As of January 30, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has started accepting the Pearson Test of English (PTE Core) language test.
Administered by Pearson Canada Inc., the PTE Core test is the newest English language test to be accepted by IRCC in support of immigration applications. Previously only CELPIP-General and IELTS General Training were permitted as proof of English language proficiency for immigration applications (applications for permanent residence). The Test d’évaluation de français pour le Canada (TEF Canada) and Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF Canada) remain the only French language tests accepted by IRCC.
Pearson offers more than one type of language test. Only the Pearson PTE Core test will be accepted by IRCC as proof of English language proficiency. It is important applicants take a language test and a version of a language test that is accepted by IRCC.
The PTE test is now accepted for all IRCC programs except for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) for study permits. This means that this test can be used for Express Entry and other PR programs as well as to prove English language knowledge for work permit applications.
The PTE Core test is a 2-hour computer-based English test that assesses speaking, writing, reading and listening skills. The test must be taken at a PTE test center. PTE centers are available in 115 countries. Practice tests and tips as well as more information about the test are available on the PTE website.
Like all language tests, the results will only be valid for 2 years.
The Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration currently only accept the IELTS test results as proof of English language knowledge for the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP). They do not accept the PTE Core Test.
Express Entry as well as many other Economic immigration programs place a heavy emphasis on English and/or French language ability. Increasing language test results is a primary way applicants can increase their CRS score under Express Entry. As such, we strongly recommend that all applicants, including native English speakers, study prior to taking the test.
IRCC converts language test results to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) to assign points for various programs and to assess eligibility. Each language test has its own CLB conversion. Try our CLB converter here
Find out more about the PTE Core Test
Find out more about language testing and the language requirements for different permanent residence programs.
Find out more about the different language test options.
Find out more about Language Test Equivalency
Program delivery update: Addition of Pearson Language Test
*January 30, 2024
The equivalence of the PTE Core test to CLB on IRCC's website on January 31, 2023 is pictured below:
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