IRCC Gives Green Light to Pearson Test of English for Canadian Immigration Applications !
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently authorized the use of Pearson Test of English (PTE) as one of the designated language tests for Canadian immigration applications. Economic class candidates will be able to take CELPIP, IELTS General Training, and PTE Essential to demonstrate their English language proficiency. Additionally, there are two French language tests designated by IRCC - TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Strong proficiency in either English or French language is a crucial factor for economic integration in Canada. PTE Essential has been created by Pearson to fulfill IRCC's language proficiency requirements for Canadian immigration applicants.
The department has not yet specified when PTE Essential can be submitted by the applicants. However, it is expected that towards the end of 2023, applicants will be able to submit PTE Essential in support of their Canadian immigration applications. Economic class candidates must complete IRCC-designated language tests and achieve the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score set for a given pathway. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Express Entry are the leading admissions pathways for economic-class immigrants under the Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025.
Moreover, for certain pathways, such as those managed through the Express Entry and the expression of interest systems run by the provinces and territories, candidates get more points for higher CLB scores. It is worth mentioning that in 2022, IRCC's internal memo confirming the department's approval of a new language test for Canadian immigration purposes and exploring potential language testing reforms.
