April 30, 2012

Regulations Amending the Citizenship Regulations

The Government in Council recently proposed amendments to the Citizenship Regulations. These new changes would require applicants to provide evidence of language proficiency such as language test results or proof of completion of secondary or post-secondary education in English or French. The proposal would also establish clearer language assessment criteria that align with the established Canadian language Benchmark (CLB) level 4. The language level required for citizenship will not be increased.  The proposed regulatory amendments would also clarify that the language skills assessed are speaking and listening.

The proposed amendments to of the regulations would remove the current requirement that  the questions to assess language proficiency must be prepared by the Minister, thereby allowing the use of external evidence.

These new changes will encourage applicants to have the required language level to successfully integrate in their communities as well as enhance program integrity and efficiency.