As an aspiring immigrant, one of the essential components for individuals seeking Canadian PR is demonstrating proficiency in the English language—the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) steps in here.
TOEFL for Canada PR is an internationally recognized exam to assess an individual’s English language skills. For prospective immigrants, showcasing your proficiency in English meets immigration standards and enhances your prospects of successful integration into Canadian society.
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In this blog, we will delve into the details of TOEFL for Canada PR, providing you with invaluable insights and the most up-to-date information. We will explore the TOEFL for Canada PR exam and the specific requirements for Canadian PR applications.
What is TOEFL for Canada PR?
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a globally recognized exam designed to assess an individual’s proficiency in the English language.
What is the TOEFL Exam?
The TOEFL exam measures the ability of non-native English speakers to understand and use the English language in academic settings.
It is widely accepted by universities, colleges, and immigration agencies worldwide, including Canada.
The TOEFL for Canada PR evaluates language skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing, providing a comprehensive English proficiency assessment.
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Sections of the TOEFL Exam
The TOEFL for Canada PR exam consists of four sections, each targeting different language skills:
Reading: This section evaluates the ability to understand written English passages, comprehend the main ideas, and answer questions based on the text.
Listening: The listening section assesses the ability to understand spoken English in various contexts, such as lectures, conversations, and discussions. Test takers are required to answer questions based on the audio content.
Speaking: In this section, test takers express their thoughts and opinions on various topics. They are asked to respond to prompts, participate in conversations, and deliver short speeches.
Writing: The writing section evaluates the ability to write coherent and organized responses to prompts. Test takers are expected to express their opinions, support their arguments, and effectively communicate their ideas in written form.
What is the Score Requirement for TOEFL for Canada PR?
To be eligible for Canada Immigration, aspiring applicants are required to achieve a minimum TOEFL for Canada PR score ranging from 79 to 80.
For those seeking a Canadian student visa, a minimum score of 50 in the TOEFL iBT or TOEFL for Canada PR home edition is generally accepted.
However, aiming for a higher score TOEFL for Canada PR, preferably between 100 to 110, can significantly enhance candidates’ chances of gaining admission into top Canadian universities and colleges.
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Is TOEFL Accepted for Canada PR Applications in 2023-24?
For immigration purposes in Canada, TOEFL scores are not accepted. TOEFL scores are exclusively recognized for study visas.
The immigration department of Canada exclusively considers IELTS General for evaluating English language proficiency. Therefore, if you are planning to apply for immigration to Canada, it is essential to take the IELTS General exam.
List of Universities That Accept TOEFL for Canada PR
| TOEFL Accepted Universities | TOEFL (iBT) Accepted Scores |
| University of Toronto | 93.0 – 107.0 |
| University of Alberta | 88.0 – 92.0 |
| York University | 100.0 and above |
| University of Victoria | 90.0 (at least 20 in each category) |
| McGill University | 86.0 with 30 in each section |
| University of Calgary | 86.0 |
| The University of British Columbia | 90.0 (22 – reading, listening. 21 – writing, speaking) |
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | 79.0 (20 – reading, writing. No less than 17 in listening, speaking) |
| Queen’s University | 88 overall (24 – writing. 22 – speaking, reading. 20 – listening) |
| University of Waterloo | 90.0 |
English proficiency test scores are subject to change, and for the latest updates and personalised guidance, contact Leap Scholar to receive expert assistance and support throughout your journey.
Recent Updates in TOEFL for Canada PR Requirements
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) has recently announced that the TOEFL iBT test has received approval from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for inclusion in Canada’s Student Direct Stream program.
This program aims to expedite the processing of study permits for eligible students enrolling in designated learning institutions in Canada.
Starting August 10, 2023, students can submit their TOEFL iBT scores as part of their SDS application.
ETS assures applicants that the majority of SDS applications will be processed within a speedy 20 calendar days.
With over 12,000 institutions in 160 countries relying on the TOEFL iBT, it has become the go-to assessment tool for evaluating English language skills.
ETS further emphasizes that alongside the TOEFL iBT, the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) has also received approval for Canada’s SDS program.
What is the Difference Between TOEFL for Canada PR and IELTS?
If you are a native English speaker or someone for whom English is a foreign language, it is important to note that you will be required to take a language proficiency exam to qualify for immigration.
Two of the most accepted exams in Canada are TOEFL and IELTS. However, the difference is that IELTS is a British-based language, whereas TOEFL for Canada PR is an American-based language. Other differences that separate the two exams are as follows:
IELTS
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System and tests your ability to speak, read, write and listen to English. It can be of two types:
IELTS Academic
Taking the IELTS Academic track is recommended if you are studying at a college or university level in an English-speaking country and planning to pursue professional courses in healthcare or engineering.
The IELTS Academics test focuses on academic English skills, including understanding illustrations and graphs, to assess your proficiency.
IELTS General
The General IELTS exam is the best option for you when immigrating to an English-speaking country. Also, you must choose it when you are only a student at a high school.
On the test day, you will encounter consecutive challenges designed to evaluate your reading, listening, speaking, and writing abilities. There are no breaks provided until you have completed all the tasks. However, speaking tests may take place with a gap of one week.
