IRCC to Commence Acceptance of New PTE Core Test in Late 2023

In a program delivery update on February 1, 2023, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) staff received confirmation that the Pearson Test of English (PTE) has been approved as an English proficiency test. Subsequently, on May 12, 2023, IRCC announced an update stating that Pearson Canada Inc. has rebranded their English language test as PTE Core. Pearson Canada Inc. serves as the designated organization responsible for administering the PTE.

According to the update, IRCC will begin accepting PTE scores in late 2023. However, there is currently no specific date or month provided. This development primarily pertains to Canada immigration, particularly for all Economic Permanent Residency (PR) programs. These Economic programs encompass various categories such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), Caregivers, Agri-Food Pilot, Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), Economic Mobility Pathways Project (EMPP), Atlantic Immigration Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, and Business.

With the inclusion of PTE, it will join the ranks of IELTS and CELPIP as the third accepted English language proficiency test.

Impact on Study Permit Applicants

For individuals applying through the Student Direct Stream (SDS) for study permits, the acceptable language tests are limited to IELTS (English) or TEF (French), as mandated by IRCC. SDS applicants must fulfill the requirement of providing either an IELTS or TEF score.

For general study permit applications, a language proficiency test is usually a prerequisite for admission to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), which refers to a college or university. PTE is already accepted by certain DLIs in Canada for enrolling international students.

When submitting non-SDS applications, IRCC requires proof of enrollment in a DLI, and a language test serves as a supporting document that must be included with the visa application.

PTE Score Requirements for Canada Immigration

English proficiency levels for Canada immigration are assessed based on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) system.

The following are the IELTS General CLB levels for Canadian immigration:

The following are possible PTE CLB levels we generated based on IELTS comparison:

For the Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), a minimum language requirement of CLB level 7 is necessary for all four abilities. In the case of IELTS, each module should achieve a band score of 6 to meet the eligibility criteria for FSWP. As for PTE, the required score may vary, potentially falling around 46 based on score comparisons.

For instance, achieving an IELTS score of 8 in listening and 7 in the remaining modules (referred to as “8 triple 7”) would correspond to an equivalent PTE score of approximately 84 in listening and 66 in the other abilities.

Similarly, for the Express Entry Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), the minimum language requirement is CLB level 5. Therefore, a possible equivalent PTE score for CLB level 5 could be 18 in reading and 29 in the other modules.