British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) continues to refrain from accepting the Pearson Test of English (PTE Core), despite its inclusion in Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) list of approved language proficiency tests.
While IRCC officially recognized the PTE Core on January 30 for all Canadian work and visa applications except the Student Direct Stream (SDS), BC PNP has not yet adopted it. This decision has left many potential applicants in limbo.
Starting from February 12, the PTE Core joined the ranks of CELPIP and IELTS as an accredited English proficiency test for economic immigration to Canada through federal Express Entry-related programs. However, BC PNP’s announcement stands in contrast to this development.
Currently, BC PNP accepts the following tests:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP-General)
- Test d’evaluation de francais (TEF)
- Test de connaissance du francais (TCF)
However, there is optimism that BC PNP will begin accepting the PTE Core in the fall of 2024, as indicated on their official website.
What is the PTE Core?
The PTE Core, a recent addition to the Pearson Test of English suite, closely resembles PTE Academic in its structure and content. It is a computer-based test lasting two hours, assessing speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
Unlike its Academic counterpart, the PTE Core is tailored for vocational test takers, with a focus on real-life, non-academic scenarios. It was specifically designed to meet Canada’s migration needs and IRCC’s language proficiency requirements.
Replacing the previous PTE Essential, which received IRCC approval last year, the PTE Core was introduced to align with Canada’s economic migration demands for 2024 and beyond.
Why Was the PTE Core Created?
According to Pearson’s website, the PTE Core was developed to address Canada’s economic migration needs, especially in high-demand professions such as nursing, engineering, and web development. It arrives at an opportune time for test takers seeking to immigrate to Canada, given the country’s emphasis on skilled migration and workforce development.
While BC PNP’s delay in accepting the PTE Core may cause some inconvenience, prospective immigrants should keep an eye out for updates, as its adoption could offer a new pathway to Canadian immigration for skilled professionals.
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