Introduction As of August 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially approved the TOEFL Essentials for Canadian immigration as an alternative English

Introduction
As of August 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially approved the TOEFL Essentials for Canadian immigration as an alternative English language proficiency test for permanent economic immigration programs. This addition expands the options available to applicants seeking to demonstrate their English language skills for Canadian permanent residency.
Key Details of the TOEFL Essentials Test
Test Format and Duration
The TOEFL Essentials test is a streamlined assessment designed to measure the four core English language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Unlike traditional tests, TOEFL Essentials focuses on practical, real-world communication tasks. The test duration is approximately 1.5 hours, making it a time-efficient option for applicants.
Scoring and Results
Test takers receive instant, unofficial scores for the listening and reading sections upon completion. Official results are typically available online within six days. Additionally, TOEFL Essentials offers unlimited free score reports to institutions, providing flexibility for applicants applying to multiple programs.
Immigration Programs Accepting TOEFL Essentials
The TOEFL Essentials test is accepted for several Canadian permanent economic immigration programs, including:
- Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
This broad acceptance ensures that applicants from various backgrounds and professions can utilize TOEFL Essentials to meet the English language proficiency requirements for Canadian immigration.
Conclusion
The inclusion of TOEFL Essentials for Canadian immigration offers applicants a modern, efficient, and accessible option to demonstrate their English language proficiency. With its practical test format and quick result turnaround, it provides an advantageous alternative for those pursuing permanent residency in Canada. Applicants are encouraged to stay updated on the official IRCC website for the commencement of TOEFL Essentials score acceptance.
FAQ
Q: When will IRCC start accepting TOEFL Essentials scores?
A: IRCC has not yet begun accepting TOEFL Essentials scores. Updates will be provided on the official IRCC website once acceptance begins.
Q: How does TOEFL Essentials differ from other English language tests?
A: TOEFL Essentials emphasizes practical, real-world communication tasks and offers a shorter test duration compared to traditional tests like IELTS and CELPIP.
Q: Are there any exemptions for the TOEFL Essentials test?
A: The article does not specify any exemptions for the TOEFL Essentials test. Applicants should refer to the official IRCC guidelines for detailed information.
