ETS, the global leader in education and talent solutions, announced today that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has added ETS to its list of designated language testing organizations for the TOEFL Essentials test, for use in Canadian permanent economic immigration applications.
While IRCC has yet to begin accepting TOEFL Essentials scores, updates will be made on the IRCC website once acceptance starts. In the meantime, ETS is working closely with IRCC on the necessary steps for approval and will provide more details regarding timing and test locations as soon as they are confirmed.
With a mission to advance the science of measurement to drive human progress, ETS’s TOEFL Essentials test offers a high-quality, reliable, and accessible way for prospective immigrants to showcase their English language skills.
A Practical, Real-World Test for Today’s Immigrants
TOEFL Essentials measures all four key language skills—listening, reading, writing, and speaking—through tasks designed to reflect the communication skills needed by immigrants to live, work, and thrive in Canada. The test is designed to be engaging and task-based, with a completion time of approximately 1.5 hours at a secure test center.
“As a Canadian and a non-native English speaker, I understand firsthand the challenges and opportunities of proving your language skills,” said Omar Chihane, Global General Manager of TOEFL at ETS. “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, while TOEFL iBT continues to serve as the gold-standard path for those who want to study there.”
Meeting Canada’s Immigration Goals
Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2025–2027 aims to attract talent in sectors such as healthcare, engineering, technology, and skilled trades. Once IRCC begins accepting TOEFL Essentials scores, it will offer a reliable pathway for meeting the English language requirements, benefiting both applicants and professionals guiding them through the immigration process.
Accessible in Canada and Worldwide
The TOEFL Essentials test will be available at secure test centers across Canada and worldwide. To stay updated, visit Designated language testing organizations – Canada.ca
