Language test by Canada immigration defies logic

Canada, 3rd August: Requirement of English language test by Canada immigration seems to be defying all logics and hence is facing an appeal in the High Court by a large number of aspirants of Canada visas.

The latest rule of mandatory English language tests as a prerequisite for getting a Canadian visa has highlighted the inflexibility of Canada immigration rules. This is creating red tapism in Canada immigration rules.

Take for instance the example of Sara Landreth and her husband James Brooke-Smith. Landreth, a US citizen holds a PhD in English literature while Brooke-Smith, a UK citizen, also has a PhD in English literature. Landreth is teaching English literature at the University of Ottawa after being hired by the university.

However, she as well as her husband will have to undertake an English language test in order to prove their knowledge of English to get Canada visas.

The new rules were introduced by Canada immigration minister Jason Kenney last month.

According to changed Canada immigration rules, immigrants to Canada must have the keenness to learn either of the two official languages of Canada or should already know either French or English, as a requirement to get application for Canada visa. And if they have spoken proficiency in either of the official languages of Canada and can prove it, then they will not have to pay CA$280 on undertaking a language test.

Earlier, Canada immigration allowed immigrants into Canada under the categories of Skilled Worker and Canadian Experience without any language test provided they could show their proficiency in written English.

Meanwhile, the previous ruling of Canada immigration was labeled as inefficient, unreliable and subject to fraud.

Nonetheless, the Canada government must show some logic in the cases of English professors including James Brooke-Smith and his wife Landreth since English happens to be the first language of both these US PhD degree holders.

Any compulsion for such people having proficiency in English language to take a language test at the cost of $280 smacks of bureaucracy in Canada immigration system. Moreover, it is likely to distract a large number of aspirants for Canada immigration in the coming times.