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

Posted on September 28, 2012 by CICS Immigration Team

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”

Saeid on October 12, 2012 at 2:21 am said:

some websites have published the new system for language proficiency in English or French(IELTS & TEF) for example if one need 20 points for language he/she must achieve 7.5 for listening and 6.5 for other skills ,so regard to it do you think this information are mocks as CIC decided to issue new information on 1,November?
Thanks in advance

Reply ↓
- CICS Immigration editor on October 12, 2012 at 1:21 pm said:
  
  The requirements mentioned in this article are for obtaining Canadian Citizenship, not Permanent Residence.
  
  The requirements you’ve seen in other websites are for qualifying for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, which grants Permanent Residence.
  
  Getting Permanent Residence is the first step in becoming a Canadian citizen, and is usually what people refer to when talking about ‘immigrating to Canada’.
  
  Reply ↓
  - ilesh sharma on October 29, 2014 at 9:54 am said:
    
    hi this is ilesh Sharma
    
    i am ITI holder and i have 20 years of fitter experience with 4.5 bands in ielts. i had applied for Canada but they haven’t replied yet so what should i do i am aged 48 i dont have much time.
    am eligible for the PR requirements?
    
    Reply ↓
Saeid on October 13, 2012 at 12:37 pm said:

Thank you for your help and consideration,if you have further information about score system of IELTS I would be grateful if you could send me to my email.
any reply will be appreciated.

Reply ↓
- kawaljot singh on December 23, 2016 at 7:06 pm said:
  
  Hello
  I am heavy truck diver at UAE and I have six month and I have done ielts and got 5.0 bands L5.5, R4.5, W 5.0 , S 5.5..I would be grateful if you give me information .I eligible for getting visa with LMO
  
  Reply ↓
zak on November 20, 2012 at 7:52 am said:

i sent in my application for citizenship…. i signed the application oct 20 and paid the fees nov 7th… will they still accept my application without having to do a language test i wrote them a letter explaining my lateness and i had to go threw surgery although the application was signed oct 20 and fees paid nov 7 will they still accept it?

Reply ↓
Chaminda on November 23, 2012 at 8:22 am said:

Dear Sir,

I am a Srilankan who is going to apply as work permit to Alberta and I have done my IELTS exam and my result is L-5.0, R-3.5, W-5.0, S-5.5 Overall 5.0 .

Please let me know this result will enough to apply work permit to Canada?

Reply ↓
- CICS Immigration editor on November 23, 2012 at 3:46 pm said:
  
  Hi Chaminda, you do not need to meet any language proficiency requirements to obtain a work permit in Canada.
  
  Reply ↓
  - A Louis on March 24, 2014 at 9:57 am said:
    
    I am applying for citizenship and my scores in ILETS were:
    Listening: 3.5
    reading:3.0
    writing:4.0
    speaking:7.0
    overall: 4.5
    would those results be enough or should I take it again??
    
    Reply ↓
Chaminda on November 25, 2012 at 5:37 am said:

Yes but last time I applied for work permit and refused my application because that application was not completed, not included enough documents also last time I submitted my IELTS result that band score is only 4.0. Therefore, my consultant has advice me do IELTS so I got that 5.0 in this time.

my consultant got that CAIPS note from Canada and on that had mentioned about my previous IELTS result is poor of 4.0

Please reply me with answer

Reply ↓
- CICS Immigration editor on November 26, 2012 at 7:46 pm said:
  
  There is no minimum language requirement for Canadian work permits, but it’s possible Immigration Officers will take IELTS results into account when reviewing the case. Your improved IELTS could help you in a new application, but there is no guarantee it will result in an approval.
  
  Reply ↓
Chaminda on November 25, 2012 at 6:08 am said:

Dear Sir,

I have been worked at Saudi Arabia for six and half years from 2003 to till 2010
and I had a girl friend there but as Saudi Law not allowed a girl friend. One day I went met for her in 2005.

However, that sponsor of my girl friend called to police and arrested me for 2 days and that incident happened on Wednesday and next couple days weekend in Saudi Arabia

Therefore, Saturday my sponsor come and took me out. Now my question is I must get Police clearance report from Saudi if they will mentioned that incident on Police report that will affect to my work permit application?

Please reply my these questions.

Thanking You,

Reply ↓
- Anne on November 10, 2016 at 4:43 pm said:
  
  Hi I submit my application and I submit my transcript of record that from the Philippines you think that’s fine?
  
