The two-year rule
IRCC accepts results that are less than two years old on two dates: when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you submit your application for permanent residence after an invitation. The test date on your report is what counts.
Accepted tests
| Language | Test |
|---|---|
| English | IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, PTE Core |
| French | TEF Canada, TCF Canada |
The academic versions of IELTS and PTE are not accepted, and IELTS One Skill Retake results are not accepted for Express Entry.
If your test expires while you are in the pool
An expired result makes your profile ineligible. You need to take a new test and update the profile with the new results. Your new scores may be higher or lower; the profile is rescored either way. If you receive an invitation, check the expiry date immediately: a result that expires before you submit your application will lead to a refusal.
Planning tips
- Book a retest about three months before your result's second anniversary if you are still waiting for an invitation.
- Keep the test report number exactly as printed; IRCC checks it with the test provider.
- Use the CLB conversion chart to see what score you need for each CLB level.
Common questions
Does the expiry date matter if I already have an invitation?
Yes. The result must still be valid on the day you submit your application.
Can I use an older test with higher scores?
Only if it is under two years old on both dates. Once it is older, it cannot be used.