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Rituparna Nath

Content Writer at Study Abroad Exams | Updated On - Apr 27, 2021

The PTE test is trusted majorly by all universities over the world along with government bodies and institutions. PTE exam pattern tests the reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. Most of the candidates take the PTE Academic exam which is a 3 hours computer-based exam.

There are around 295 PTE test centers spread out over 50 countries, PTE score is mostly accepted by universities/colleges in the UK, US, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, and more.

Now, if you are someone interested in studying in Canada then you might also be worried about the English proficiency tests accepted by Canadian immigration. Candian Immigration only accepts IELTS as their language proficiency test. PTE is definitely considered as an English language test for the Canadian universities but not immigration.

Is the PTE exam valid for the Canadian immigration PR process?

PTE tests are not being accepted for Canadian PR process. It is majorly used for Australian immigration. Although, the test is a growing leaps and bounds, but still miles too to get accepted for PR purposes in Canada. Though PTE can be used for student visa purposes. PTE Academic exam is accepted for study at a range of institutions in Canada. You can always take your test at one of the centers in Canada, or at one of the locations overseas, and then send your scores to your chosen institution. PTE Academic results are generally delivered in 5-6 days, so you don't need to worry about your scores.

PTE was established in Australia, particularly for immigration. But the way PTE is expanding will force other governments to accept it as one of the sole tests for Canadian PR process.

PTE scores are accepted by Canadian universities for a student visa. But one cannot use it for a Canada PR visa. The PTE exam is not valid in Canada and is not considered as an English proficiency test for individuals.

The exams accepted for Canadian immigration are IELTS General Training, CELPIP or Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program. Canada needs candidates to take the IELTS general test in order to deem them eligible for immigration. If you want to take up an exam to immigrate to Canada, you must face the IELTS general test and make sure to score at least about a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB7) or above.

Canadian Language Benchmarks, or CLBs, are a standard trial used in Canadian immigration applications to describe 12 levels of language ability in Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. This is used in many contexts, including- immigration to Canada, and studying in Canada.

These benchmarks determine if you are eligible to immigrate to Canada and have the required language skill set to settle and work in the English speaking country.

However, if you aspire to migrate to Canada or New Zealand, you can face the PTE exam which is valid in these countries. To immigrate to Canada and obtain the PR facility, generally, a CLB level of 7 is accepted. Though there are certain factors that determine the acceptance of the profile.

The minimum PTE score Required for Canada Student Visa

The minimum PTE score depends on the course you want to pursue in Canadian Universities. The minimum overall score must be 45 with no less than 36. Few colleges in Canada like-Algonquin college,Capilano University, Conestoga College, Georgian College and many more accept PTE scores in place of IELTS. To get a student Visa/study permit , the below score range of PTE and IELTS will help you to get a proper idea.

PTE score equivalent to IELTS score

Here is a table provided that states the levels of both PTE and IELTS scores. From the list you will get an idea of the distribution of the scores.

PTE Academic score range Equivalent IELTS Band score
86 or above 9
83-85 8.5
79-82 8
73-78 7.5
65-72 7
59-64 6.5
51-58 6
43-50 5.5
35-42 5
30-42 4.5

Hence, PTE is not valid for PR in Canada. If you intend to apply for PR then you need to give the IELTS General version exam. However PTE Academic is applicable for Australian PR.

Also check- How to Immigrate to Canada 2021?

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.

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