CIC increases Language Proficiency for New Immigrants July 2012

Written by Julie McMahon. Posted in Canadian English Language, Canadian Immigration Law & Policy

Here are the current approved Language Test Centres for Citizenship & Immigration Canada. Remember that the Government is increasing it’s CLB Language requirements to a 4 Level (required for Canadian citizenship) in July 2012.

Designated language tests

You can arrange to take a language test from any of the following designated agencies.

English

• IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Note: IELTS has two options for the reading and writing tests: “General Training” and “Academic.” You must take the “General Training” option.

• CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program

Note: CELPIP has two tests: “CELPIP-General (CELPIP-G)” and “CELPIP-Academic (CELPIP-A).” You must take the “CELPIP-G” test.

French

• TEF: Test d’évaluation de français

Note: You must submit results from the following TEF tests as proof of your French language proficiency:

• compréhension écrite
• compréhension orale
• expression écrite
• expression orale

Proof of language proficiency as a barrier to citizenship

While language learning is to be promoted, we are concerned about the impact of the proposed change to require citizenship applicants between the ages of 18 and 54 to provide third party proof that they have attained Canadian Language Benchmark level 4. We are particularly concerned about the impacts on certain vulnerable groups of newcomers. Our concerns relate to:

• The difficulties experienced by some newcomers in learning a new language; and
• The additional burden for some newcomers in having to provide proof of language proficiency.

Original Federal Government Announcement: http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2011/2011-10-15/html/notice-avis-eng.html#d106
Canadian Language Benchmark Tables http://www.language.ca/cclb_files/doc_viewer_dex.asp?doc_id=247&page_id=550

Trackback from your site.