IELTS and CELPIP update for Canadian immigrants

Individuals looking to complete an English language test to help their pursuit of a Canadian permanent resident visa can now access more IELTS and CELPIP test dates.

The Canadian government accepts either the IELTS General Training or CELPIP for individuals who wish to submit an Express Entry profile or obtain permanent residence through other federal or provincial streams, such as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Since March, it has been difficult for immigration candidates to complete this important step since the operators of IELTS and CELPIP have complied with government regulations around the world. As part of global COVID-19 containment efforts, governments in Canada and abroad have required that non-essential services stop their operations.

In recent weeks, governments across Canada and around the world have eased these restrictions which is to the benefit of IELTS and CELPIP test takers.

Where you can take an IELTS

As of June 15, IELTS is open for testing in 72 countries.

Tests are available in leading source countries of immigrants to Canada, such as:

• Australia
• Bangladesh
• Brazil
• Colombia
• Egypt
• France
• Hong Kong
• India
• South Korea
• Lebanon
• Mexico
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Russia
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Vietnam

IELTS is available in many more countries including in Canada.

International students, temporary foreign workers, and other temporary residents and visitors currently in Canada can now book their IELTS in provinces across the country including Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia.

India is by far the leading source country of Canada’s immigrants and IELTS is now available across much of India.

CELPIP is also available

As of June 15, CELPIP is available in 6 countries.

You can now take a CELPIP in:

• Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Yukon)
• United States (Texas, California, Virginia)
• China (Hong Kong)
• Philippines (Manila)
• United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
• India (Chandigarh)

Re-opening dates for the likes of Ontario, Quebec, New York, and New Delhi have been tentatively set for the days and weeks ahead.

Benefits of submitting your immigration application now

Completing an IELTS or CELPIP has been the last major obstacle for many individuals who have wanted to submit an Express Entry profile or immigration application in recent months.

Once you complete your test, it is in your best interests to complete the submission process as quickly as possible.

If you are outside of Canada, you can obtain a provincial nomination which will effectively guarantee that you will eventually gain permanent residence. Since the middle of March, various provinces have held regular PNP draws and have issued provincial nominations to candidates outside of Canada.

In addition, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will eventually hold draws for Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program candidates and it is to a candidate’s benefit to be in the Express Entry pool for when this resumes.

If you are inside of Canada, you have the opportunity to gain an invitation to apply for permanent residence under Express Entry within days of submitting your profile. Express Entry draws have focused on Canadian Experience Class and PNP candidates in recent months and cut-off scores have since fallen to the lowest level since 2017.