Language test results like IELTS or CELPIP are legally valid for exactly two years from the day you took the test. If an Express Entry draw happens on the exact date your score expires, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) generally considers it valid for receiving the Invitation to Apply (ITA), but you must either submit your full application that exact same day or retake the test. The standard permanent residence application fee is $990 CAD.
Navigating the complex immigration system in Canada often comes down to precise timing. For many hopeful immigrants, securing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence is a dream come true, but panic quickly sets in when they realise their IELTS or CELPIP scores are right on the edge of expiring. 📅 Since language proficiency is a core pillar of the Express Entry system, understanding the strict deadlines set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is absolutely critical to avoid a devastating rejection.
A common question is whether an expired IELTS score will be accepted if the Express Entry draw miraculously lands on the exact date of expiry. Generally, IRCC operates on a strict timeline, meaning your results must be completely valid both when you receive your ITA and when you officially submit your Electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR). 📊 This comprehensive guide breaks down the step-by-step process of managing expiring language scores in Canada.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Dealing with expiring documents requires intense organisation and a clear understanding of the IRCC online portal. Most applicants choose to monitor their Express Entry profile daily to ensure everything remains compliant. 📝 Here is a detailed breakdown of how to handle a language test that is about to expire during an active draw.
Step 1: Calculating Your Exact Expiry Date
The very first step is checking the precise date you took your IELTS or CELPIP exam, which is clearly printed on your official Test Report Form. The two-year validity period begins on the day you sat for the test, not the day you received your results. 🔍 For example, if you took the test on June 15, it will strictly expire on June 15 two years later, effectively making it invalid the next day.
Step 2: Receiving the Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If an Express Entry draw occurs on the exact date your score expires, the automated system may still issue you an ITA because your profile was technically valid at the exact moment the draw parameters were executed. However, receiving the invitation is only the first hurdle. 📬 Your profile will soon lock, and you will be given a specific window (usually 60 days) to submit your complete eAPR and all supporting documents.
Step 3: Evaluating Your Submission Timeline
Once you have the ITA, you face a major dilemma: your test is now officially expiring. According to strict IRCC guidelines, your language results must be valid on the day you actually click “submit” on your final permanent residence application. ⏳ If you cannot upload all your medicals, police certificates, and employer reference letters on that exact expiry day, your application will likely be refused for being incomplete.
Step 4: Booking a New Language Test
To safely secure your Canadian permanent residence, the most highly recommended step is to immediately book a new IELTS or CELPIP test. Even if you already received the ITA with your old score, taking a new test ensures your results are valid when you submit the eAPR a few weeks later. 📚 You simply update the language test section of your application with the new Test Report Form numbers before making your final payment.
Step 5: Submitting the eAPR to IRCC
Once you have your new, valid language scores and all your mandatory documents, you can confidently submit your application. You will upload everything to your secure IRCC portal and pay the required government processing fees. 💳 By providing a completely valid language test at the time of submission, you fully protect your application from being rejected due to an expired document.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Applying for permanent residence through Express Entry involves several mandatory government fees and third-party costs. It is important to have these funds readily available in Canadian dollars (CAD). 💵 Here is a detailed breakdown of the common costs:
- PR Application Fee: The principal applicant must pay an official processing fee of $990 CAD, following the inflation-based adjustments that took effect on April 30, 2026.
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): This mandatory landing fee is $600 CAD (increased from $575 CAD on April 30, 2026).
- Biometrics Fee: Most applicants must provide fingerprints and a photo, which costs $85 CAD.
- New Language Test: If you must retake the IELTS or CELPIP to maintain validity, expect to pay around $340 CAD.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Timing your Express Entry application correctly is crucial because processing can take several months. Once you successfully submit your complete eAPR with valid language scores, IRCC aims to process most standard Express Entry applications within roughly 6 months. 📅 However, delays can occur if you require complex background checks or if the immigration officers need to request additional documentation from you.
To help you understand how IRCC views document validity, here is a helpful comparison:
| Document Type | Validity Period | When Must it be Valid? |
| Language Tests (IELTS/CELPIP) | Exactly 2 years from the test date. | Valid on the date of ITA and the date of eAPR submission. |
| Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) | Generally 5 years from the issue date. | Must be valid on the date you submit the eAPR. |
| Police Clearance Certificates | Depends on the country (often 6 months). | Must be valid when submitted; IRCC may request updates. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if my profile expires before a draw?
If your Express Entry profile reaches its one-year anniversary or your language scores expire before an ITA is issued, your profile becomes automatically ineligible and is removed from the pool. You will need to take a new test and create an entirely new Express Entry profile to re-enter the pool.
Can I submit my eAPR on the exact day my IELTS expires?
Technically, yes. If you submit your complete eAPR, pay the fees, and receive the official Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) before midnight (UTC time) on the exact date of expiry, it is generally considered valid. However, this is incredibly risky due to system lags, and retaking the test is much safer.
Does IRCC accept TOEFL or Duolingo for Express Entry?
No. For English proficiency in the Express Entry system, IRCC currently only accepts IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, or Pearson’s PTE Core test. They do not accept TOEFL, IELTS Academic, or Duolingo scores for permanent residence programs.
Will my new test score change my CRS points after getting an ITA?
It might. If you retake the test and score lower, your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score will drop. If your new score drops below the cut-off threshold of the specific draw that invited you, IRCC will likely refuse your application. You must maintain the minimum CRS score required for that specific draw.
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