Canadian immigration change language rules to increase fairness

Canadian immigration minister Jason Kenney made the announcement today of the streamlining of processing although the language requirements themselves have not changed.

“But beginning April 10, 2010, prospective immigrants will be required to prove their English and French language abilities at the time they apply. This requirement supports our commitment to fast, fair and efficient application processing,” Mr Kenney said.

Previously, to prove language ability in French or English as part of a Canadian visa application, applicants could either submit an independent, third-party test or a written submission to a visa officer.

The written submission was intended for people whose first language is either English or French, however, many applicants whose first language was not English or French were providing a written submission. As submission wouldn’t adequately prove their ability they would have to provide further evidence, which led to processing delays.

“Now, applicants in these categories will have only one opportunity to prove their language ability,” said Minister Kenney. “They can still make a written submission to a visa officer if they wish, but only once.”

All applicants are encouraged to submit independent, third-party language test results, which will result in faster processing times because the language test gives applicants a clear indication of their ability before they apply.

In contrast, when submitting written proof applicants don’t know their results until their application is lodged and assessed by a Canadian visa officer.

“We strongly encourage applicants whose first language isn’t English or French to take a language test,” said Minister Kenney.

“We don’t want immigrants to be surprised if their written submission doesn’t match their reported ability, and they don’t get the desired assessment.”

On a selection system worth 100 points in total, Federal Skilled Worker immigration applicants can be awarded up to 24 points for their official language ability.

The Canadian Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people lodge their Canadian Visa with the Canadian High Commission London.