Canada has introduced stricter language requirements for people wanting to obtain Canadian citizenship. Applicants will have to provide evidence of language proficiency in English or French. Right now applicants between the ages of 18 and 54 need to demonstrate informally the ability to speak and understand English or French. But the new guidelines mean that from November this year formal tests will need to be undertaken and objective evidence provided.
The new rules mean that Canada is taking its languages more seriously, treating them as a vital part of living in its country.
This reminds us of the controversial new laws passed this year in the UK governing foreign student applicants, who now need to prove to immigration officials that their language ability is adequate to study in the UK.
The new laws governing Canadian citizenship give applicants three ways to prove their language ability.
The three methods applicants can use to prove their language ability are:
- Test results from third parties approved by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
- Proof of completion of study in school at Secondary level or above undertaken in the English or French language.
- The successful completion of a government-funded language programme.
Jason Kenney, the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, announced the changes yesterday, stressing the importance of language ability to successful integration into a new country.
He said: “Extensive research has consistently shown that the ability to communicate effectively in either French or English is a key factor in the success of new citizens in Canada. We believe it is important that new citizens be able to participate fully in our economy and our society.”
It seems the conviction that language ability is vital to an immigrant’s positive contribution to society is becoming more widespread.
Language does indeed increase the chance for an immigrant to enjoy their new life and to enter the world of work or study with greater ease.
The new laws passed in Canada will cause fewer people to apply for citizenship and will slow down all applications, costing applicants and the Canadian government millions in training fees and tests.
However, the positive effects on the country as a whole of having all citizens proficient in one of the national languages has been deemed to make up for this expenditure.
Share your thoughts
Do you think speaking the language proficiently of the country where you live should be a matter of law in immigration or citizenship?
Or is this requirement pushing the language issue too far?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
It is vitally important to speak the language of the county you are living in well. I don’t see how anyone can integrate and live life – workwise and socially – to the full without doing. It is also a matter of courtesy to the country’s natural inhabitants. I am glad to see governments taking a tougher line on this issue.