Pearson Tests of English (PTE) will shortly be accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as the new Designated English Language test for Canada immigration. The qualified workers who wish to apply for immigration to Canada must demonstrate their language proficiency in one of the two official languages of Canada, namely English or French, by providing the results of a test taken at a Language Testing agency authorized by the Immigration and Refugee Protection and Customs Enforcement (IRCC).
The third designated English test for admission to Canada will be PTE.
Two English language tests and two French language tests are among the five recognized language-testing organizations that Canada has so far accepted for use in processing immigration applications. The Pearson’s Test of English (PTE) is predicted to be accepted by IRCC as of late 2023, the IRCC has now confirmed.
Organizations that conduct English language tests
- Program for Assessing English Language Proficiency in Canada (CELPIP)
- International English Language Assessment System (IELTS)
- The PTE, or Pearson’s Test of English (Available late 2023)
The new PTE Essential English language exam was developed by Pearson to satisfy the IRCC’s requirements for language competency for Canadian immigration applicants. International students typically need to take the “Academic” version of a language competence test since IRCC has various language requirements for applicants for study permits.
With the acceptance of PTE Essential, there are now a total of five language tests accessible to applicants for economic class immigration, including the two French language tests that IRCC has designated (TEF Canada and TCF Canada) in addition to the three English language exams already stated.
Candidates from economic classes must pass language proficiency exams as proof of their capacity to establish themselves economically in Canada, according to IRCC. Strong English and/or French language ability is a strong predictor of economic integration in Canada, according to Statistics Canada study.
Although the IRCC has not given a deadline, it has stated on its website that it anticipates being able to accept PTE Essential in support of applicants’ applications for Canadian immigration by the end of 2023.
For immigrants from lower socioeconomic classes, Canada offers more than 100 alternative routes. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Express Entry are the top admissions options under the Immigration Levels Plan 2023–2025. A language exam chosen by IRCC must also be passed by applicants for other economic class channels such IRCC pilot programs, the Atlantic Immigration Program, and Quebec skilled worker programs.
Candidates must pass the minimal Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score required for a particular pathway in addition to passing an IRCC-designated language test. For instance, applicants for the well-known Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) must achieve a CLB of at least 7 in each of the four talents (writing, reading, listening, and speaking). A CLB 4 is the minimal requirement for several programs.
Candidates gain more points the better their CLB score is for some pathways, including those handled by Express Entry and expression of interest programs run by the provinces and territories.
In the upcoming years, the IRCC has declared that it expects to welcome a record number of permanent residents—roughly 1.45 million in all over the next three years. The accreditation of PTE Essential comes at a favorable moment for test takers and offers up new options for Pearson because there is a great demand in Canada for professionals in fields like nursing, engineering, and web development.
The computer-based testing division of Pearson, Pearson VUE, administers the totally digital exam. The most recent AI scoring technology is used; biometric data collecting offers improved security measures; and voice recognition software is used for the test’s speaking component. These state-of-the-art tools guarantee the availability of a test of individuals’ English language competency that is fair and incredibly precise.
In addition, test-takers can schedule appointments online up to 24 hours in advance, benefit from international test centre availability year-round, and get their results on average in 1.3 days.
PTE Essential will be implemented throughout Pearson’s current network, which consists of more than 400 PTE centers in 118 nations.
How does PTE test approval impact those applying for study permits?
Only IELTS (English) or TEF (French) are accepted by the IRCC for applications for SDS (Student Direct Stream) study permits. The IRCC requires IELTS or TEF as a prerequisite for SDS.
A language test is typically required for enrollment in a DLI for applications for general study permits (college or university). Some DLIs in Canada already accept PTE for the enrollment of international students.
The language exam is a supporting document that must be submitted with the visa application, and the IRCC requires proof of enrollment in a DLI in order to approve non-SDS applications.
What PTE score requirements will there be for immigration to Canada?
For immigration to Canada, English competence is evaluated using the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels.
The minimum language requirement for the Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is CLB level 7 in all four abilities.
IELTS modules must each have six bands in order to qualify for the FSWP. Depending on score comparisons, a possible PTE score requirement of 46 may be necessary.
PTE equivalent scores for the IELTS magic number of 8 triple 7 (8 in listening and 7 in the other modules) might be 84 in listening and 66 in the other skills.
The minimum language requirement for the Express Entry Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is CLB level 5.
Therefore, 18 in reading and 29 in the remaining modules might be the PTE equivalent score for CLB level 5.
Emigrantz Global Consultancy registered and partnered with ICCRC (ICCRC – R407847) has more than a decade’s experience in the immigration industry. We have been fulfilling the needs of Permanent residency, student visa and work permit aspirants for several countries.
We are just a call / email away to help you in making your dreams come true.
Contact us on: +966-547598555 / 966-569521000 / 966-541219841
Email : info@emigrantz.com / contact@emigrantz.com
