IELTS and CELPIP updates for Canadian immigrants

IELTS and CELPIP updates for Canadian Immigrants

As countries around the world have lifted coronavirus restrictions, IELTS and CELPIP have also increased their operations in recent weeks.

If you are looking to complete an English language test to help with your application for a Canadian permanent resident visa, you can now access more IELTS and CELPIP test dates.

Those 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), can choose to undertake either IELTS General Training or CELPIP, as the Canadian government accepts both.

Since March, the operators of IELTS and CELPIP have complied with government regulations around the world and had stopped their operations due to global COVID-19 containment efforts. Immigration candidates as a result were unable to complete this important step. But in recent weeks with COVID restrictions easing across the world, IELTS and CELPIP test takers are now able to access and take these tests.

IELTS availability

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

Some of these include (among others):

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

All candidates who are currently in Canada can now book their IELTS in provinces across the country including Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. IELTS is now available across much of India, as it is the leading source country of Canada’s immigrants.

CELPIP availability

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)

Note that re-opening dates for Ontario, Quebec, New York, and New Delhi will be notified soon.

What are the benefits of submitting your immigration application now?

For many individuals who have wanted to submit an Express Entry profile or immigration application in recent months, completing an IELTS or CELPIP has been the last major obstacle. Once you have completed your test, you should also complete the submission process as quickly as possible.

Candidates who are outside of Canada can obtain a provincial nomination which will effectively guarantee that you will eventually gain permanent residence. From the middle of March, various provinces have been holding PNP draws and have already issued provincial nominations to candidates outside of Canada.

Additionally, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will eventually hold draws for Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program candidates. If you are in the Express Entry pool when this resumes, you will benefit.

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