Canada Immigration has changed the expected time for accepting the Pearson Test of English Core (PTE Core) to early 2024.
Before, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said they might accept the PTE Core English proficiency test for immigration programs by late 2023. Now, it’s moved to early 2024. Pearson Canada, Inc. is the only approved organization for PTE Core.
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Some people mix up PTE Core with PTE Academic for the SDS (Student Direct Stream) study permit or visa, but PTE Core is only for permanent residency in economic immigration programs.
Simple PTE Academic is still good for SDS study visas and permits since August 10, 2023, along with three other new English proficiency tests.
Economic programs cover Express Entry categories, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), Caregivers, Agri-Food Pilot, Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), Economic Mobility Pathways Project (EMPP), Atlantic Immigration Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, and Business Class.
Expected PTE Core Test Score CLB-Level Equivalency
For immigration to Canada, English proficiency is measured using Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels. Here are the IELTS General CLB levels:
| CLB Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
| 10 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
To qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) Express Entry, the minimum requirement is CLB level 7 in all four abilities. For PTE Core, a score of 46 or above might be needed.
For the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) Express Entry, CLB level 5 is the minimum requirement. A potential PTE equivalent score for CLB level 5 could be 18 or above in reading and 29 or above in the other modules.
PTE Score Requirement For Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
For the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the PTE score requirement depends on the CLB level:
| CLB Level | Possible PTE Scores | IELTS Scores |
| 7 | 46 in each module | 6 in each module |
| 5 | 15–18 in reading and 29 in each module | 4 in reading and 5 in each module |
The approved English language proficiency tests for Canadian immigration are IELTS General Training, CELPIP General Test, and soon, PTE Core, expected to be accepted by IRCC as of early 2024.
