL and GRE tests, TOEFL Essentials is designed to be a convenient and accessible option.
- Fast and Efficient: The entire test is completed in about 1.5 hours.
- Measures All 4 Skills: It thoroughly assesses your listening, reading, writing, and speaking abilities.
- Practical Focus: The questions and tasks are designed to reflect real-life situations you’ll encounter while working and living in Canada.
- Secure and Reliable: The test will be administered at secure test centers in Canada and around the world.
“Now that TOEFL Essentials is approved for Canadian economic immigration, test takers have a trusted, high-quality option designed for those building a life in Canada,” said Omar Chihane, Global General Manager of TOEFL at ETS.
What Happens Next?
While the test has been approved, you cannot submit TOEFL Essentials scores with your immigration application just yet.
ETS and IRCC are currently finalizing the steps for implementation. Once everything is in place, IRCC will officially announce the date from which they will begin accepting scores.
Sehli Global will be monitoring this situation closely and will provide updates as soon as they are available. For now, you can keep an eye on the official government page for Designated language testing organizations.
This new development is another step forward in making the Canadian immigration process more accessible. It’s a promising new tool that will help many skilled workers and professionals on their journey to becoming permanent residents of Canada.
Leave a Comment