Canada is home to more than 200,000 Indian students, and has witnessed an increase in the numbers in the last few years. Cities like Quebec, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and others cumulatively welcome around 350,000 immigrants from across the globe. Getting not just a student visa, but also PR in Canada is definitely achievable and one of the most important steps in the process is proving your English language proficiency through various distinguished exams.
Among these, TOEFL is one of the most popular exams that assess an individual’s English language skills. But, the question is, is TOEFL accepted in Canada for study visa? Yes, it definitely is! Read on as we help you uncover the TOEFL requirements for Canada student visa, and TOEFL Canada immigration requirements!
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TOEFL for Canada Student Visa
There are primarily two major languages in Canada: English and French. While French is spoken in only a few regions like Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Brunswick, English language is widely spoken across Canada. English also happens to be the medium of instruction in all major universities in Canada.
Students from non-English speaking countries planning to move to Canada are required to produce english-language proficiency test scores. Since the majority of teaching and classroom interactions will take place in English, the test scores will ensure that a student is able to follow through the course curriculum with ease.
There are several exams like IELTS, TOEFL, CAE, DET, etc. that students can take to prove their English proficiency. Test of English as a foreign language or TOEFL is one of the most popular exams taken to prove English language proficiency for studying in English speaking countries like Canada. When giving a TOEFL exam, you are usually tested in four major segments: Listening, Reading,Writing and Speaking
TOEFL vs IELTS: Which Exam should you take & why
Now coming to the most important question- Is TOEFL accepted for Canada student visa? Well, yes. TOEFL is valid for Canada student visa. TOEFL is usually of three types: the TOEFL cBT, TOEFL iBT and TOEFL pBT, and each one is accepted as a proof of english proficiency. Lets us understand what these mean:
- TOEFL pBT: TOEFL pBT is the paper based test, usually less common and taken in areas having limited internet facilities.
- TOEFL cBT: TOEFL cBT, on the other hand is a computer based test, which is majorly common among the international population.
- TOEFL iBT: TOEFL iBT is an internet based test which now can be taken as the TOEFL iBT home edition test.
Recently another type of TOEFL exam has been prevalent due to the COVID-19, which is the TOEFL iBT home edition, aiding students to take their TOEFL exam in the comfort of their homes. But is TOEFL home edition accepted for Canada student visa? YES, just like other forms of TOEFL exam, a TOEFL iBT home edition is definitely accepted!
Learn all about Intakes & Deadlines for Canada Universities
Now that we have answered the question, is TOEFL accepted for Canada Student Visa, let us move on to finding out the TOEFL score for Canada student visa.
TOEFL Score Requirements and Criteria for Student Visa in Canada
The TOEFL score for each of the four sections is added to sum up to an overall score valid for both the TOEFL pBT and TOEFL iBT exams.
Let us understand the various score ranges for TOEFL given below:
|
Level |
TOEFL iBT |
TOEFL pBT |
|
Excellent |
118-120 |
>645 |
|
Very good |
115-117 |
626-644 |
|
Very good |
110-114 |
610-625 |
|
Good |
102-109 |
581-609 |
|
Good |
94-101 |
560-580 |
|
Competent |
79-93 |
546-559 |
|
Competent |
60-78 |
530-545 |
|
Modest |
42-59 |
516-529 |
|
Modest |
35-41 |
490-515 |
A student wanting to apply for a student visa in Canada must display a minimum of the competence level in their TOEFL scores.
Therefore, the most preferable TOEFL score for Canada student visa at a majority of Canadian universities is usually considered to be 540-580 for TOEFL pBT and 80-90 for TOEFL iBT.
While the TOEFL score is counted as an English language proficiency test score to get hold of the Canadian student visa, the minimum requirements for the TOEFL score usually lies in the hands of the Canadian university you are applying to. Therefore, make sure you check the language score requirements at the university’s official website before appearing for the exam.
What are the Entrance Exams to Study in Canada: Let’s find out
Is TOEFL Accepted for PR in Canada?
Canada has different work visa and immigration programs that can make you eligible for PR in Canada. One important thing that has to be kept in mind while applying for PR in Canada is that TOEFL is not accepted for PR in Canada, no matter how high your score is. TOEFL Canada immigration is valid only when applying for a student visa in Canada.
Getting a PR in Canada is entirely dependent on two major English proficiency exams: the IELTS General Training, and the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program, CELPIP.
Skilled immigrants can easily become eligible for Canadian PR through the express entry system. The system has three major pathways:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
Given below is a brief table on the minimum English language requirements (IELTS) for Canadian immigration:
|
Program |
Minimum CLP Level |
Listening |
Reading |
Speaking |
Writing |
|
Federal skilled worker program |
7 |
6.0-7.0 |
6.0 |
6 |
6 |
|
Federal skilled trades program |
5 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
|
Canadian experience class |
7 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
Find out all about the IELTS Score for PR & Work Visa in Canada
Though not the right fit for being eligible for a PR in Canada, TOEFL scores are valid for getting your Canadian student visa. Apart from this, more than 12,000 universities across the globe including universities in Canada accept TOEFL scores as a proof of your English language proficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions about TOEFL score for PR and student visa in Canada
Ques. Is TOEFL accepted for Canada student visa?
Ans. Yes, TOEFL is accepted for Canada student visa.
Ques. Is TOEFL home edition accepted for Canada student visa?
Ans. Yes, the TOEFL home edition is very much accepted for Canada student visa.
Ques. Is TOEFL iBT accepted for Canada student visa?
Ans. Yes, TOEFL iBT is accepted when applying for a student visa in Canada.
Ques. What is the TOEFL fee?
Ans. The TOEFL exam fee ranges from approximately 11,000 INR to 14,000 INR based on the type of test you take.
Ques. I gave the TOEFL home edition test, when can I expect my results?
Ans. The TOEFL home edition test does not yield a paper based result, but you will receive an online scorecard within 6-7 days of taking the exam.
Ques. What is the minimum TOEFL score for Canada student visa?
Ans. The minimum score for a Canada student visa is 540 for TOEFL pBT and 80 for TOEFL iBT.
Ques.Why is English proficiency important to get hold of a student visa in Canada?
Ans. It is extremely important for you to demonstrate English proficiency in order to:
- Get a student visa, as English proficiency is a requirement
- Getting excellent employment opportunities in Canada
- Beginning your journey as a Permanent Resident in Canada
- Family class immigration
Ques. How long are my TOEFL scores valid for?
Ans. The TOEFL exam scores are valid for 2 years upon the examination date.
Ques. Is TOEFL valid for getting PR in Canada?
Ans. No, the TOEFL exam scores are not considered in the process for getting a PR in Canada.