Immigration to Canada has just become even more open to applicants from around the world, thanks to the recent acceptance of the Pearson English Test (PTE Core) by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as of January 30, 2024. This new language test option adds to the list of already recognized assessments, offering greater flexibility for applicants seeking to prove their English proficiency as part of their immigration process to Canada.
Approved Language Tests for Canadian Immigration
In addition to the PTE Core, several other language tests are recognized by the IRCC to assess the language skills of immigration candidates:
- CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
- IELTS: International English Language Testing System
- TCF Canada : French language test for Canada
- TEF Canada : French evaluation test for Canada
These tests assess candidates' ability to understand and express themselves in English or French, and are essential for many Canadian immigration programs.
NCLC equivalence for Pearson English Test
Canada's language testing system uses the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) to measure proficiency in English and French. The Pearson English Test has been aligned with this system, enabling candidates to understand how their scores translate into language proficiency according to Canadian standards. Here is a table of CLB equivalents for Pearson Test d'Anglais scores, ensuring a fair and equivalent assessment to other language tests.
| CLB level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 88-90 | 90 | 89-90 | 89-90 |
| 9 | 78-87 | 88-89 | 82-88 | 84-88 |
| 8 | 69-77 | 79-87 | 71-81 | 76-83 |
| 7 | 60-68 | 69-78 | 60-70 | 68-75 |
| 6 | 51-59 | 60-68 | 50-59 | 59-67 |
| 5 | 42-50 | 51-59 | 39-49 | 51-58 |
| 4 | 33-41 | 41-50 | 28-38 | 42-50 |
| 3 | 24-32 | 32-40 | 18-27 | 34-41 |
Eligibility and Exceptions
The PTE Core is accepted for all immigration programs in Canada, with the exception of the Volet Direct pour les Études (VDE). This exception underscores the importance for international students of verifying the specific language test requirements for their study program and visa.
Conclusion
The inclusion of the Pearson Test of English (PTE Core) as a language testing option for immigration to Canada marks an important evolution in Canadian immigration policy, offering more options and flexibility to applicants. With this addition, the IRCC recognizes the need to diversify the means of assessing language skills, while maintaining high standards for immigration. Whether you are planning to take the CELPIP, IELTS, TCF, TEF, or now the PTE Core, make sure you are well prepared to achieve the level required (by the program under which you are applying) according to NCLC equivalencies and contribute to your success in the Canadian immigration process.
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