The Pearson Test Of English Is Now Accepted For Canada Immigration

The Pearson Test of English is now accepted for Canada immigration by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). 

High scores on the PTE can make a big difference in your chances of living in Canada. Let’s read on to learn more about how the PTE can help you with your Canadian immigration plans.

PTE Is Now Accepted For Canada Immigration

From January 30, 2024, the PTE Core test will be accepted for most Canadian immigration pathways, except for the Student Direct Stream (SDS), which will continue to require the PTE Academic. This expansion offers applicants more options when choosing their English proficiency test.

The PTE Core will be valid for various immigration programs, including the Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and those seeking Canadian citizenship. 

This change addresses the need for a streamlined and efficient testing process, helping many applicants from diverse backgrounds meet their immigration goals.

What Is The PTE Core?

The PTE Core is a computer-based English language test that assesses general English proficiency for Canadian immigration purposes. It evaluates everyday English skills across four domains: speaking, writing, reading, and listening, all within a two-hour timeframe.

The test can be taken at over 400 testing centers worldwide, making it accessible to many applicants. The scoring process combines human and AI evaluation to minimize bias and ensure fairness, with results usually available within 2 days.

The PTE Core test is divided into 3 main sections:

• Speaking and writing (50 minutes): This section assesses the test taker’s ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written English.
• Reading (30 minutes): The reading section evaluates the ability to understand written English through various reading tasks.
• Listening (30 minutes): This section measures the ability to comprehend spoken English through different listening tasks.

PTE Core Score Required For Canadian Immigration

For Canadian immigration, the PTE Core scores are converted to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) system.

To qualify for Permanent Residency (PR), you need at least CLB level 4 on the PTE Core (reading 30-41, writing 41-50, listening 28-38, and speaking 42-50).

Higher scores are required for the Express Entry poll. Federal Skilled Worker candidates and those in TEER 0 or 1 occupations need a minimum CLB 7 (reading 60-68, writing 69-78, listening 60-70, speaking 68-75). Besides, Canadian Experience Class candidates in TEER 2 or 3 occupations need CLB 5 or higher. 

5 Tips To Prepare For PTE Exam

Understanding The Exam 

• Familiarize yourself with the test structure: Understanding the format and types of questions in each PTE Core section is essential.
• CLB equivalency: Learn about the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) and how they match PTE scores to see if you qualify for different immigration programs.

Building The Foundation

• Maintain a natural pace: Aim for a natural speaking speed of about 3 words per second. Besides, avoid speaking too fast or too slow.
• Clear pronunciation: Open your mouth wide to pronounce words clearly. 

Practicing Effectively

• Incorporate keywords: Use keywords from the questions in your responses to ensure that your answers are relevant and focused.
• Use recording time wisely: If you have extra recording time, it’s best to repeat keywords to reinforce your answers.

Test-Taking Strategies

• Pre-check options: Before handling a question, review all the options to choose the best answer.
• Random selection for unknown words: If you don’t know the meaning of a word, choose an option randomly and move on. Don’t dwell too long on difficult questions.
• Time management: To manage your time effectively, spend more time on easier questions and less on harder ones. Aim to spend more than three minutes on each question.

Mock Tests

• Engage in mock tests: Regularly take mock tests to simulate the exam environment. It helps you familiarize yourself with the real test.
• Use study resources: Online courses, study guides, and practice tests are valuable resources for improving your English skills.

PTE Core Cost For Canada Immigration

The PTE Core test for Canadian immigration costs around CAD 340, but the price can vary depending on the location where you take it. The test takes 2 hours to complete and is available at over 400 locations worldwide.

Conclusion

The Pearson Test of English is now accepted for Canada immigration, offering another pathway to meet language requirements. With its global availability and clear scoring system, PTE Core is a convenient choice for Canadian immigrants.