TOEFL Essentials for Canada Immigration: The Ultimate 2025 Guide
September 18, 2025
Canada has officially approved the TOEFL Essentials test as an IRCC-approved English test for economic immigration programs, opening a new door for skilled professionals seeking Canada PR.
Until now, applicants relied mainly on IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, and PTE Core. With TOEFL Essentials joining the list, candidates now have a faster, more affordable, and adaptive option for meeting the Express Entry language requirements.
Why This Matters
Shorter Test: Just 90 minutes compared to nearly 3 hours for other exams.
Affordable: Costs $110–199 USD, making it cheaper than IELTS or CELPIP.
Fast Results: Official scores delivered within 6 days.
Real-World Focus: Measures practical communication skills in everyday and workplace contexts.
CLB Scores and Express Entry
Your TOEFL Essentials results will be converted into Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels, which directly impact your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. A minimum of CLB 7 is required for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, but aiming for CLB 9 or higher boosts your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
When Will Canada Accept TOEFL Essentials?
Although approved, IRCC has not yet started accepting scores. Applicants should wait for an official announcement on the IRCC website before booking the test.
TOEFL Essentials vs IELTS, CELPIP, and PTE
IELTS: Face-to-face speaking, globally recognized.
CELPIP: Canadian-focused content.
PTE Core: Fast results, computer-only format.
TOEFL Essentials: Short, adaptive, affordable, and modern.
Final Thoughts
The approval of TOEFL for Canada PR is a major win for immigration applicants. With lower costs, faster results, and flexible testing, TOEFL Essentials is set to become a popular choice once IRCC begins accepting scores.
Gregory Hudak / About Author
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