Canada immigration makes English language test compulsory

Canada, 22nd July: All skilled immigrants wishing to live in Canada permanently will have to undergo English language test before getting Canada work visas including those who are native English speakers.

This measure has been introduced by Canada immigration department in order to measure exact measure of proficiency in English language.

As per the new Canada immigration rule, applicants for skilled immigration including native French and English speakers will have to undertake mandatory English language tests in order to settle permanently in Ottawa. Any application without results of English language test will not be processed. The new rule came into effect on 26th June 2010.

The new move by Canada immigration is likely to affect immigrants in big numbers hailing from French and English speaking nations and the largest number of skilled immigrants coming to Canada hail from US, UK and France.

As per data revealed by Canada immigration, nearly 33,500 immigrants came to Canada in the year 2008 out of which 60 percent were either investor immigrants or skilled immigrants under Canada skilled immigration program.

Earlier in the year 2008 too, the Canadian government had made English language test as mandatory for those wanting to come to Canada. 

However, following large-scale protests, the test was shelved.

Many are feeling cheated by the recent instructions of Canada government. One such immigrant living and working in Canada on Canada work permit as a lawyer for the last four years happens to be Dodi Robbins, a Harvard University graduate.

Robbins has been practicing law for last 13 years and wanted to settle permanently in Canada. However, to her awe and surprise, she came to know of a compulsory English language test before getting permanent residency in Canada.

Nonetheless, the government of Canada justifies the introduction of mandatory English language test as consistent, objective, transparent and fairest way to test language skills of immigrants in Canada.

The mandatory English language IELTS is of 30 minutes duration and includes one hour each of reading and writing along with an interview of 10 minutes duration and replies to questions. The cost of this test is CA $285