IRCC's accepted English tests
IRCC lists CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core as the English tests for Express Entry, with results less than two years old (IRCC). The post-graduation work permit accepts the same three, says tests should be taken in person, and also needs results under two years old (IRCC). For citizenship, IRCC lists CELPIP, IELTS General Training and PTE Core in English (IRCC). The Duolingo English Test is on none of these lists.
| Purpose | English tests IRCC lists | DET accepted? |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry (PR) | CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, PTE Core | No |
| Post-graduation work permit | CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, PTE Core | No |
| Canadian citizenship | CELPIP-G or CELPIP-G LS, IELTS General Training, PTE Core | No |
PGWP language levels to plan for
If you applied for your PGWP on or after 1 November 2024, you need CLB 7 in all four abilities after a university bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree or other university programme, and CLB 5 after a college, polytechnic or other non-university programme (IRCC). So a student admitted with DET will usually need one of IRCC's tests before graduating. Check your level with the CLB calculator or the PTE Core CLB calculator.
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Canadian universities that accept DET
Universities set their own admission rules. For undergraduate admission, UBC lists the Duolingo English Test with an overall 125 and subscores of Reading 115, Listening 115, Writing 120 and Speaking 120 (UBC). The University of Toronto asks for an overall 120 with 120 in Production for tests taken on or after 1 July 2024, sent with your U of T applicant number (U of T).
| University | DET requirement (undergraduate) |
|---|---|
| University of British Columbia | Overall 125; Reading 115, Listening 115, Writing 120, Speaking 120 |
| University of Toronto | Overall 120 and Production 120 (tests on or after 1 July 2024) |
Planning study then PR
If you plan to stay after graduating, you will need IRCC's tests anyway for the PGWP (IRCC). Compare options in IELTS for the PGWP and IELTS for Express Entry, or try a PTE Core practice test.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Duolingo English Test accepted for Canada PR?+
No. IRCC lists only CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core in English for Express Entry.
Can I use Duolingo for a Canadian PGWP?+
No. The PGWP accepts CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core in English, taken in person and less than two years old.
What DET score does UBC need?+
For undergraduate admission, an overall 125 with Reading 115, Listening 115, Writing 120 and Speaking 120.
What DET score does the University of Toronto need?+
For undergraduates, an overall 120 with 120 in Production, for tests taken on or after 1 July 2024.
Is DET accepted for Canadian citizenship?+
No. IRCC's English options are CELPIP-G or CELPIP-G LS, IELTS General Training and PTE Core.
Keep reading
Related
- Duolingo vs IELTS for universities
- IELTS for the PGWP
- CLB score calculator
- PTE Core practice test
- All 1712 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 14 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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