Which English Tests Count for Canada Express Entry? IELTS, CELPIP and PTE Core Rules
IRCC accepts only CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core in English, and TEF or TCF Canada in French. Results must be under 2 years old. Here are the rules.
Canada| Country | Canada |
|---|---|
| Organization | Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) |
| Official source | IRCC – Express Entry language testing ✓ canada.ca |
Your language test score is one of the biggest parts of your Express Entry points. But taking the wrong version of a test is a common and costly mistake. Here is what Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) actually accepts.
Approved tests
| Language | Accepted test | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| English | CELPIP-General | Book the "General" test |
| English | IELTS General Training | IELTS Academic does not count. IELTS One Skill Retake is not accepted |
| English | PTE Core | PTE Academic does not count |
| French | TEF Canada | Enter the "Équivalence ancien score" column, not the "/699" score |
| French | TCF Canada |
If your results are from any other test or version, IRCC will not accept them.
Your results must be less than 2 years old
The 2-year rule applies twice:
- When you create your Express Entry profile, and
- When you submit your permanent residence application after an invitation.
If your scores will expire before you can apply, you can retake the test, apply before they expire, or decline the invitation and enter the pool again later. Applications with expired results are refused.
Entering your scores
- Book only with an IRCC-approved testing organisation.
- Enter your scores in your profile exactly as they appear on your result form. You may also be asked for the form or certificate number and the test PIN.
- IRCC checks your scores against the testing body's records.
Why the score matters so much
Your language results affect points in several places at once: your core language points, and combined skill-transferability points with your education and work experience. A stronger score in French as well can add further points. That is why many candidates retake a test even after meeting the minimum.
Tips
- Pick the right version at booking. "General Training" for IELTS, "General" for CELPIP and "Core" for PTE.
- Note your expiry date and plan your application around it.
- Use the official results only. Any change of score must be updated in your profile.
Apply only through the official source.
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