Canada Removes IELTS Requirements for Non-Express Applicants

Canada aims to simplify the immigration procedure for workers and students worldwide by eliminating the need for IELTS for non-express candidates.

As a result of the ruling, candidates for visas under the non-express entry Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) will no longer need to provide proof of their English language proficiency.

Up until now, Canada has been one of the most popular destinations for immigrants. Statista reports that the nation is home to about 500,000 immigrants from throughout the globe.

What is the Canadian Province Nominee Program (PNP) Entry?

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a Canadian government project that aims to give provinces more influence over immigration policy.

Provinces can designate immigrants who want to live and settle in Canada to work or pursue education under the PNP program. Either the non-express entrance PNP method or the express entry route may be used to nominate immigrants.

Read Also: Canada Visa Lottery – What you need to know

What Does This Mean to PNP Applicants?

Beforehand, all PNP applicants were subject to mandatory language testing. But non-Express Entry PNP applicants will no longer have to take a language test, according to the revised program delivery instructions.

What does this mean for Express Entry Applicants

Note that even though non-Express Entry PNP applicants do not require language testing, candidates nominated under an Express Entry stream must still fulfill this requirement.

Applications for Express Entry that do not have these necessary documents will be considered incomplete and returned, therefore, applicants risk consequences if they cannot provide genuine language test results.

Thus, in order to prevent delays or other potential obstacles in the immigration process, it is crucial for nominees for Express Entry to make sure they are complying with the specified language test standards.

What are the accepted English language tests for Express Entry applicants?

The approved testing agencies by Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) include;

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

Is this A Positive development?

The immigration procedure gets simpler and more efficient as Canada does away with the IELTS requirements for non-express entry PNP applicants. This eventually helps talented immigrants integrate into Canadian society.

It is recommended that prospective immigrants be up-to-date on any revisions regarding Canada’s English Language requirements and follow the most recent standards in order to increase their chances of being granted immigration.