New Language Requirements For Canadian Citizenship Coming into Effect November 1st

The UBC English Language Institute is one of thousands of locations where individuals can take an IELTS exam. Citizenship applicants will be required to submit the results from CIC-approved third-party tests like the IELTS or provide evidence of completion of secondary or post-secondary education in English or French to be have their application processed.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) announced today that the majority of citizenship applicants will be required to demonstrate language proficiency in English or French when they apply, effective November 1st, 2012.

Currently, CIC assesses applicants’ language proficiency through the interaction their staff have with the applicant, and from the applicant’s citizenship knowledge test results.

Under coming changes, citizenship applicants will be required to submit the results of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test, and score at least 4.0 and 4.5 on the speaking and listening portions, respectively.

In order for applicants to demonstrate French language proficiency, they will be required to submit the results of the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF), and score at least 181 and 145 on the speaking and listening portions.

Applicants can have the language test requirement waived if they can show evidence of having completed secondary or post-secondary education in English or French.

The new language requirements will only apply to applicants aged 18-54.

365 thoughts on “New Language Requirements For Canadian Citizenship Coming into Effect November 1st

  1. I have a 6.0 band in listening, reading, speaking , and 5.5 in writing. If I take admission in Algonquin collage in Ottawa Ontario in mechanical engginearing technicians so I have a chances of permanent residency of Canada after completing a course with good result.plz reply

  2. Hi Sir,

    At the time I applied for PR Status of Canada, no any English Languge test required by Immirgation officer of Canada government as they accept my education is initially by English.

    Now, is it elgible for using the Degree certificate and/or transcripts of United Kingdom university as proof of my English Language ability for application of Canadian citizenship?

    Thanks and looking forward

  3. Hello,
    I completed( B.AENGLISH Literature)graduation 1 year ago,looking to study canada for diploma courses.Do i need a to write Ielts ?kindly suggest me.

  4. Hi CICS team,

    I am Paolo from the Philippines. I am planning to apply for a Canadian permanent residency. My friend is already a citizen and she wanted to sponsor me there as a provincial nominee in Manitoba. My question is can I waive the IELTS portion since from my secondary, tertiary and post graduate studies English is our medium of instruction. Will those justification will suffice? even I am from the top university of our country.

    Hope to receive your feedback.

    Thank you very much.

    Paolo

  5. I have completed MBA from UK in 2010 and recently working reliance general insurance company as sales support executive.
    As you said “Applicants can have the language test requirement waived if they can show evidence of having completed secondary or post-secondary education in English or French”.
    I have completed secondary or post-secondary education in English only.
    My question is that do i still have to give IELTS for applying for canada PR?As in 2008 i have already given my IELTS while applying for UK student Visa
    Kindly suggest.

  6. Hi good morning ,i hope this email finds you good.
    i am MPNP nominated in family
    stream, i have get 5 bands in ielts. which is equal
    to CLB 5, and my work expirence under NOC B,out side from canada,now i am submitting my application to cic office,
    so its enogh score to satisfy my profession as i
    meet minimum language reauirement of cic CLB language .
    Thanks

  7. Please, I had entered all the information require on Express Entry for Canada and i have not gotten any information or mails. I have done the GT test and I scored 5.5 band, Please kindly tell me what to do and how i can go about it.
    Thanks

    • Hi Onayemi,

      I saw your post here regarding the EE PR for Canada.I am an applicant too so If you can reach me on phone 08037951958 lets to talk further on how to apply together if you are interested.
      Port Harcourt

  8. Hi Sir,

    At the time I applied for PR Status of Canada, no any English Languge test required by Immirgation officer of Canada government as they accepted my education is initially by English.

    I have studied and completed a top – up degree (only final year with four subject because I was granted exemptions from all other subjects of the degree courses due to my currently owned professional and /or acadmic quaifications) of a United Kingdom in Hong Kong (not in the UK compus).

    Now, is it elgible for using the Degree certificate and/or transcripts of the four subjects of United Kingdom university as proof of my English Language ability for application of Canadian citizenship?

    Thanks and looking forward

  9. Dear sir ,
    Resendly i have receive refusal letter from cic ,
    because of my low ielts bands ,i am mpnp nomited and i have get nomination from mpnp after that i have submited my form cic office nova , they sent me refusal , i have get In R: 4 , W: 5 , L:6, S:5.5 , total 5 bands , my noc is 5223 which is under comes B , and minimum language reqirement for noc B is CLB 5 , and i have meet that requirement , kindly guide me what can we do in this situation.
    I want help there is some chance for apeal or sue kindly do help me , send me your email address want to contact you.

