This news holds a great significance if you are applying for immigration under the economic class as the IRCC has approved a new language test recently.
New Language Test
This move would be affecting the immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as they can expect this test in place by early to mid-2023.
At present, there are just four designated organizations: TEF and TCF for French, IELTS and CELPIP for English.
In order to be admitted, the majority of Canada’s economic class immigration programmes require candidates to pass an English or French language test.
Basically these tests define a person’s ability to integrate into Canadian society and the economy,
Determining Language Skills
According to research conducted by the Canadian government, these tests help in largely determining their language skills.
The immigrants in the family and refugee classes are exempt from taking a language exam as they are granted entry into Canada for social and humanitarian reasons.
Although, individuals aged between 18 to 54 must prove their proficiency in either English or French when seeking Canadian citizenship.
The language skills can be verified in other methods that have been authorized by IRCC or by submitting the results of a language test.
Notably, there have been some initial difficulties during the pandemic, still IRCC thinks that the number of certified testing organizations continues to be sufficient to meet the demand of immigrants and citizens.
However, the IRCC must seek changes considering the rising number of organizations requesting accreditation as language test providers.
The designation process for an organization is drawn out, difficult, and “insufficiently transparent” presently.
The memo says that the IRCC will look for prospective initiatives and enhancements, in the upcoming 12 months.
It is anticipated that these improvements can increase the number of organizations interested in designation if they are put into effect.
So far, IRCC is free to enter into as many contract agreements and possible language testing providers as it wants.
Although, the departmental tasks and responsibilities associated with language exams are not yet clearly defined.
So, it can have ramifications for both policy and operations.
