Canada plans to make language tests mandatory for fresh applicants in Economic class

Although the Bill C-50 that proposes controversial legislative amendments in Canada’s immigration law is still pending, the ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has plans to make mandatory for all applicants in the Economic Class (Skilled workers and business immigrants) to undergo a formal third-party language test in English or French to prove proficiency in one of Canada's official languages, regardless of their nationality, mother tongue, or language of instruction.

The policy change, if implemented, would not be applied hopefully to applications already in process, or to those who have applied under the family class.

At present, applicants in skilled worker and business categories can “elect” to take a language test from any of CIC’s approved organizations or submit other evidence of their abilities in one of Canada’s official languages. However, the proposed change will require a fresh applicant in these categories to undergo a language test from an approved organization, which includes IELTS (International English Language Testing System) for English and TEF (Test d’évaluation de français) for French.

In my opinion, this planned requirement will actually not hurt the current frequency of fresh applications worldwide, but a fair policy with reasonable exemptions would be acceptable for everyone. It is a fact that assessing an individual’s language skills based on evidences other than IELTS or TEF is typical and affect the overall process time of an application but requiring native English or French speakers to take the test would not be fair and consistent. Likewise, it would also not fair to use the same language benchmark for applicants in different job categories. For example, applicants in Skill Level B, C and D may require a lower score in language test than Skill Level A or Skill Type 0.

For you, it should be helpful to know that proficiency in English, French or both will significantly help you in your settlement in Canada and in Canadian job market. If you feel more comfortable in English than French (or don’t know French) your score in IELTS can help you to claim up to 16 points in immigration assessment. CIC recognizes IELTS as a trusted and valid indicator of your English language abilities and awards points based on your individual scores in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking capabilities. For the purpose of immigration to Canada, you will be required to select the General training option of IELTS test while you can use language test result for one year from the time you took the test.

IELTS is one of the fastest growing English language tests in the world, which is jointly managed by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. IELTS tests are available up to 48 times a year at 500 authorised test centres in 120 countries. More than 6,000 education institutions, faculties, government agencies and professional organisations in over 68 countries recognise IELTS. In 2007, over 940,000 candidates around the world join IELTS to fulfill university entrance requirements, new immigration policies and professional recognition throughout the English-speaking world.