Canada Removes Language Testing Requirement For PNP Non-Express Entry Applications

Canada has recently made a significant change by removing the requirement for language testing to be submitted to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP) non-Express Entry applications.

Under the Canada Express Entry programme, international students aiming to qualify need to demonstrate proficiency in either English or French.

This entails taking an approved language test, achieving the minimum required scores, and including these results when completing their Express Entry profile.

The language assessment evaluates various skills, including writing, reading, listening, and speaking.

For PNP applicants nominated under an Express Entry stream, language testing remains compulsory. Individuals must indicate their valid test result scores in their Express Entry profile.

In Express Entry, test results are validated electronically with the testing organisation, so PNP-Express Entry applicants are not required to upload a copy of their test results as part of a complete application.

Recognised language-testing organisations

To be considered valid, the applicant’s language test results must be from one of the approved tests:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS General Training)
• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Programme (CELPIP-General)
• PTE Core
• Test d’évaluation de français pour le Canada (TEF Canada) to test proficiency in French
• Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF Canada) to test proficiency in French

For the Federal Skilled Worker Programme, the minimum level of English Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 is considered. For the Canadian Experience Class, the minimum level for all four language abilities is CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 and CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3.