New tougher language requirements for Canada citizenship

Canada, 29th September: Acquiring Canada citizenship will now become all the more difficult due to recent changes in language requirements.

So, come November and aspirants of Canada citizenship will have to fulfill changed requisites in terms of language.

Objective proof of language for Canadian citizenship—Canada immigration minister Jason Kenney has announced 28th September that applicants for Canada citizenship will be required to submit objective proof of their language ability. However, the minister clarified that no changes have been made in the level of French or English language.

Who will be affected by new Canada citizenship language rules?—Kenney has confirmed that the new requirements of language for Canadian citizenship will affect those aged between 18 years and 54 years.

Currently, such applicants are required to provide evidence that they have the ability to communicate in either of the two official languages of Canada when they apply for Canada citizenship.

As to the reasons behind introduction of stricter rules for aspirants of Canadian citizenship, Kenney stated that new Canada citizens ought to be able to take part in Canadian society and Canadian economy.

It has already been affirmed by extensive study that communication ability in any of Canada’s two official language is integral for success integration of new Canadian citizens, said Kenney. Hence, the rules have been changed with effect from 1st November, 2012.

Documents as language proficiency proof--Among proof of language abilities before the aspirants move forward with putting in their applications include the following—

• Results of IELTS and other third-party test approved by Canada immigration(CIC-Citizenship and Immigration Canada);

• Proof of having achieved appropriate level of language in government-funded language programs;

• Successful completion of secondary or post-secondary education in French or English. So, aspiring candidates of Canadian citizenship will have to make sure to provide proof of any of the above to avoid return of their Canada citizenship applications.

It may be worth mentioned here that in an analysis revealed in April this year, it was stated that new stricter Canada citizenship rules might have a dampening impact on the number of applications for Canada citizenship.

In addition, such changes are likely to be costly, the analysis revealed.

That’s because government of Canada will have to offer more free language training programs for those desirous of becoming Canada citizens.