Language Examination

Here’s something new which can make the citizenship process tougher, the Federal Government is proposing that a tougher language test be done to test citizenship applicants on their oral and listening skills as well.

“Under the current system, language is largely assed through a multiple choice written test, which assess an applicant’s knowledge of Canada and of the responsibilities of citizenship”, wrote Nicole Girard, acting director of CIC. “The written test is an inadequate proxy for assessing language as it does not adequately assess listening and speaking skills which are essential for effective communication with fellow Canadians and effective integration.”

She also said that “If an applicant fails the written test, or if concerns about their speaking or listening ability are flagged following
oral interactions with a citizenship official, the applicant is referred for an interview with a citizenship judge.”

According to Girard, this is inefficient for citizenship processing and there can be a substantial delay between submission of the
application and a subsequent hearing for language.

As reported, these changes would affect citizenship applicants from age 18 to 55, roughly representing about 134,000 individuals
per year. The good part of this proposal is that the process for screening is streamlined and the unnecessary delays are eliminated. The unknown part is if there will be an additional fee for processing because of these changes.