During the time that I have been writing this blog the most frequently asked question that readers have asked me is whether their IELTS band scores are sufficient for certain immigration programs. Some people have even offered to book initial consultations with me just so that I would review their IELTS scores. This has always been somewhat surprising to me given that the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (“IRCC) website publishes each of its program’s respective language requirements in a clear and concise manner. Indeed, it is not just members of the general public that seem to be confused. As shown in the exchange below, which I obtained through an Access to Information Act request, some immigration lawyers are unclear of the requirements. (Please note that what I have reproduced below should not be viewed as legal advice. The reproduction of question and answer has not occurred with the affiliation of the Government of Canada, nor with the endorsement of the Government of Canada.) Question – May 21, 2013 Dear Sir/ Madam, I have been referred to your office, by Karen Flynn, of NHQ-Immigration in Ottawa, her phone number is _______. I practice immigration law in Toronto, and I have the … Read More
Learn the Language
The following blog post appeared in the June 2012 edition of Canadian Immigrant Magazine. It is generally recognized that proficiency in either English or French is essential if newcomers to Canada wish to be economically successful here. While immigrants who cannot converse in one of Canada’s official languages may find some employers who are willing to hire them, their career mobility is limited relative to those who can. Indeed, numerous recent studies reveal that an immigrant’s language proficiency is perhaps the most important indicator of economic success. The Government of Canada has taken note of these studies, and has begun implanting language requirements for numerous immigration programs. The Canadian Language Benchmark The Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is the national standard used in Canada for measuring the English language proficiency of adult immigrants and prospective immigrants. It covers four skill areas: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Individuals are ranked in these areas on a scale of 1-12. The Canadian government generally recognizes two tests for measuring an applicant’s CLB level; the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP). While both use different scales than the CLB (the IELTS runs on a scale of … Read More