TOEFL Is Now Recognized for Canadian Immigration

ETS has been officially designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as an approved English language testing organization. Applicants will be able to use TOEFL Essentials scores for any category requiring proof of English ability.

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A Trusted English Test, Now Part of Canada’s Immigration Pathway

For decades, the TOEFL program has helped millions of people worldwide demonstrate their English language proficiency to universities, governments, and employers. Now, TOEFL Essentials is officially part of Canada’s approved pathway for economic immigration — offering applicants a high-quality, globally recognized option to meet the English-language requirements set by IRCC.

IRCC is not yet accepting TOEFL scores for immigration applications but will update its website once acceptance begins. ETS is actively working with IRCC on all steps leading up to full acceptance. Sign up below for direct updates on timing and approved test center locations.

Built for Real Life in Canada

TOEFL Essentials measure all four core English language skills through real-world, task-based scenarios — reflecting the communication abilities immigrants need to work, live, and build a life in Canada.

Listening: Understanding conversations in professional and everyday Canadian settings.
Reading: Comprehending written English used in workplaces, services, and communities.
Writing: Communicating clearly and effectively in written form for real-world tasks.
Speaking: Expressing ideas confidently in the kinds of conversations that matter most.

160+ — Countries where TOEFL scores are accepted
40m+ — TOEFL takers and counting
60+ — Years of TOEFL research in language assessment

“As a Canadian and a non-native English speaker, I understand firsthand the challenges and opportunities of proving your language skills. TOEFL’s approval for Canadian economic immigration gives test takers a trusted, high-quality option designed for those building a life in Canada.”

Omar Chihane — Global General Manager, TOEFL at ETS

Meeting Canada’s 2025–2027 Immigration Targets

Canada’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan sets ambitious annual targets to attract skilled talent across healthcare, engineering, technology, and the skilled trades. The TOEFL program’s recognition by IRCC means that aspiring residents will have a proven, internationally respected English language test to help them meet these requirements — and immigration consultants, lawyers, and educational advisors will have a trusted tool to recommend to the clients and students they guide.

Grounded in ETS’s mission to advance the science of measurement to power human progress, the TOEFL program offers a reliable, accessible pathway for newcomers to demonstrate the English proficiency that Canadian immigration requires.

Be the First to Know When You Can Submit TOEFL Scores for Immigration

IRCC will begin accepting TOEFL scores for Canadian immigration applications soon. Sign up to receive official updates on acceptance timelines, approved test center locations in Canada, and everything you need to know about using TOEFL scores for your immigration journey.