Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
The two dates that matter
IRCC's language test page says results must be less than two years old when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you submit your application for permanent residence. Pearson says a PTE Core Score Report is valid for two years from the test date (PTE Core FAQ), so count from the day you sat the test, not the day the score arrived.
| When the result expires | What IRCC says |
|---|---|
| While your profile is in the pool | Your profile can become ineligible if your language test results expired |
| After an invitation, before you apply | Retake the test, apply before expiry, or decline and return to the pool |
| You apply with expired results | IRCC will refuse the application |
If you get an invitation close to expiry
IRCC tells invited candidates to check that their language test results will still be valid, and suggests that before you are invited you may want results that stay valid for the time you will be in the pool (language test page). If you no longer meet the criteria, it says to decline the invitation for that round.
The create profile page lists expired language results as one way a profile becomes ineligible. IRCC's help centre says an ineligible profile cannot be changed, so you would create a new one with new results.
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IRCC accepts IELTS General Training and PTE Core, not IELTS Academic or PTE Academic. Practise the test you will actually sit, free.
Try PTE Core free →Practise before you book: free PTE mock test, PTE predictions, PTE Core practice test and PTE to IELTS converter.
Planning the retake
Pearson says most PTE Core results arrive within two business days and can take up to five (Pearson). Booking a retake a few months before the two-year mark keeps a valid result in your profile. See how to update your profile once the new score arrives.
IRCC changes programme rules and score tables from time to time. Check the linked canada.ca page before you book a test or apply. This guide is general information, not immigration advice.
Frequently asked questions
Does PTE Core validity count from the test date or the result date?+
Pearson says two years from the test date.
Can I apply for PR if my PTE Core expires after I submit?+
IRCC's rule is that results must be less than two years old when you submit the permanent residence application.
What if my PTE Core expires after my ITA?+
IRCC says to retake the test, apply before the results expire, or decline the invitation and return to the pool.
Will IRCC accept an expired PTE Core result with a new one on the way?+
IRCC says it will refuse an application made with expired language test results.
Keep reading
Related
- PTE score validity
- Update your Express Entry profile with a new PTE Core score
- How to send your PTE Core score to IRCC
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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