  10. Dear Sir,

    We have already received our LOA from MPNP, under social support and we are asked to submit requirements to CIC. Our IELTS has already expired this year. Do we need to take IELTS again, both Principal applicant and my common law partner? Thank you.

  11. Hi. I already had my IELTS Result.. Now, I would like to ask if what steps do I need to follow to apply for Family Support Stream in Manitoba? I have a close relative there who already acquired their Canadian Citizen. Im hoping for your response. Thank You so much.

  12. Dear Sir/Ma,

    Am Emmanuel, I am a secondary applicant for the CIC, my wife is the principal applicant with a band of 7.0 in her IELTS exam.

    I already did my IELTS exams but am waiting for my result.

    Please what is the minimum band required for a secondary applicant?

    Thanks

  13. I cannot find my test result of general IELTS, but I still have the academic IELTS result, which average is 6.5, individual module was no less than 6. Could I submit that as an substitution.

  14. Hi,
    I have 15 years of exp. in software testing and worked as manager in an MNC.I had applied for Aus Visa and listed in DIAC too but due to IELTS requirement of 7 in each.( 20 points for state sponsorship)I could not get the VISA, I got overall 7.5 but 6.5 in one of the sections.My age is 45.Now I wan to check where I will be able to get Canada PR.
    Please let me know.
    Thanks!

  15. Hi,
    I have 8 years of exp. as a Assistant Professor in Computer.My age is 31.Now I want to apply for Canada PR. I got my results for IELTS general :
    L 5.5
    R 4
    W 6
    S 5
    overall band is 5.5.
    i am able to get PR for Canada?
    Please let me know.

  16. Hi, I have more than 3 years experience as Programmer from London. I have come back now. So while applying for PR of Canada do I need to give IELTS even then?

  17. Hi, I am about to apply for Canadian citizenship but I am stumped about whether I need to take the IELTS or not because I have done my bachelor’s and master’s degree both from an English university and have their diplomas and transcripts in English as well. Do I still need to give the IELTS? It would be very helpful for me to know in advance of this. Thank you.

  18. Hi. I`m working in u.a.e as a truck driver and i am looking to apply for a truck drivers visa for canada . i need a positive LMO for my application.
    i was wondering wether do i need IELTS SCORE to apply for LMO or thats required at the time of submitting application for permit only

  19. For ielts scores why is the best scores not considered if more than one test appeared?
    Isn’t it to check the level of skill?
    Can a particular skill acquired reduce in level?
    Isn’t this a problem of proper evaluation rather than skill level possessed by a candidate?
    IELTS has become a business, a kind of mafia for immigration aspirants.

    CIC need to come out with a clear policy and guidelines for IELTS conductor specially when there is unreasonable decline in skills like speaking and listening.

  20. hi, I was been level 4 (ELSA)for 7 months 3 years ago ,is it acceptable or I should finished level 4?
    please let me know.
    thank you

  21. I have lived and worked in UK for over 3 yrs. I studied accountancy from a polythecnic in nigeria. worked in Nigeria bank for over 7 yrs . am back in Nigeria. do I need ielts test of English to enter Canada pls.

  22. I have non credit diploma in marketing from Concordia . Is it enough for applying canadian citizenship OR need to take IELTS test ?
    Thank you; in advance

  23. I have the First Certificate in English and the Certificate in Advanced English (ESOL Examinations, English for Speakers of Other Languages) from Cambridge Assessment English, who is the same organization running the IELTS test.
    Cambridge Assessment English has official comparing scores for the First Certificate (FCE) and the Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) to the IELTS. According to those official comparing scores, my band score for IELTS is 7.

    Would my FCE and CAE be valid in order to apply for the Canadian Citizenship?

    Many thanks in advance.

  24. Dear ,
    This post and thread seems old and I am posting this in 2017. However I wanted to confirm that will I be needing IELTS band too when I have studied in UK and worked there too for almost 5 years.
    Your kind and prompt reply will be obliged.
    P.s I am willing to apply for PR

  25. I graduated from an English speaking school and I also have over 10 years work experience in an English speaking organization, is the IELTS exam compulsory for immigration to Canada.

    Thank you.

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