ELP exam requirements prior to May 12, 2026

English exam score requirements for VisaScreen

Applicants for VisaScreen must demonstrate oral and written competency of the English language as mandated by federal law. The English proficiency requirement varies by profession and is demonstrated by achieving a passing score in one of the tests listed below.

A VisaScreen applicant may be exempt from taking an English language proficiency examination if they have completed an English-based professional education. To be exempted, an applicant must meet both of the following two criteria:

• Entry-level professional education must have occurred in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada (except Quebec), New Zealand, Ireland, or the United States; AND
• English must have been the language of instruction, including the language of the textbooks.

Exemption for U.S. work experience – VisaScreen Renewal only

To be exempt from having to take an English language proficiency examination based on having worked in the United States, an applicant must meet the following three criteria:

• Demonstrate employment in the United States for at least 27 months, including nine (9) months employment prior to the date of the renewal order.
• The applicant must be employed in the profession for which they are seeking the VisaScreen service.
• The U.S. employer must sign and submit an employment summary on corporate letterhead.