Categories: Canada Immigration

New Language Test Approved For Canada Immigration Applications

A new English language test for economic immigration has been approved by Canada’s immigration department.

The Pearson PTE Essential test will join the CELPIP and IELTS tests already accepted for Canada permanent residence through the federal Express Entry-linked programs.

The test is expected to begin being accepted by the end of 2023, according to a Pearson press release.

It is expected to be accepted for Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades and Canadian Experience Class applications.

Pearson CEO Andy Bird said: “I’m delighted PTE Essential is now accepted in Canada for economic visas and proud of the innovation and rigor that sits behind the quick and high-quality experience our test provides to test takers.”


Read More Canada Immigration News

Teacher’s Assistants Now Qualify For Canada Express Entry Immigration
Canada Jobs: Top 15 Opportunities For 2023
New Data Shows Immigrant Children Grow Up To Out-Earn Canadian-Born Peers


The test is digital and delivered through the company’s platform, Pearson VUE.

It uses Artificial Intelligence technology for score the test, collect biometric data and for voice recognition in the speaking part of the test.

“These cutting-edge technologies ensure the provision of an impartial and highly accurate test of people’s English language proficiency,” Pearson said.

Candidates can book online up to 24 hours in advance for year-round worldwide test centre slots and get their results within two days.


Video


The UK, Australian and New Zealand governments already accept Pearson tests for all visa applications.

The Pearson PTE test “has a more vocational, real-life and non-academic focus that meets IRCC’s language proficiency requirements”, Pearson said.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada require candidates to be tested on four language disciplines: speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Federal Skilled Worker Program

Candidates must obtain a minimum level of CLB or NCLC 7 for the first official language in all four language areas. To receive points for a second official language, candidates must meet the minimum level of CLB or NCLC 5 in all four language areas.

Federal Skilled Trades Program

Candidates must obtain a minimum level of CLB or NCLC 5 in speaking and listening abilities, and CLB or NCLC 4 in reading and writing abilities.

Canadian Experience Class

The skills a candidate needs for this program depend on the job classification under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC):

  • TEER 0 or 1:: CLB / NCLC 7 +
  • TEER 2 or 3: CLB / NCLC 5 and 6

Canada also requires minimum language levels for citizenship and many other immigration programs, including provincial and business.

To measure the language levels, the immigration authorities use the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English and the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for French.

Colin Singer

Colin Singer is an international acclaimed Canadian immigration lawyer and founder of immigration.ca featured on Wikipedia. Colin Singer is also founding director of the Canadian Citizenship & Immigration Resource Center (CCIRC) Inc. He served as an Associate Editor of ‘Immigration Law Reporter’, the pre-eminent immigration law publication in Canada. He previously served as an executive member of the Canadian Bar Association’s Quebec and National Immigration Law Sections and is currently a member of the Canadian Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Colin has twice appeared as an expert witness before Canada’s House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration. He is frequently recognized as a recommended authority at national conferences sponsored by government and non-government organizations on matters affecting Canada’s immigration and human resource industries. Since 2009, Colin has been a Governor of the Quebec Bar Foundation a non-profit organization committed to the advancement of the profession, and became a lifetime member in 2018.

Recent Posts

Canadian Immigration Trends: Decline in New Permanent Resident Numbers

Discover the latest trends in Canadian immigration with a notable decline in permanent residency applications.…

4 weeks ago

Quebec Temporary Immigration Freeze Proposal: Addressing Housing Affordability Crisis

Learn about the Parti Québécois' call to halt temporary immigration in Quebec, its impact on…

4 weeks ago

Rethinking Canada Immigration Policy With A Focus On Citizenship

In a recent panel discussion at the Canada Strong and Free Network conference in Ottawa,…

4 weeks ago

Saskatchewan Bolsters Immigration Framework to Foster Economic Growth

Discover Saskatchewan's enhanced Immigration Services Act, bolstering protection for foreign workers, combating fraud, and facilitating…

4 weeks ago

Navigating Canada’s Tax Benefits and Credits for Newcomers

Discover how newcomers to Canada can access a wide range of benefits and tax credits…

4 weeks ago

Success in Higher Education and Beyond for Immigrant Children

Discover how immigrant children in Canada outshine their counterparts, excelling in education and earning higher…

1 month ago

This website uses cookies.