  Reply ↓
Bhavesh patel on December 15, 2012 at 7:23 am said:

Yes but last time I applied for mpnp online and refused my application because
” You did not meet the minimum language ability of the Priority Stream. Under the eligibility criteria, you indicated that you will submit an IELTS result with a minimum score of 5. However, the IELTS result that you provided shows that you only received an overall band score of 4.5. ”

My close relative in manitoba last three year and my IELTS Score is 4.5 band.
(1) My question is I have reapply in paper base file in general stream

Please reply me with answer

Reply ↓
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Reply ↓
Elaine on January 18, 2013 at 1:06 pm said:

We took languange assessment through WELARC’s Benchmark here in Manitoba, isn’t that recognized to apply for Canadian Citizenship? Thanks

Reply ↓
- CICS Immigration editor on January 19, 2013 at 7:02 pm said:
  
  Unfortunately not. Only the CELPIP and IELTS are accepted by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
  
  Reply ↓
  - Mushtaq Ahmed on March 5, 2013 at 8:01 am said:
    
    Dear Sir
    I m going to apply for Canadian Immigration in entrepreneurship
    category, Do I need to have Language proficiency score to get Canadian Immigration. Or I have to have English language ability for citizenship only . Mushtaq
    
    Reply ↓
  - sathya on April 23, 2013 at 3:08 am said:
    
    Hi i got ielts score like L 5.5, R 5.5, W 4.5 AND S 5.5 and i finished my masters in public administration, having 7+ years work expereice. pls tell me how can i apply for canada pr.
    
    Reply ↓
  - Gurpreet on July 4, 2013 at 7:51 am said:
    
    I done my IELTS in April 2009 and my citizen is due in November 2013, can I still use that result or I have to do IELTS test again? thank you in advance.
    
    Reply ↓
Dhams Patel on January 21, 2013 at 2:54 am said:

Please, let me know how much IELTS band required to apply Canada work permit from India?

Reply ↓
Assiar on January 22, 2013 at 12:27 pm said:

Hello, i applied for citizenship last august 2012. I received their reply and the booklet. I wonder if they will still require me to take the english exam? I am currently enrolled in a college now in calgary.

Reply ↓
Oyalade on January 24, 2013 at 2:13 pm said:

Hello’ how many point of ielts band can some 1 need for canada immigration, under federal skill worker program.

Reply ↓
- Paramjeet singh on June 26, 2016 at 5:19 am said:
  
  Dear sir,
  I am trade person (ITI),and have 10 years experience in electrical maintenance, I got L-4.5,R-4,R-5.5,S-4.5,please guide me am I eligible for PR .
  
  Reply ↓
Abdul on January 24, 2013 at 11:23 pm said:

Hello CICS Immigration editor.. Please, let me know how much IELTS band is required to apply for Canada permanent residence from India????? How much total points are required to be eligible to move permanently to Canada. Please Reply……… Also please just mention about the work permit in Canada

Reply ↓
catherine on January 29, 2013 at 2:23 pm said:

Good day!Im Catherine a Filipino and married,currently working here in saudi together with my husband and we have a one child.I am a nurse and my husband is a civil engineer.I just want to ask if is it necessary for us to take an ielts if were gonna migrate there in Canada?

Reply ↓
- TimCan on February 27, 2014 at 8:47 am said:
  
  Regardless or whatever qualifications you have you still need to prove your language proficiency in applying as a Skilled Worker in Canada.
  
  Reply ↓
Jignesh on January 31, 2013 at 8:47 am said:

Hi,

I am going to apply for Canadian Citizenship may be in May 2013. I had taken my IELTS in 2002 and achieved 5.0. Will this certificate valid for my coming citizenship file?

I will appreciate your response.

Thanking you

Jignesh

Reply ↓
- Tayara on February 7, 2013 at 4:09 am said:
  
  Hi Jignesh,
  
  I have your same Question too, appreciate if we can get an answer on that.
  Regards,
  
  Reply ↓
Ramon on February 3, 2013 at 3:55 am said:

Greetings. I am a 56 year old man trying to apply for Canadian Citizenship. Do I need to apply for that language assessment program in order for my aplocation to be processed?

Reply ↓
- CICS Immigration Editor on February 5, 2013 at 11:37 pm said:
  
  No you do not need to demonstrate proficiency in English or French, as you are over 54.
  
  Reply ↓
  - Ansel on March 16, 2015 at 9:53 am said:
    
    Hello, I am over 54 yr old, I took a diploma course in Ontario. Do I have to provide the transcript of records to apply for citizenship? Do I have to declare my education here in Ontario in the application form? I am exempted as far age is concerned.
    
    Reply ↓
Agha Abu talib on February 5, 2013 at 12:04 am said:

Please, let me know how much IELTS band required to apply Canada (B.C) work permit from Pakistan?

Reply ↓
- CICS Immigration Editor on February 5, 2013 at 11:35 pm said:
  
  There is no minimum language requirement for a work permit.
  
  Reply ↓
Kamaldeep Kaur on February 5, 2013 at 5:45 pm said:

Hi my name is kamal I want to knw about French language score bec I have Ilets 5.5and how many points I need in French language thx

Reply ↓
Charmaine on February 6, 2013 at 7:13 pm said:

Hi. Good day!

I want to know if my husband still needs to pass an IeLTS result at the CIC even after having an approved nominee program in MAnitoba? Did we read it right that the copy of the result is only needed if the applicant is at level c or d at the NOC?

BTW, my husband and i are both registered nurses here in the philippines and graduated with a bachelor’s degree.

