February 3, 2014

More Options for Citizenship Applicants from Ontario

Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander announced that starting January 30, 2014, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) will now be accepting certificates from the Ontario Provincial Language Training Program. This can be provided as proof of the language knowledge requirement for the purpose of applying for citizenship. This now includes Ontario’s provincial Adult Non-Credit Language Training Program.

When applying for citizenship applicants must provide evidence of language proficiency from CIC’s list of acceptable evidence. This list includes results from third party tests, academic certificates and certificates from government- funded training programs.

Since the Canadian Citizenship Act of 1947, adult citizenship applicants have had to demonstrate an adequate knowledge English or French in order to be eligible for Citizenship.

The ability to speak English or French has been a key component in how well a newcomer will integrate into the Canadian society in terms employment and adapting in their community. The level required in completing this test is CLB 4 in speaking and listening skills.

“Becoming a Canadian citizen comes with certain rights and responsibilities and a readiness to participate in Canadian society. Our government believes that the key to successful integration is the knowledge of an official language. We are proud to add Ontario language training certificates to our list of accepted evidence, which will now provide Ontario applicants with another option to demonstrate that they meet the language requirement for Canadian citizenship.”

– Chris Alexander, Canada’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration