Canada Will Accept PTE Core Test From Early 2024

Canada’s immigration authorities have updated the expected timeframe for accepting the Pearson Test of English Core (PTE Core) to early 2024. Before this update, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aimed the include PTE Core in immigration programs by late 2023.

The expected timeframe for PTE Core has shifted to early 2024, administered exclusively by Pearson Canada, Inc.

It’s important to note that PTE Core is solely for permanent residency in economic immigration programs, not for SDS study permits. The PTE Academic test, including three new English proficiency tests, remains eligible for SDS study visas and permits since August 10, 2023.

Economic programs encompass Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), Caregivers, Agri-Food Pilot, RNIP, EMPP, Atlantic Immigration Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, and Business Class.

Matching PTE Core Scores to CLB Levels: What to Expect

To assess English proficiency for immigration to Canada, they use Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels. Here are the IELTS General CLB levels:

1. CLB 10: Reading 8.0, Writing 7.5, Listening 8.5, Speaking 7.5
2. CLB 9: Reading 7.0, Writing 7.0, Listening 8.0, Speaking 7.0
3. CLB 8: Reading 6.5, Writing 6.5, Listening 7.5, Speaking 6.5
4. CLB 7: Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0, Listening 6.0, Speaking 6.0
5. CLB 6: Reading 5.0, Writing 5.5, Listening 5.5, Speaking 5.5
6. CLB 5: Reading 4.0, Writing 5.0, Listening 5.0, Speaking 5.0
7. CLB 4: Reading 3.5, Writing 4.0, Listening 4.5, Speaking 4.0

These levels help evaluate language skills in the immigration process.

Here are the projected PTE Core CLB level scores, calculated by comparing IELTS scores:

1. CLB 10: Reading 84, Writing 76, Listening 89, Speaking 76
2. CLB 9: Reading 66, Writing 66, Listening 84, Speaking 66
3. CLB 8: Reading 56, Writing 56, Listening 76, Speaking 56
4. CLB 7: Reading 46, Writing 46, Listening 46, Speaking 46
5. CLB 6: Reading 29, Writing 36, Listening 36, Speaking 36
6. CLB 5: Reading 18-20, Writing 29, Listening 29, Speaking 29
7. CLB 4: Reading 15-18, Writing 18-20, Listening 23, Speaking 18-20

These scores provide an estimate of PTE Core proficiency aligned with Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels.

Language Proficiency Requirements for Various Canadian Immigration Programs

To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) Express Entry, a minimum language proficiency of CLB level 7 is required in all four abilities.

To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), each IELTS module should achieve a minimum score of six bands. Correspondingly, in the PTE Core, a score of 46 or above may be required, depending on the score comparison.

For the IELTS “magic number” of 8 (triple 7), with eight in listening and seven in the other modules, the PTE equivalent score could be 84 in listening and 66 in the remaining skills.

Additionally, the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) Express Entry requires a minimum language proficiency of CLB level 5. This translates to a potential PTE equivalent score of 18 or above in reading and 29 or above in the remaining modules.

Express Entry Canadian Experience Class (CEC) PTE Score Requirement

For the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) in Express Entry, the PTE score requirements are as follows:

CLB Level 7 for TEER 0 or TEER 1 jobs:

1. Possible PTE Scores: 46 in each module
2. IELTS Scores: 6 in each module

CLB Level 5 for TEER 2 or TEER 3 jobs:

1. Possible PTE Scores: 15–18 in reading and 29 each in the rest of the modules
2. IELTS Scores: 4 in reading and 5 each in the rest of the modules

These are the expected PTE Core requirements for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) in Express Entry.

Approved English Proficiency Tests for Canadian Immigration

The accepted English language proficiency tests for Canadian immigration include the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) General Training and CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) General Test. Additionally, the Pearson Test of English Core (PTE Core) is expected to be accepted by IRCC starting in early 2024.