IELTS And CELPIP Update For Canadian Immigrants
Candidates planning to complete an English language test to help their pursuit of Canadian permanent resident visa can now obtain more IELTS and CELPIP test dates.
The federal government of Canada accepts either the IELTS General Training or CELPIP for people who wish to lodge an Express Entry profile or get permanent residence via other federal or provincial programs, such as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Since March, it has been difficult for Express Entry candidates to complete this important step since the operators of IELTS and CELPIP have conform with government regulations around the world. As part of global coronavirus containment efforts, federal and provincial government have required that non-essential services stop their operations.
These past weeks, governments across Canada and abroad have eased these restrictions which is to the benefit of IELTS and CELPIP test takers.
Where You Can Take An IELTS Tests
As of June 15, IELTS is open for testing in Seventy-two (72) countries.
Tests are available in leading source countries of immigrants to Canada, such as:
- Australia
- Hong Kong
- India
- South Korea
- Lebanon
- Mexico
- Bangladesh
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Egypt
- France
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
- Vietnam
IELTS is available in many other countries including in Canada.
Temporary foreign workers, International students, and other temporary residents and visitors presently in Canada can now book their IELTS in provinces across the country including Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia.
India still remain the leading source country of Canada’s immigrants and IELTS is now also available across much of India.
Where You Can Take A CELPIP Test
As of June 15, is available in Six (6) countries.
You can now take a CELPIP test in:
- Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Yukon)
- United States (California, Texas, Virginia)
- China (Hong Kong)
- India (Chandigarh)
- Philippines (Manila)
- United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
Re-opening dates for the likes of New York, Ontario, Quebec, and New Delhi have been set for the days and weeks ahead.
Benefits of submitting your immigration applications now
Completing an IELTS or CELPIP has been the last major hindrances for many people who have wanted to lodge an immigration application in recent months.
Once you complete your English language test, it is in your best interests to complete the submission process as fast as possible.
If you are outside of Canada, you can acquire a provincial nomination which will practically assure that you will eventually gain Canadian permanent residence. Since the middle of March, various provinces have conduct regular PNP draws and have sent out provincial nominations to candidates outside of Canada.
Furthermore, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will even conduct draws for Federal Skilled Trades Program and Federal Skilled Worker Program candidates and it is to a candidate’s benefits to be in the Express Entry pool for when this resumes.
If you are inside of Canada, you have the opportunity to obtain an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence under Express Entry within days of lodging your profile. Recent Express Entry draws have focused mainly on Canadian Experience Class and PNP candidates in recent weeks and cut-off scores have since dropped to the lowest level since 2017.