Reply ↓
- Grace Chalmas on March 5, 2013 at 7:34 pm said:
  
  I am a nurse but my spouse is High School undergrad,does he need to take the ielts too?I have relatives in Manitoba but we prefer to apply as FSW & want to choose Manitoba as our destination,is that possible even if Manitoba is under nominee program?
  
  Reply ↓
- soade on July 6, 2015 at 11:30 am said:
  
  Hi,
  
  I want to know if I need an IELTS result at the CIC even after having an approved nominee program in Manitoba. Did we read it right that the copy of the result is only needed if the applicant is at level c or d at the NOC?
  
  I am a PhD holder and my wife has Master’s degree.
  
  Reply ↓
ynnah on February 11, 2013 at 3:24 am said:

Good day. I would just like to ask if I still need to take IELTS from the Philippines to apply for MPNP under family support stream? I am a taking up my master’s degree now. All delivered in English, even my post secondary degree is in English except for 4 subjects in mother tongue. I read that I can get a certification from my school. Thank you very much. Have a lovely day!

Reply ↓
Tahir Abdullah on February 13, 2013 at 2:53 am said:

Hi Dear,

I have to LMO visa from canada for the job on Convience Store.Do I need to apply for that language assessment program (ILETS) in order for my aplicatrion to be processed?

Educational Background:

BCS (Computer Scicence)
MBA(Marketing)

With Respect
Tahir Abdullah

Reply ↓
Sharif-Uddin on February 17, 2013 at 11:35 am said:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am going to applyy for the skill labor immigration in Canada this year in May 13, I am going for ILET myself, does my wife also need to pass the ILET?

Please advise.

Sharif-Uddin
Pakistan

Reply ↓
abdul on February 27, 2013 at 11:41 pm said:

Hi,
Would you please tell me what type of IELTS test(general/academic) is required
For canadian immigration/ skilled worker program?

Thanks

Reply ↓
- CICS Immigration Editor on February 27, 2013 at 11:47 pm said:
  
  Hi,
  
  The general IELTS test is required.
  
  -CICS Immigration
  
  Reply ↓
  - Jimmy Ross on December 29, 2013 at 11:56 am said:
    
    What band scores do I need to have to get my PR Card?
    
    Reply ↓
  - Jagtar singh on January 18, 2014 at 9:08 pm said:
    
    Please, let me know how much
    IELTS band required to apply
    Canada (B.C) P.R from India ?
    
    Reply ↓
navuking on February 27, 2013 at 11:46 pm said:

I have done b.tech
I have 2 years experience
I have 6.5 bands in speaking and 6.5 listening
2 children under 12 age
spouse
study undergraduate
4 years experience
age 25
how many bands i need in french

Reply ↓
Tamara de costa on March 1, 2013 at 10:13 am said:

what is the new essential score required in the IELTS exam as an applicant in skilled federal worker class as a nurse in this new cic rule in 2013?how much should my total essential pts come to?(i hv more than a yr experience..i hv relatives in canada…i scored 6.5 overall in d gen ielts exams…)Pls reply as soon as possible..Thanks

Reply ↓
Raminder on March 2, 2013 at 5:04 am said:

Hi,

i have cleared the Ielts as overall 6.5 bands (L6, R6, W5.5 S7.5). I am going to apply for MPNP, Please suggest that is spouse also have to clear the ielts for MPNP or not.

Reply ↓
Ignacio on March 4, 2013 at 4:00 pm said:

Hello,

I have passed my IELTS Academic exam with L 6.5 R 8.5 W 6.0 S 6.5 (Overall 7.0), in November 2012. Do I have to pass a IELTS General Training exam to apply for the FSWP?

Thank you.

Reply ↓
- Charles on March 12, 2013 at 7:22 am said:
  
  Good day;
  I am in the same situation as Ignacio.
  I have passed my IELTS Academic exam. Can I use this exam for my Canadian citizenship application?
  Your help will be appreciated! Thanks
  
  Reply ↓
  - CICS Immigration Editor on March 12, 2013 at 10:35 pm said:
    
    Hi,
    
    No, an IELTS General exam result is required.
    
    -CICS
    
    Reply ↓
    - attiqa on August 15, 2014 at 11:55 am said:
      
      my husband band score is 5.5 me hv 5 band m i eligible for canada immigration
      
      Reply ↓
moby on March 5, 2013 at 12:33 am said:

Dear Sir,
m aplyng for Student visa in Canada at the end of thz year from Pakistan
i just wana kno how much IELTS score m gona need….?
your kind reply will be apreciated

Thanking you

Reply ↓
Hi Hello on March 5, 2013 at 2:02 am said:

Hi im a nurse for 5 years here in ph, I will take the ielts exam this march and to be passed on may does my husband also needs to take the ielts exam? he took the exam and got only 4.5 overall is that passed? please reply

And i got sponsorship points from my brother in canada..

regarding with my post, If i passed the ielts exam and my spouse got only 4.5 in ielts. will that be enough for canada to accept our papers this may? please reply..

Reply ↓
moby on March 5, 2013 at 11:03 am said:

Hi guys,
can anyone would like to tell me, is IELTS compulsory for studying in Canada & what is the level of band required…??

Thanking You

Reply ↓

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

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