Additionally, you will be required to participate in an 11-to-14-minute interview with examiners who have access to your answer scripts. It is important to note that the other tests must be completed within three hours.
TOEFL
This test is again of two types, i.e., TOEFL iBT and TOEFL paper-based exams.
TOEFL iBT
These initials stand for Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test. It tests your ability to read, write, listen, and speak fluently in English. This helps establish how well you will be able to communicate in a class setting.
Technically, it consists of four sections, where reading and listening come before speaking and writing tasks. However, it is entirely a computer-based exam that you need to complete within 3 hours and contains odd short breaks throughout.
Besides this, TOEFL iBT has a single scoring system where you get points between 0 and 120. This score is equally divided among the four sections. At the end of the test, your scores under each section are totalled to get an overall count.
TOEFL Paper-Based
This is another part of the TOEFL for Canada PR exam, which is paper-based.
Here you must write their answers on a piece of paper, and there is a separate mechanism for scoring purposes. For this reason, many applicants focus primarily on TOEFL iBT.
IELTS vs TOEFL
While there are many similarities between the two exams, you can expect no human interference in TOEFL since it is an internet-based exam. It contains multiple-choice questions and an essay requirement of 300 words. In addition, TOEFL for Canada PR requires you to listen to an audio clip and take notes to perform the task.
Besides, this is a hand-written exam where you must produce a 250-word essay. Further, it also involves listening to audio and answering questions.
The following table compares IELTS and TOEFL tests with CLB (Canada Language Benchmark):
| PBT | CBT | IBT | IELTS | CLB* / CELPIP |
| 0 – 310 | zero – 30 | 0 – 30 | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0 – 1 |
| 310 – 343 | 33 – 60 | 33 – 60 | 1.0 – 1.5 | 1 – 2 |
| 347 – 393 | 63 – 90 | 19 – 29 | 2.0 – 2.5 | 3 |
| 397 – 433 | 93 – 120 | 30 – 40 | 3.0 – 3.5 | 4 |
| 437 – 473 | 123 – 150 | 41 – 52 | 4.0 | 5 |
| 477 – 510 | 153 – 180 | 53 – 64 | 4.5 – 5.0 | 6 |
| 513 – 547 | 183 – 210 | 65 – 78 | 5.5 – 6.0 | 7 |
| 550 – 587 | 213 – 240 | 79 – 95 | 6.5 – 7.0 | 8 – 9 |
| 590 – 677 | 243 – 300 | 96 – 120 | 7.5 – 9.0 | 10 – 12 |
Final Thoughts
By understanding the specific TOEFL for Canada PR requirements for study permits and staying updated with the latest immigration regulations, you can make informed decisions and increase your chances of success.
Leap Scholar can assist you in selecting the right test, providing expert guidance on test strategies, offering study materials and practice resources, and helping you track your progress. Our experts can also offer personalized support, answering your questions and addressing concerns about the TOEFL for Canada PR or IELTS.
Remember, achieving a strong TOEFL or IELTS score not only fulfils the immigration or study visa requirements but also opens doors to top Canadian universities and colleges.
Leap Scholar’s expertise can help you achieve your desired scores, giving you a competitive edge in your academic journey.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Is the TOEFL accepted for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) applications?
No, the TOEFL is not accepted for Canadian PR applications. It is primarily used for study visas.
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What English language test is accepted for Canadian PR applications?
For Canadian PR applications, the IELTS General test is the accepted English language proficiency test.
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Is the TOEFL iBT test accepted for Canadian study permits?
Yes, the TOEFL iBT test has received approval from IRCC for inclusion in Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, which expedites study permit processing.
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What is the purpose of Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS) program?
The SDS program is designed to streamline the processing of study permits for international students applying to designated learning institutions in Canada.
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When can students include their TOEFL iBT scores in their SDS application?
Starting August 10, 2023, students can include their TOEFL iBT scores in their SDS application.
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How long does it take for SDS applications to be processed?
ETS claims that, as long as applicants meet the eligibility requirements, the majority of SDS applications are processed within 20 calendar days, according to IRCC.
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Apart from the TOEFL for Canada PR, what other English language test has been approved for Canada’s SDS program?
Alongside the TOEFL iBT, the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) has also been approved for Canada’s SDS program.
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Is the TOEFL iBT test widely accepted by Canadian universities?
Yes, the TOEFL iBT test is accepted by all Canadian universities and is recognized as one of the most widely accepted English-language tests worldwide.
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How many institutions worldwide rely on the TOEFL iBT for assessing English language proficiency?
Over 12,000 institutions in 160 countries rely on the TOEFL iBT for evaluating English language proficiency.
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Can students choose between the TOEFL iBT and IELTS General for Canadian study permits?
Yes, students can choose between the TOEFL iBT and IELTS General for Canadian study permit applications.
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What benefits does the inclusion of TOEFL iBT in Canada’s SDS program offer to international students?
Including TOEFL iBT in Canada’s SDS program gives international students more flexibility and options when demonstrating their English language proficiency.
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How does this development impact international students planning to study in Canada?
This development offers international students a trusted and widely recognized English language proficiency test option, allowing them to pursue their educational dreams in Canada with confidence.
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