For years, aspiring immigrants to Canada have had only a few options when it came to proving their English language skills: IELTS, CELPIP, or the academic version of TOEFL. But in a new move that signals more flexibility and inclusiveness, Canada is set to add TOEFL Essentials as an official English test option for permanent residency (PR) applicants.
This decision is more than just another exam being added to the list—it’s about creating more accessible, affordable, and practical pathways for skilled workers, students, and families who see Canada as their future home. If you’ve been preparing for Canadian immigration, this update could reshape your plans in a very big way.
So, what exactly is TOEFL Essentials? Why has Canada decided to accept it? Who can use it, and what are the requirements? Here is everything you need to know.
Why Has Canada Decided to Accept TOEFL Essentials?
Canada’s immigration system has always emphasised language proficiency because it plays a central role in how well newcomers adapt socially and professionally. Strong communication skills make integration smoother, help immigrants land jobs faster, and boost their chances of long-term success.
But the reality is – language tests have often been seen as barriers. IELTS and CELPIP, for example, are notorious for their high costs, rigid test dates, and pressure-heavy formats. Even TOEFL iBT (the academic version) has felt more like an academic entrance exam than a test of practical English skills.
This is where TOEFL Essentials stands out:
Affordable and Accessible – It costs less than other standard English tests.
Shorter and Flexible – The exam takes about 90 minutes compared to longer versions, reducing test anxiety.
Focus on Everyday English – Unlike academic-heavy tests, Essentials evaluates both practical and academic English, making it more balanced.
Online Testing Option – With global accessibility, test takers can sit from home, making it easier for applicants in countries where test centres are limited.
By adopting TOEFL Essentials, Canada is signalling that it wants to lower barriers and welcome a broader range of immigrants without compromising on quality.
What Is TOEFL Essentials?
TOEFL Essentials is a modern version of the popular TOEFL iBT but designed with a shorter, more practical, and more affordable format. It tests the same four language skills—reading, writing, listening, and speaking—but with a greater emphasis on how English is used in real-life situations.
Here are the key features:
Length: About 1.5 hours (compared to 3+ hours for TOEFL iBT).
Format: Adaptive testing that adjusts to your performance level in real-time.
Cost: Cheaper than traditional TOEFL iBT, making it attractive for international candidates.
Delivery: Available online and in select centers, giving more flexibility.
Scoring: Uses a 1–12 scale per skill, then averaged into an overall score.
In essence, TOEFL Essentials is designed to test how well you can use English in both professional and everyday scenarios, which makes it a strong fit for immigration purposes.
Who Can Use TOEFL Essentials for Canada PR?
Not every immigration applicant needs to take an English test—some may be exempt due to nationality, education, or previous studies in English. But for the majority of applicants under Canada’s economic immigration streams, proving English language proficiency is mandatory.
Once TOEFL Essentials is officially launched as an option, it can be used by:
Express Entry Applicants – Those applying through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Applicants – Especially those outside Canada needing proof of English proficiency.
Caregiver Program Applicants – Where language skills are a key eligibility factor.
Other PR Pathways – Any immigration stream where proof of language ability is required.
In other words, TOEFL Essentials will sit alongside IELTS and CELPIP as a valid English test choice for PR applications.
TOEFL Scoring Requirements for Canada Immigration
TOEFL Essentials has its own scoring system, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will map these scores against the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB)—the system used to measure English proficiency for immigration.
While official score requirements may vary by program, here’s what you can generally expect:
CLB 4–5 (Basic Proficiency): Low-level skills, rarely sufficient for economic programs.
CLB 7 (Adequate Intermediate Proficiency): The minimum often required for Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker).
CLB 9 (Strong Proficiency): Considered a “golden score,” giving maximum language points under Express Entry.
In practice, candidates will need to meet minimum CLB levels depending on their immigration stream—for example, CLB 7 for Federal Skilled Worker and sometimes CLB 5 for certain trades or caregiver programs.
TOEFL Essentials scores will be converted into CLB equivalents, similar to how IELTS and CELPIP scores are currently interpreted.
What English Tests Are Currently Accepted for Canadian PR?
Before TOEFL Essentials, applicants had these options:
IELTS General Training – The most widely used and recognised test.
CELPIP General – A Canadian-made alternative, fully accepted by IRCC.
TEF Canada & TCF Canada – For applicants proving French language ability.
TOEFL iBT – Accepted in specific cases like Student Direct Stream (study permits) but not traditionally for PR.
Now, with TOEFL Essentials, the pool of recognised English language tests will widen—giving applicants a new, flexible, and potentially less stressful choice.
How to Prepare for TOEFL Essentials
Even though TOEFL Essentials is designed to feel more natural, preparation is still key if you want to achieve a high score. Here are some tips:
Understand the Format
Familiarise yourself with the four test sections—reading, listening, speaking, and writing—and practise within the 90-minute structure.Practice Everyday English
Since the test focuses on both real-life and academic scenarios, practise casual conversations, emails, and short written responses alongside academic-style reading.Take Mock Tests
Use online practice platforms to simulate test conditions. The adaptive format means your test adjusts to your skill, so practising helps reduce surprises.Work on Timing
The test is shorter than others, so time management is critical. Practice finishing tasks quickly without losing accuracy.Build Vocabulary Strategically
Focus on words used in workplace, social, and community contexts—not just academic terms.Use TOEFL Prep Materials
The test makers provide official resources—don’t ignore them. They give the closest feel to the actual test.
Remember, immigration success isn’t about scraping the minimum score but aiming for higher CLB levels that maximise your points in the Express Entry system.
Why This Change Matters
Canada’s move to accept TOEFL Essentials is more than just about adding another test—it’s a statement about accessibility. For years, many applicants felt “locked in” by IELTS or CELPIP. Now, with another global option that’s cheaper, shorter, and flexible, immigration hopefuls can choose the test that best fits their strengths and circumstances.
It also reflects Canada’s broader immigration strategy: to attract more skilled workers, remove unnecessary hurdles, and make the process less daunting. In a competitive global talent market, this flexibility can make Canada even more attractive.
For anyone planning their Canadian immigration journey, this update is huge. TOEFL Essentials is about to join the list of recognised English tests for PR applications, giving applicants another chance to showcase their language ability in a format that’s more practical, affordable, and flexible.
Whether you’re preparing for Express Entry, PNP, or caregiver programs, the arrival of TOEFL Essentials opens up more opportunities and reduces barriers. The key, however, remains preparation—understanding the format, knowing the scoring requirements, and aiming for the highest CLB levels possible.
Canada is proving once again that it’s not just looking for immigrants, but also working to make the process fairer and more accessible. For thousands of hopefuls, this could be the game-changing shift that finally turns a Canadian dream into reality.
