PTE will be one of three English language exams—the other two being IELTS and CELPIP—that skilled worker applicants can use for their Canadian immigration applications.
The Pearson Test of English has now been approved by IRCC for use in Canadian immigration applications.
Beginning in “late 2023,” one of three recognized language exams that skilled workers will be able to take to verify their English language ability to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will be the Pearson Test of English (PTE), along with CELPIP and IELTS General Training (IRCC).
With PTE’s clearance, skilled worker candidates will now have access to five different language tests; in addition to the three English language tests stated above, IRCC has also approved the two French language tests, TEF Canada and TCF Canada.
All skilled worker candidates must pass language tests, which are mandated by IRCC, to prove their capacity to create a business in Canada. 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 specified a deadline, it has stated on its website that it expects to be able to accept PTEs in support of skilled worker candidates’ applications for Canadian immigration by the end of 2023.
For immigrants from lower socio-economic 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 programmes, the Atlantic Immigration Program, and Quebec skilled worker programmes.
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 programmes.
Candidates gain more points the better their CLB score is for some pathways, including those handled by Express Entry and expression of interest programmes run by the provinces and territories.
